CLINICIANS are warning that the number of people seeking medical help has "caused severe pressure" on the health service in Wirral over the Christmas period.
They say NHS teams across the borough are "working extremely hard" to cope with demand, but are reminding readers there are other options to going to Arrowe Park Hospital accident and emergency units, GP out-of-hours or dialling 999.
NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group is encoraging patients to consider self-care and expert “over-the-counter” advice from pharmacists, as well as walk-in centres and minor injury units.
They say can see your local pharmacist at any time and without an appointment for fast, effective expert advice.
A spokesman said: "Pharmacies are far more than a place just to pick up prescriptions. High-street pharmacies can offer advice and remedies for coughs and sneezes and other health concerns which may not require a GP or hospital appointment."
Wirral GP Dr Pete Naylor, acting chairman of the commissioning group, urged people to consider all NHS options during the holidays: “We need to preserve hard-pressed accident and emergency care services for people in a critical or life-threatening situation.
"With the right advice and information, many minor problems can be treated effectively at home using a well-stocked medicine cabinet.”
Dr Naylor advised that paracetamol, bandages, plasters, painkillers and antiseptic, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, indigestion remedies and a thermometer would help most healthy adults deal with most minor illnesses and ailments.
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The NHS is advising people with non-emergency illness or injuries to go to Eastham Walk-in Centre, Victoria Central Health Centre in Wallasey and the All-Day Health Centre at Arrowe Park.
Alternatively, go to GP practice-based minor illness and injury services at Birkenhead Medical Building, Parkfield Medical Centre, and Moreton Health Clinic, and to avoid A&E unless it is a genuine emergency.
If you need advice from a doctor between 6.30pm and 8am or over the bank holiday or weekend, contact the out of hours service on 0151 678 8496.
If you are not sure what to do, contact the NHS by dialling 111.
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