THIS festive season people are being advised to 'Choose Well' when it comes to their health to avoid unnecessary visit to A&E.

A new campaign from the NHS has been rolled out across Wirral to offer advice and help for minor illness and injuries this Christmas so that Wirral's only Emergency Department can deal with patients suffering serious conditions.

A video has been released by the NHS in Wirral to offer top tips for common winter illnesses.

Wirral pharmacists can offer advice and non-prescription medication for many common health problems such as a colds, coughs, stomach ache or diarrhoea.

Chief executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital and chair of the Wirral A&E Delivery Board David Allison said: “As is the picture up and down the country, our hospital is already extremely busy and our dedicated clinical teams are really starting to feel the challenges that winter brings.

“Here in Wirral we have introduced a number of additional initiatives as part of our plans to manage the expected increase in demand.

"This includes launching our new 'Choose Well' public marketing campaign to the public.

"This is about working with our healthcare partners to ensure that we have the right advice and information for the public as and when they need it most.

“A number of local information films have been produced which the public will see rolled out on social media, at council One Stop Shops and GP surgeries over the coming weeks.

“I would encourage the public, where possible, to get behind this campaign and share the footage on their own social media pages as and when they can see them.”

A&E will always prioritise those with more serious conditions which can mean a longer wait for those with less urgent needs.

People aged 65 and over or those with a health condition are advised to ensure homes are heated to at least 18 degrees Celcius.

People can also help by checking elderly relatives or neighbours are warm and have food and medicines.

Mr Allison added: “It’s more important than ever to make sure you and those around you are staying well this winter.

"Minor steps such as keeping the home warm, exercising where possible, having the flu vaccine to prevent flu, and hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of illnesses such as norovirus can make a big difference.

“Our colleagues working in the NHS and local authority here in Wirral are working extremely hard as we prepare as best we can for the winter months ahead.

"I would encourage people to please 'Choose Well' when considering their healthcare options and please keep the Emergency Department at Arrowe Park Hospital free for those who need urgent care.”

Less urgent cases can be taken to a NHS Walk-in Centre at Arrowe Park Hospital or Victoria Central Health Centre in Wallasey.

Victoria Central also has a Minor Injuries Unit on site with X-ray facilities.

Both centres are open seven days a week between 8am and 10pm with X-ray facilities available between 9am and 8.30pm. 

For non-emergencies, patients can contact their GP surgery or by calling 111 for help and advice.