A CAMPAIGN to help Welsh patients choose the best place to get treatment if they fall ill was being launched today by Gower AM Edwina Hart.
The Assembly Health Minister was unveiling the Choose Well campaign aimed at boosting public awareness of available NHS services.
It comes in the light of evidence which shows a significant number of people still call 999, or visit hospital accident and emergency departments, when there are other services more convenient and suitable for their needs.
She said: "By giving people choice and helping them to understand the range of support available, the Choose Well campaign will help members of the public to understand how they can help themselves and the NHS by choosing the most appropriate service if they fall ill."
Staff from across the NHS including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics and consultants are to be encouraged to promote the Choose Well campaign, which will be supported by radio, internet and bus shelter advertising. Leaflets and posters have been produced by some health boards.
The campaign uses a colour- coded thermometer to help people to link their symptoms with a particular NHS service which is right for their need.
Tony Jewell, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said: "When asked, people gave us a very strong message that they were not really aware of all of the services that existed, or how they should be used.
"We are hoping that this campaign is going to prove useful in helping people towards accessing the right services at the right time to meet their healthcare needs.
"Helping people make the right choice in accessing services will not only benefit patients themselves but also assist our doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to maintain high quality services.
"We want to make sure people living in Wales get the right care in the right place at the right time."
For more information visit www.wales.gov.uk/choosewell
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