PEOPLE in Ludlow and south Shropshire are being urged to use the right NHS service for their needs, as local health services have been put under increased pressure due to high demand across the county.

Leaders from the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership are asking people to do what they can to prevent themselves becoming unwell and make sensible decisions when it comes to choosing the right NHS service if they need help.

The recommendation in a non-emergency or life-threatening situation is that people take action at the first signs of symptoms of winter illness such as colds, coughs, sore throat, small cuts or grazes, by resting at home or using over-the-counter medicines.

Pharmacist are best for advice and treating illnesses like diarrhoea, earache, painful cough, sticky eye, teething and rashes. Managing health conditions effectively is a good thing, but you must seek medical advice if you are unsure, calling NHS 111 or using 111.nhs.uk is best if you are feeling unwell, or if you need health advice and guidance in a non-life-threatening emergency.

The NHS and local authorities in the region are working together to manage demand to ensure people continue to receive safe and effective care in the area.

People can help to reduce pressure on health services by using the most appropriate NHS service for their needs or by helping a relative in hospital to return home when they are fit for discharge.

“Our healthcare system has been incredibly busy, with a particularly high number of attendances and admissions into our Accident and Emergency departments,” said Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin STP’s Clinical Lead, Dr Jane Povey

“We have well-rehearsed plans in place to manage this demand, but we expect the pressures to continue. The public can help NHS staff by talking to a pharmacist for expert advice about winter bugs before they get worse.”