Make the right choice when accessing local health services this winter

Winter is always an incredibly busy time for our local NHS services and we are already seeing increased demands across our GP practices, hospitals and community health services.

To ease these pressures and ensure that those in most urgent need can access services quickly, it’s important to make the right choice when feeling unwell. Using services wisely can help people receive the best care without unnecessary delays.

Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Frimley said: “Winter can bring increased risk of illness such as coughs, colds and respiratory conditions.

“GP practices have been working to ensure people get the treatment they need at the right place and the right time. Your local GP practice team provides a wide range of health services, from medical advice, vaccinations, examinations and treatment. They can also refer you to other NHS services.

“Your local general practice can arrange a telephone or face-to-face consultation as needed. They can provide access to routine care, same day care from 8am-8pm, evening and weekends.

Help Us Help You stay well this winter – make the right choice:

• Self-care: Many health issues can be managed with self-care. You can find good advice online through the NHS website (www.nhs.uk) or for children visit Frimley Healthier Together (frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk).
• Pharmacy: Local pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals, who can offer valuable advice and support for health concerns.
• Contact 111: If you have symptoms but are not seriously unwell, you can contact NHS 111 for guidance and assistance. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
• General Practice: Your local GP practice team provides a wide range of health services, from medical advice, vaccinations, examinations and treatment. They can also refer you to other NHS services. Get in touch for routine and same day appointments offered 8am-8pm, evenings and weekends. You may be offered a telephone or face-to-face consultation as needed.
• Aldershot Urgent Care Centre: This is a service to be used this winter. Open Monday to Saturday, from 8am – 8pm. If you contact 111 or your local GP practice, you may be offered an appointment here. You may also be redirected to this service if you attend A&E. There's a walk-in clinic for under-12s from 2-6pm. However, booking is strongly recommended to avoid long waiting times and to ensure availability of appointment as those with urgent clinical needs will be prioritised. For more information visit: aldershoturgentcarecentre.co.uk
• A&E: A&E is for serious or life-threatening emergencies only.

Frimley Health and Care has launched a service ready for winter called the Aldershot Urgent Care Centre. The service provides more primary care appointments. The Aldershot Urgent Care Centre will see those who require same day care for minor illness. Located at Aldershot Centre for Health, it is open Monday to Saturday from 8am – 8pm. If you contact 111 or your local GP practice, you may be offered an appointment here. You may also be redirected to this service if you attend A&E.

There is a walk-in clinic for under-12s, available Monday – Saturdays from 2-6pm. However, booking is strongly recommended to avoid long waiting times and to ensure availability of appointment as those with urgent clinical needs will be prioritised.

For more information, and details of wait times for the under 12 service, visit : www.aldershoturgentcarecentre.co.uk