During Self Care Week (16 – 22 November) the healthcare community in Dorset wants to remind people why it’s important to choose well when they become ill, so that everyone can get the best out of their local services.
It is important to make the most of the range of services available to you and choose the right health service for your health needs. There might even be something you can do for yourself first, especially when it comes to minor ailments or injuries such as, cold, flu, sprains or strains.
A number of local activities are being held to raise awareness during the week and to give people advice about what they can do.
My Health My Way is a free service for people living in Dorset which enables them to get support and advice if their lives are affected by their health for example a long term condition or anxiety.
During the week they will have stands in a number of locations including the foyers of a number of main supermarkets. To find out more, visit www.myhealthdorset.org.uk or call 03033 030153.
People in North Dorset are also invited to Sturminster Newton Medical Centre where information on the service will be available for carers or those affected with a long term condition.
Jim Philips Service Manager with My Health My Way said “Our organisation is there to support local people who for whatever reason may find their quality of your life affected by a health condition. We can offer regular support whether it be face-to-face, online or over the phone, along with six-week course of support, where you will be taught specific skills and in which you can collaborate with other people with similar challenges to you”.
The Littledown Centre, Bournemouth will have information stands from a number of organisations including Alzheimer’s Association and Diabetes UK during the week. The event which has been jointly organised between NHS Dorset CCG and BH Live will give people opportunities to speak with experts from the organisations about what they can do if either they or a family or friend are affected.
Local GP Dr Peter Blick “We are really pleased that so many organisations have got involved with Self Care Week this year as it gives us a great opportunity to showcase some of the help and support that is available to people living in and around the county. We are inviting everyone to come down to the Littledown Centre to find out a bit more about what is on offer locally and how people can take steps to reduce their risk – particularly with winter just round the corner”.
Stay Well This Winter and pick up some information on how to be prepared at an event on Thursday 19 November at the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe. Come along and pick up some information on how to reduce the chances of becoming ill and speak to one of the team about what can be done to ensure you are prepared and where to go if you do become ill.
Dr Simon Watkins is a local GP and Chair of the Urgent and Emergency Care Clinical Delivery Group with NHS Dorset CCG.
He said “It can sometimes be confusing knowing where to go to get help when you become ill, so we are using Self Care Week as an opportunity to get the message out there that making the right choice can have benefits both for the individual and the NHS.
Sometimes people go to the doctor with a minor ailment because they are unsure how long symptoms last, and need reassurance that it isn’t anything more serious. Before booking an appointment at your local surgery, it is worthwhile going to your local pharmacist first.
The pharmacist can explain the normal duration of ailments and give advice on symptom relief. It is also worth remembering that antibiotics don’t work for colds and flu”.
If you can’t make it pick up a leaflet at your local GP or visit www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk.
