The
NHS
Get the Right Treatment Campaign supplies
information to patients on the range of health care options
available, thus encouraging the most appropriate use of
services. It advises patients on the right time to
self-care or in what circumstances to use pharmacists, NHS
Direct, Walk-in Centres, GP surgeries and A&E/999.
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The
Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) is an
advice service set up to help patients deal with minor illnesses
which do not require a visit to the GP. Its gives information on
how to treat each common ailment and what over-the-counter
medicines are available. CHIC also publishes a self-care
guide -
Common Ailments at Home and at
Work.
Patients may also be interested in a National Prescribing Centre
document for doctors called the
Management of Common Infections in Primary
Care. It considers which patients are likely to
benefit from antibiotic treatment and when such treatment is
inappropriate. It covers illnesses including: the common cold,
acute sinusitis, acute otitis media, sore throat, acute bronchitis,
and uncomplicated urinary tract infection.
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