A NEW campaign has been launched in Shropshire help free up emergency care by ensuring people know which services to use when feel unwell or injured as the health service faces pressure.

The 'Think which service?' campaign hopes people will use the most appropriate places to get care and it highlights NHS 111 online, the minor injury units, and pharmacies as key urgent care services to use when they are unwell or injured.

A 'Think which service?' website has been set up to provide further information about which services people should use and chief medical officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Dr Nick White spoke about the need to free up emergency care.

He said: "If you have an urgent care need which isn’t immediately life threatening, there are a number of services for you to choose from visit the ‘Think which service?’ website so you know what to do should you need urgent care in the future.

"The site provides valuable information on our services, with information and real examples of which services to access and when.

"People don’t always need to see their doctor or go to the A&E department.

"There are a range of other services available from community pharmacies and NHS 111 online to our minor injury units.

"Knowing the treatment options available and when to use them will make sure everyone in our community gets the right help at the right time and free up emergency care for those who need it most."

GP Dr Jess Harvey spoke about people visiting with minor ailements and how pharmacists can help with many illnesses.

She added: "General Practice is under immense pressure right now and we know that some people visit their GP with minor illnesses and ailments that their local pharmacist can help with.

"I would urge the public to consider whether they need to see a doctor immediately, or if other services such as their local pharmacy could provide the help they need, you will be seen quicker, and you don't even need an appointment "Just visit at a time that suits you."

“Pharmacists are highly trained and experienced clinical professionals and can offer advice and treatment for a huge variety of illnesses and ailments.

"If required, they can also help you decide which service to use or whether you need to see a local GP or visit A&E.

"If you do contact your GP, depending on your clinical need, you may be offered an appointment with one of the many other healthcare professionals working within the practice team such as a nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, or physiotherapist.

"These team members are all very skilled and able to help."