Check-ups to keep you out of hospital

UNWANTED trips to hospital can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines this winter, according to the North-West Ambulance NHS Trust.

The trust received 12,327 urgent and immediately life threatening calls from January 1 to 13 2009 — up by 11.72 per cent in comparison with the same period last year.

Delwyn Wray, Greater Manchester area director, said: “We are currently receiving a higher than normal amount of emergency calls and want to ensure we get to those people who really need us. A few simple checks on people might mean avoiding extra demand being put on the ambulance service.

“It’s important to check whether people are keeping warm, have enough food in to eat properly and are getting sufficient hot drinks. Keeping an eye on a neighbour who may not be so able to get out, running simple errands, or checking a friend or relation is not in danger of tripping due to worn slippers will help to keep them safe. If it’s a cold, icy day, advise people not to go outside because a slip could easily end up in a visit to hospital.”

Visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845-4647 for more information on NHS services.