ALTHOUGH many of us do use local health services correctly, there are still large numbers taking up time and resources that could be used to treat those in genuine need.

Poole based GP Dr Patrick Seal explains how we can help by choosing well and answers some common questions.

When should I call 999 or go to the nearest accident and emergency department?

The role of 999 and emergency departments is to respond to acutely ill patients and those who are seriously ill. As far as possible we would urge people to only use A&E in those circumstances.

What if I have an injury but it isn’t life threatening – where can I go to get treated?

People may not be aware that there are out-of-hours services that run through the week and over the weekend which offer people a number of options for non-emergency care. People can access these services of this service by calling 111.

111 has received a lot of publicity due to pressures, but it is essentially a signposting service which will direct you to the most appropriate person to deal with your problem. Since its launch in Dorset earlier this year it has handled around 85,000 calls.

How can my local pharmacy help?

Pharmacists are a tremendous source of information and advice. They are in a position to offer simple remedies for day to day minor ailments and can advise about medication. Details on local pharmacies can be found in the local press and via our website dorsetccg.nhs.uk.

Where can I go for general information?

111 is there to provide a response to questions that individuals may have – when you phone 111 a call handler will take your details and put you in touch with a clinician – for example a doctor or nurse – who is experienced in speaking on the phone and can give you the best advice.

What’s wrong with just going to A&E if my complaint isn’t serious?

People will have heard that the NHS is under pressure. We need to be careful that accident and emergency is not seen as the place to go with minor illnesses and we urge people to recognise that it is there for accidents that need specialist attention and for emergencies that are of a serious nature.

How to help survey

If you’ve experienced out of hours care or the new 111 service, then tell us about your experience by completing the Big Ask survey.

The Big Ask runs until September and hopes to gather views on a whole range of NHS services, from your local GP and out of hours’ services to community, mental health and hospital services. Bournemouth University is managing the research and the results will be fed back to the community in October.

Around 12,000 households will receive a printed survey through the post over the next few weeks and anyone can complete the survey online at bournemouth.ac.uk/thebigask or find us on Facebook, facebook.com/HealthyDorset and follow us on Twitter twitter.com/HealthyDorset. Paper copies can be requested from Ehren Milner on 01202 961379 or emilner@bournemouth.ac.uk