Stars of sports, stage and screen have lent their voice to support an NHS campaign to encourage people to use health services appropriately this winter.
The campaign, ‘Help Us, Help You Leeds’ aims to make people to think about how they access health services and gives key information about when to use services such as 111, community pharmacists, urgent treatment centres, walk-in centres and Accident & Emergency.
Famous faces with a link to Leeds have lent their support to the campaign including, world-record holder and five-time Paralympian wheelchair racing champion Hannah Cockroft, Harry Potter Star Ralph Ineson, TV favourite Angela Griffin, presenter and pundit Gabby Logan and comedian and star of the stage Billy Pearce. Videos of the stars’ message of support are being published by NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on their social media channels (Twitter @nhsleeds, Facebook www.facebook.com/nhsleeds Instagram @nhsleeds) alongside those from front-line workers.
A distinctive blue booklet, providing information on the different routes to care for physical and mental health, has been delivered to every household with an LS postcode and is also available online. The booklet also encourages people to speak to a health professional if they are ill or notice unexplained changes to the body and signposts crucial mental health support for adults and children. The campaign is being promoted by NHS Leeds CCG via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.
Dr Jason Broch, GP in Leeds and Clinical Chair at NHS Leeds CCG said: “We want to reassure everyone that the NHS is here for you when you need urgent and emergency care. It’s important that you seek medical care if you are seriously ill or injured, you’ll be seen in a safe, low risk environment.
“This campaign aims to help people choose the most appropriate service when they are ill, so accident and emergency departments can focus on treating the most seriously unwell patients. The booklet, which every household in Leeds will have received, outlines a range of services available, including 111, GP appointments, and pharmacies.
“It’s important that we all look after our physical and mental wellbeing. We hope the information in this booklet will empower people to do so and encourage them to make appropriate choices when accessing help.”
To access a copy of ‘Help Us, Help You Leeds’, or to find out more information, please visit www.supportnhsleeds.co.uk
