Campaign week encourages people to look after their health

PEOPLE are being encouraged to see how they can look after their own health better as part of Self-Care Week.

The theme for this year’s week is Understanding Self-Care for Life and getting people to look after themselves and their families by living healthier lives.

It is hoped if people take better care, it will help ease pressure on the NHS.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr David Chilvers, GP and chairman of the governing body of Fareham & Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group, said: ‘Understanding self-care for life looks at the full spectrum of healthcare from minor illnesses such as coughs and colds, to long-term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

‘If we can help people to treat themselves, this will not only improve their own quality of life but it gives them confidence and greater control of their own health.

‘This encourages healthy behaviours that help prevent ill health in the long-term.

‘It will also relieve pressure on NHS services. We want to provide people with the tools, information and support to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Each year, GPs handle around 57m cases involving patients with minor ailments which costs the NHS £2bn.

This takes up, on average, an hour a day for every GP when they could be seeing patients who would benefit more from their time.

People can visit a pharmacist or call the NHS 111 service for help or advice if they have minor illnesses. Alternatively they can use walk-in centres.

For more information visit nhs.uk/selfcare.

Related topics: