Think: Right help, right time, first time
The Think campaign helps you stay well, act early and get the right help, right time, first time. Taking action early can help prevent your condition worsening and help you get the right support sooner.
Whether you need advice to stay healthy, support for your wellbeing or help when you're unwell, Think can help you find the right care. Getting help from the right service can mean you get care more quickly and helps keep emergency services free for people who need them most.
Stay well and manage minor illnesses at home where you can. Keeping vaccinations up to date, living a healthy lifestyle, managing long-term conditions and keeping essential medicines at home can help you and your family stay well throughout the year. To find out more about self-care, click here.
Not sure what to do? Start with NHS 111. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for free, 24 hours a day, to get advice, assessment and help finding the right care. To find out more about NHS 111, click here.
Pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for many common illnesses and minor health concerns, often without an appointment.
Find your nearest pharmacy: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.
If symptoms are not improving, or you need further advice and care, contact your GP practice team. To find out more about the GP practice team, click here.
Urgent but not life-threatening? Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) and Minor Injury Units (MIUs) can treat a range of illnesses and injuries, including sprains, suspected fractures, cuts and minor burns.
Using a UTC or MIU can help you get the right care more quickly, closer to home, from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.
UTCs are located next to the Emergency Departments at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital, Telford. MIUs are available in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch.
If you need urgent mental health support, help is available. The NHS 111 mental health service can connect you to the right support when you need it. To find out more about mental health services, click here.
For serious or life-threatening illnesses and injuries, always call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department. To find out more about emergency care, click here.
Download our Campaign Leaflet for practical advice on staying well and getting the right help, right time, first time. An EASY read version is also available. Further resources can also be found here.
Case studies
As pressures continue to mount on our local health and care services, knowing which service to use and when will make sure everyone in our local community gets the right help at the right time.
If more of us think about which service to use first, just like our residents did in their stories below, we’ll help free up emergency care for those who need it the most.
