A campaign has started to urge patients in the Bradford district to look after their health this winter and get the right NHS treatment if they are ill.

It is funded by the NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in West Yorkshire and includes a winter health website at nhsstaywell.org.

It comes as the CCGs say that many people who attend hospital A&E departments do not really need to go to hospital and they could be treated more quickly by their GP, their local pharmacist who can offer advice on common illnesses, or even by themselves with basic self-care, first aid and advice.

The main topics covered include: not using A&E when you don’t need it; stocking your medicine cabinet; repeat prescriptions for long-term conditions; and using the symptom checker on nhs.uk.

Additional messages about staying safe in icy conditions, the importance of hand washing to keep bugs at bay; and avoiding accidents after a night out will also feature.

Dr Aamer Khan, urgent care lead for Bradford City CCG, said: “We want people to stay well this winter, but if they do get ill, the campaign gives them all the information they need to get the right treatment, even if that’s self-care, so that our accident and emergency service is left for those people who really need it.”

Dr Andy Withers, clinical chairman at Bradford Districts CCG, added: “We need to make sure that everyone knows about the range of NHS services that they can use if they fall ill this winter.

“If you use an alternative to A&E when you aren’t seriously ill, it could mean that you end up waiting for less time to receive care. This will also leave emergency services to devote time to helping those with life-threatening and emergency conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes and serious injuries.”

Dr Colin Renwick, clinical chairman at Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG, said: “Many people don’t realise how much time and money they cost the NHS when they misuse A&E services. A&E is for accident and emergency cases only.

“We urge people to take care this winter and only come to a hospital A&E department if it is a medical emergency.”

Options for those who need help include seeing your GP for illnesses that just won’t go away, calling 111 if you need urgent healthcare, contact NHS 111 which will help you access the local service that can help you best, or A&E or 999 – only if you need very urgent medical attention.

Help to avoid illnesses

Patients living with respiratory illnesses in Bradford are being encouraged to take steps to manage their condition to avoid a visit to the hospital this winter.

More than 22,300 patients with illnesses such as bronchitis, asthma and emphysema were admitted to hospital in West Yorkshire between April 2011 and March 2012.

Dr Dinesh Saralaya, a consultant respiratory physician, said: “The winter months pose a challenge in the management of patients with severe respiratory diseases.

“Patients can care for themselves by being vaccinated against flu, take their medication and report symptoms to their GP as early as possible. Getting help early can reduce the severity of any illness and the possibility of hospitalisation.”