Accessing urgent care can be confusing with a number of different services being provided by a range of different organisations across Herefordshire.

A video has been produced to help local people understand where to go to get the right urgent care treatment when they need it.

The short video, which features local healthcare professionals, explains what services are available and how they can be accessed.

Christine Price, Chief Officer at Healthwatch Herefordshire, said:

"We know that some people find it difficult to know who to turn to if they have an urgent healthcare need. The video explains this clearly. Please help your healthcare professionals to help you by choosing the right service for your needs.”

The video, which can be accessed here includes interviews with a GP, Pharmacist, Optician and a Medical Consultant from Wye Valley NHS Trust.

Dr Mike Hearne, GP and Managing Director of Taurus Healthcare, is keen that patients take advantage of the many self-help resources available to them. He says: 

 “A wide range of professionals is now accessible via patients’ local GP surgeries. This means that patients can access the most appropriate care for their needs – which often isn’t their GP. Many services can also be accessed when surgeries are closed via the Improved Access service, which is now available at six locations across Herefordshire.”

In the video Dr Hearne also provides advice on when to call or contact the NHS111 service.

The video emphasises the value of community pharmacies and helps people understand the services available from their local optometry practice – most eye-care problems can be dealt with at the practice without the need to be referred to a GP or the A&E department.

“The NHS is under incredible pressure at the moment and people can help us by choosing to go to the right place if they need urgent care or treatment,”said Dr Robbie Dedi, Associate Medical Director at Wye Valley NHS Trust.