More health advice is being given over the phone in order to allow medical assistance to still be given but in a safe, social distanced way.
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has launched the Talk before you Walk slogan to help remind those in need that advice is available quickly, easily and conveniently. Services range from sending prescriptions to online video consultations.
Using technology to access NHS services helps patients to avoid queues and busy waiting rooms and helps local NHS teams manage demand for healthcare services safely, with social distancing also a priority in all clinics and patient waiting room areas.
Talk before you Walk urges people who need medical care and advice to take the following action before visiting a service in person:
- call NHS111 – a free service open 24/7
- visit NHS111 online
- download the NHS app.
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust’s award-winning Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) is one of the local services accessed via NHS111, where experienced clinicians can diagnose and give advice over the telephone.
The Trust said that by speaking to a member of Lincolnshire’s CAS, on average two out of three cases can be resolved without needing to have any additional care or treatment anywhere else.
Across Lincolnshire, appointments with local GPs can also be made online or by calling surgeries direct, giving swift, safe and convenient access to treatment, minimising the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Maz Fosh, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust said: “The Lincolnshire public has been fantastic in their response to help us minimise the chance of people catching and spreading coronavirus. We thank them for their help and co-operation at this challenging time.
“We are seeing a change in the way people choose to get the care they need with many more patients using online and telephone channels to book appointments and to seek out medical help and advice.
“Talk before you Walk is our reminder to all those using our services that, to help us help them quickly, easily and conveniently, they can call NHS111, visit NHS111 online or download the NHS111 app first.
“This offers the best choice to secure safe, convenient and expert medical care and advice while avoiding queues, busy waiting areas and the unintended risk of spreading coronavirus to their loved ones.
“It also means our NHS is here for that significant time when they have a major health emergency that can only be treated by face-to-face help from their local Accident and Emergency department or Urgent Treatment Centre.”
