WARRINGTON GPs have pledged their support to a national campaign which will help patients to take better care of themselves.
National Self Care Week takes place from November 14-20. It aims to help people take care of themselves, and lets them know what’s available to help them look after their health.
People with long term conditions are the most frequent users of health services, accounting for more than half (55 per cent) of all GP appointments and more than two thirds (68 per cent) of A and E and outpatient appointments.
It is estimated that almost three quarters (70 per cent) of the total health and social care spend in England, or close to £7 in every £10 spent can be attributed to patients living with long term conditions.
As part of Self Care Week, Warrington Health Consortium, which represents each of the town’s GP Practices, is calling for more patients to take a more active role in their health and wellbeing by seeking further support from the people involved in their care.
A simple discussion with a pharmacist can help a patient to understand why they take the medicines they do and how to get the most out of them and a chat with your GP could result in a care plan that focuses most on the things that matter to you.
If more patients took steps to improve the management of their condition the impact on care services would be great, significantly reducing the number of visits made to A and E departments.
Dr Andrew Davies, chairman of Warrington Health Consortium, said: “People with long term conditions consistently tell us they do not want to be in hospital unless it is absolutely necessary. They want to be involved in decision making about their care and have access to information to help them make those decisions.
“Self-care is about supporting them in making these decisions so they are able to manage their condition effectively. Learning to take care of your health is a good thing. It puts you in control. You can live longer, suffer less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue and be more active and independent”.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/selfcare
WARRINGTON GPs have pledged their support to a national campaign which will help patients to take better care of themselves.
GPs back self-care campaign
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
