Make the right choice when accessing local health services this winter

Winter is always an incredibly busy time for our local NHS services and we are already seeing increased demand across our GP practice teams, hospitals and community health services.

To ease these pressures and ensure that those in most urgent need can access services quickly, it’s important to make the right choice when feeling unwell. Using services wisely can help all people receive the best care without unnecessary delays.

Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Frimley said: “Winter can bring increased risk of illness such as coughs, colds and respiratory conditions.

“Our GP practice teams have been working to ensure people get the treatment they need at the right place and the right time. Your local GP practice team provides a wide range of health services, from medical advice, vaccinations, examinations and treatment. They can also refer you to other NHS services.

“Your local GP practice can arrange a telephone or face-to-face consultation as needed. They can provide access to routine care, same day care from 8am-8pm, evening and weekends.”

Help Us Help You stay well this winter – make the right choice:

• Self-care: Many health issues can be managed with self-care. You can find good advice online through the NHS website (www.nhs.uk) or for children visit Frimley Healthier Together (frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk).
• Pharmacy: Local pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals, who can offer valuable advice and support for health concerns.
• Contact 111: If you have symptoms but are not seriously unwell, you can contact NHS 111 for guidance and assistance. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
• General Practice: Your local GP practice team provides a wide range of health services, from medical advice, vaccinations, examinations, and treatment. They can also refer you to other NHS services. Get in touch for routine and same day appointments offered 8am-8pm, evenings and weekends. You may be offered a telephone or face-to-face consultation as needed.
• Slough Urgent Care Centre: This is a service to be used this winter. Open seven days a week, from 8am – 8pm, located at Priors Close, Slough. Call your local GP practice or 111 for an appointment. You may also be redirected to this service if you attend A&E. A number of walk-in appointments are also available however, booking is strongly recommended to avoid long waiting times as those with urgent clinical needs will be prioritised.
• A&E: A&E is for serious or life-threatening emergencies only.

Frimley Health and Care has launched a service ready for winter located in Priors Close, Slough, to increase access to same day urgent care. The service provides more primary care appointments for Slough residents. Called Slough Urgent Care Centre, the service will see those who require same day care for minor illness. You may also be redirected to this service if you attend A&E.

Patients, including children, who are registered with a practice in Slough will be able to access the urgent care centre and book ahead through their GP practice. Anyone can access the service through 111 online or by calling111, or walk in and be given a booked appointment (you can then choose to sit and wait or come back at the appointment time).

Booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid a long wait. We aim to see patients with a booked appointment within 30 minutes of the appointment time, but those with urgent clinical needs will be prioritised.

The Slough Urgent Care Centre  will be open every day, from 8am to 8pm. Disabled parking is available on site, but those without a disabled badge will need to park in public car parks nearby.