Dragons star Darren Waters, recognises the importance of the campaign in helping people to Choose Well in the event of injury or illness, “Playing sports like rugby is great fun whilst keeping you fit and healthy but there is always a chance of getting injured. People should be aware of what to do or where to go in the event of illness or injury. Choosing the right options can aid your recovery and help you get back to full fitness as quickly as possible.”
The Choose Well campaign aim is to make people aware about the various health services available to them. Often people attend A&E departments with injuries or illnesses that can be better and more quickly treated by other health care services or by self care.
People who enjoy playing sports or engaging in other physical activities can benefit from choosing well by getting quick and expert treatment at Minor Injuries Units. These can be for injuries such as; minor fractures, cuts, sprains, minor head injuries, burns or scolds, or they may be able to self care: For local sports clubs and individuals, keeping a well stocked first aid kit including items such as; bandages, plasters, thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings, medical tape, tweezers and freeze spray, can also help treat minor injuries quickly and could, in some cases, save a trip to hospital.
If you become injured or unwell and are not sure which service to use then you can call NHS Direct Wales on 08454647 or visit their website: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk. The helpline and website are open 24 hours a day and provide expert advice and assessment.
For further information on the Choose Well campaign please visit: www.choosewellwales.org.uk
For a list of Newport Gwent Dragons fixtures visit:
www.newportgwentdragons.com/FixturesResults/Season
The Choose Well website and app (available to download to android and iPhone smart phones), provides people with a quick and easy reference to their local healthcare services. The app includes details about how and when people should contact health services in Wales including contact information, opening hours, GPS location services and digitally mapped directions:
• Pharmacies
• GPs
• Eye Care
• Dentists
• Sexual Health Services
• Minor Injury Units
• Emergency Departments (A&E).
People often visit A&E with cuts, bruises, sprains, hangovers, coughs and colds, which can all sometimes seem a lot more serious, but most of the time they can be treated by self care. It’s important to remember that the 999 ambulance service and Emergency Departments are for emergency and life-threatening injuries and illnesses only.
