What you need to know about accessing healthcare

As we enter the busy winter period, we anticipate that our healthcare system will be under significant pressure. To ensure that our services remain available to those who need them most, it is crucial that everyone understands how their actions can support the system and help those in need of urgent care. 

Navigating healthcare can sometimes be confusing, but by taking a few proactive steps, you can make a real difference in ensuring you and your loved ones receive the right care at the right time, in the right place. 

Ways to Be Well
Your health starts with you. The best way to avoid needing emergency healthcare services is to focus on prevention:

• Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and manage your stress.
• Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations to prevent common illnesses that strain our healthcare system.
• Look after your mental health and seek help if needed. If you are an unpaid carer, the Borders Carers Centre offers invaluable support and resources. 

Get the Right Care, in the Right Place
If you require care or treatment, you can save time by seeking the right care in the right place.

• Often your first port of call should be the NHS inform website. There are lots of self-help guides available for a wide range of ailments and illnesses and information about services, including opening times, that are available to best meet your needs such as your local community pharmacy.
• If you think you need to go to the Emergency Department but it’s not critical or life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or contact your General Practice.
• If it’s an emergency, you should still call 999 or go straight to the Emergency Department. 

Be Prepared
A little preparation can go a long way:

• Order your prescriptions in advance - ideally up to 10 working days before you run out.
• Stock up on common over-the-counter medications so that you are ready to deal with any common seasonal illnesses.
• Prepare for bad weather by ensuring you have what you need for winter emergencies.
• Make decisions about your healthcare in advance. Consider establishing a Power of Attorney and communicating your healthcare wishes to loved ones in case you become unable to make decisions yourself. Not having a Power of Attorney can have a significant impact on the outcomes you or your loved ones can experience when unwell, including long delays in accessing necessary services or being in hospital longer than required if you lose capacity and cannot make decisions yourself. 

Ask Questions
When you need care, don't hesitate to ask your healthcare professional questions about your condition and treatment options. This helps you make informed decisions and avoids unnecessary tests or procedures that can add strain on resources. 

Wait Wisely
We know how uncertain it can feel if you are waiting for an appointment, treatment or operation. Our services are under significant pressure and it is going to take some time to get things back on track. While waiting:

• Continue to maintain your health, the “Ways to be Well” actions are a good place to start.
• Avoid calling your GP for updates, they cannot expedite your hospital appointments.
• If your condition worsens while waiting for an appointment, please contact the number provided in your appointment letter to let your healthcare professional know. 

If You Are Admitted to Hospital
In the event you are admitted to hospital, please help us help you by:

• Bringing your medications and comfortable clothing with you.
• Understanding that we will begin planning your discharge as soon as you are admitted. Delays in discharge can harm your health, affect your recovery, and cause unnecessary strain on our resources. If returning home isn't possible, we will work with you and your family to explore other care options, such as a move to a care home. Our social care teams will ill try to place you in a facility close to your home, however this is not always possible. Please understand that staying in hospital is not an option when you are fit to leave.
• If you are visiting a loved one in hospital, please help to protect them, yourself, other patients and our staff by washing your hands regularly and using the hand gel provided whilst on our sites. Please also stay home for at least 48 hours if you have been feeling unwell. 

The Emergency Department (ED)
Please remember that our Emergency Department is for critical, life-threatening situations only, such as:

• Suspected heart attacks, strokes, or severe bleeding.
• If your condition is not an emergency, you will be redirected to the most appropriate care, either in the community or through self-management at home.
• Please help us by only attending the ED for emergencies which allows us to focus on those in critical need. 

By preparing in advance, keeping yourself well, asking questions about your healthcare, following self-care advice, and using appropriate services, you can play an active role in managing the demand on our healthcare system. Doing so will ensure that those who need urgent care most can receive it. 

Additionally, when you or your loved ones are well enough to leave hospital, please help us by preparing for discharge as soon as possible. This helps free up vital beds for those who need them. 

We are committed to providing the best care possible during this challenging winter period, but we need your support. Together, we can ensure that our healthcare services continue to function efficiently and effectively for everyone.

Click here for more information on how you can help or to learn more about our services.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this busy winter period. Your efforts to navigate the system wisely and responsibly are invaluable to us all.