How is the Welsh Government improving communication with the public to advise and signpost to the most appropriate NHS services for non-emergency ailments in order to relieve pressure on accident and emergency departments?
The Welsh Government’s Help us, Help You campaign promotes a range of local NHS services that are available for people with urgent care needs, without needing to go to their GP or nearest emergency department. This includes promoting the role of pharmacies, minor injury units and NHS 111 Wales.
NHS 111 Wales offers an online symptom checker to help people understand what to do or what service to use if they experience a common health problem. It provides information about how to find the most appropriate health service in the local area.
As part of the Help Us Help You campaign, advertising ran between November 2023 and February 2024. Campaign evaluation shows more than 96% of adults in Wales were reached and had the opportunity to see or hear advertising at least 21 times.
Advertising is mainly used at times of increased pressure on NHS Wales services, for example during the winter months. However, year-round messages are promoted and shared via Welsh Government, health boards and other stakeholder social media channels. We also partner with organisations such as Age Cymru to help reach audiences which may be digitally excluded.
Funding to continue the Help Us Help You campaign has been approved for winter 2024-25.