Wed, 25 May 2005
Where to go when you are unwell
Public confusion about emergency services.Whether it’s a life threatening emergency or just a routine problem such as a chesty cough, research released today (25/05/05) from Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP) shows that people just do not know what to do.
Even though 76% of people would rather choose what health service to use when they are unwell, findings from today’s research show that many may be wasting their time using the wrong services or worse still, may simply find their expectations can not be met.
A new DPP campaign ‘Where to go when you are unwell’ launched today, aims to address the mistaken beliefs about what kind of help is available from NHS services and help people make the best choices about their health.
A worrying 72% of people think they would be seen more quickly at A&E if they arrive by ambulance, regardless of their problem. 84% would always call for an ambulance if they thought the situation was an emergency but ambulances are there for people who need immediate paramedic help.
People are also confused about GP services. Most people (72%) mistakenly think GPs are required to visit them at home on request despite the fact that home visits are increasingly rare and solely at the discretion of the GP. 19% are not even sure what they should call their GP out of hours service for.
Dr David Wrigley, GP and Deputy Chairman, Developing Patient Partnerships said:
"It is frightening that 14% of people think it is difficult to know which service to use in an emergency and that there are still so many misconceptions about the services available.
There have been many improvements in the way NHS services are run and it is essential that campaigns such as 'Where to go when you are unwell’ reach as many people as possible to avoid health being put at risk and waste of scarce NHS resources."
Sue Sharpe, Chief Executive, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee said:
"The new pharmacy contract means that pharmacists will be even better placed to advise people about managing their health and where to go for further help. 13% of people in this study said they would have difficulty knowing what to do with even a routine problem. Pharmacists are perfectly positioned to help with routine problems and the fact that this advice is available on the high street means that anyone can find out the best course of action to take."
Notes to editors
- DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (formerly Doctor Patient Partnership) is a health education charity working with primary care organisations and the public to make the most of health services and help people manage their health by improving health knowledge and communication. For more information visit www.dpp.org.uk
- Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) represents community pharmacies that provide NHS services in England and Wales.
- ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1003 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 16 and 17 April 2005. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
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