One Minute Brief of the Day: Create posters that encourage the public to use the NHS to get care when they need it. #NHSisOpen @LoveYourNHS

The NHS has launched a major new drive to persuade the public to seek the urgent care and treatment they need.

And we want the OMBLES to step in and help get that message out there to as many people as possible in their typically brilliant creative way using sketches, scribbles, headlines, designs and more!!

Who knows… your message might just save someone’s life!!

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Tweet your posters to @OneMinuteBriefs and @LoveYourNHS with the hashtag #NHSisOpen

About:

NHS Urges the Public To Get Care When They Need It

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens warned that delays in getting treatment due to coronavirus fears pose a long term risk to people’s health.

The plea comes alongside new findings that four in ten people are too concerned about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP.

Seeking medical help is one of the four reasons that people can safely leave home, in line with government guidance.

And Sir Simon stressed that the NHS is still there for patients without coronavirus who need urgent and emergency services for stroke, heart attack, and other killer conditions.

While NHS staff have worked hard to put in place measures allowing people to access care safely – such as splitting services into Covid and non-Covid – attendances at Accident and Emergency departments are so far on course to be one million lower this April than last. 

Some leading clinicians including the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and medical health charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association have expressed concerns that people are risking their long-term health, and their lives, by delaying getting the help they need.

A new public information campaign – including today’s collaboration with One Minute Briefs is currently being rolled out to persuade people to contact their GP or the 111 service if they have urgent care needs – or 999 in emergencies - and to attend hospital if they are told they should.

As well as encouraging people to seek help for urgent health needs, over the coming weeks the NHS will take steps to encourage people to use other vital services - such as cancer screening and care, maternity appointments and mental health support – as they usually would, by demonstrating how frontline teams are delivering them safely.

Full article here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/04/help-us-help-you-nhs-urges-public-to-get-care-when-they-need-it/

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said:

“While NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to deal with Coronavirus they have also worked hard to ensure that patients who don’t have Covid 19 can safely access essential services.

“So whether you or loved one have the symptoms or a heart attack or stroke, are a parent worried about their child or have concerns about conditions such as cancer you should seek help in the way you always would.

“Ignoring problems can have serious consequences - now or in the future.”

 As part of the NHS’ rapid response to the greatest public health challenge in its history, hospitals have freed up more than 33,000 beds, the equivalent of 50 new hospitals, over the last few weeks. 

An unprecedented deal with the independent sector has put their 8,000 beds and 20,000 staff at the NHS’ disposal, and seven Nightingale hospitals have been rapidly set up around the country, providing over 3,500 more beds to help local hospitals ensure all those who need care can get it.

This significant increase in capacity, combined with effective social distancing by the public slowing the spread of the virus, has meant that the NHS has so far successfully been able to meet everyone’s need, with capacity to spare.

Over the coming weeks the NHS will be working with top doctors and nurses, as well as patient groups, to highlight how local health teams have adapted to the global coronavirus pandemic, and to reassure the public that it is safe to access care – including scheduled appointments, vaccinations and maternity services.