Disclaimer: Using this website
General: The information contained on this website gives general advice only and is not intended, nor is it implied, to be a substitute for the professional medical advice or medical care that patients receive when consulting a GP or other qualified health provider.
Although every effort is made to ensure that the information on this website is accurate, neither the doctors or staff accept any responsibility for the misuse or misinterpretation of this information.
Links to other sites: We are not responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. These links are provided for your convenience and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for the personal advice patients receive when consulting a GP or other qualified health provider.
Alder Hey Children’s Symptom Checker
Alder Hey have an online symptom checker tool to help find information on the most common symptoms in children requiring urgent care and decide where best to get the right care for your child.
Allergy (Children)
North West Children’s Allergy Network has a patient zone where you can find leaflets / guidance and details of local NHS allergy services in the North West of England, the specialists that work there, and what they offer.
Antibiotic Awareness
Antibiotics do not work for illnesses like colds and flu, which are caused by viruses. Many sore throats and earaches are also caused by viruses. Don’t worry if your sore throat lasts for up to a week – that’s perfectly normal.
Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses. For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections. These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and Paracetamol. Ask your pharmacist about treatments to relieve symptoms.
Ear infections typically last 4 days – 89% of cases clear up on their own.
A sore throat typically lasts 7 days – 40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics.
Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days – 80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics.
Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days – Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day.
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria. Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection. Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.
Everyone has a role to play in using antibiotics responsibly. Use antibiotics wisely and treat viral infections responsibly. This way you are helping to stop antibiotic resistance, so antibiotics work when you really need them.
Back Pain Help
7 Golden Rules:
1. Keep moving, even slowly at first
2. Keep living and working normally
3. Avoid best rest during the day
4. Exercise
5. Don’t sit down for too long
6. Don’t be afraid to take simple painkillers
7. Stay active and remember to reintroduce activities like heavy lifting very gradually
Be Clear on Cancer
Knowing the signs of cancer could save your life – Be Clear On Cancer.
Change 4 Life
Millions of families have already made healthier changes – you can too!
Chest Pain Guidance
If a patient already has a history of heart problems and is experiencing chest pain, they should NOT contact the surgery in the first instance, but should ring 999 immediately.
If you experience chest pain it is not appropriate for the Doctor to treat this by either seeing you in surgery or visiting you at home. This is not because they will not do so, it is because being treated quickly is safer and has more success than waiting for a GP visit.
If a patient contacts the surgery and is experiencing chest pain, they will be asked to speak to a Doctor or Nurse straight away who can then make the decision whether the patient should ring 999 or not. In the rare event that a clinician is not available on the premises, the receptionists are trained to follow a strict protocol.
It is much better for you, the patient, to ring 999 as it is essential the Ambulance Service is informed of any deterioration whilst you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Choose Well
Stop and think. A&E and 999 services are for critical or life-threatening conditions.
One in four people who go to A&E could self care or use other local services. Make sure you choose well. Get the right treatment for you and help the NHS to manage its resources.
Common childhood illnesses and well-being – As well as general well-being, this Parent’s Guide will help you to understand when is the right time to call NHS 111, visit your GP, chat to your Health Visitor or take a visit to your local pharmacy. The booklet is also available as an app and can be downloaded for free on Google Play and Apple. Search for “Cheshire child health” in the App Store or Google Play.
Contraception and Sexual Health Clinics
Cheshire West and Chester Sexual Health Service – Tel: 0300 247 0020.
East Cheshire Sexual Health Service – Tel: 0300 323 1300
Community Vasectomy Service – To book your free vasectomy counselling appointment telephone 01244 362000 (no GP referral letter required – self referral). Men may also book a same day service with counselling and operation on the same day.
DadPad
The DadPad was created because babies don’t come with a set of instructions! Developed with the NHS, this free downloadable easy to use resource gives new dads and dads to be the knowledge and practical skills necessary to be able to support themselves and their partner, and give their baby the best possible start in life. Simply enter the search term “DadPad” into the app store for your phone/tablet and download. Once the app is installed enter your postcode when promoted and select “Cheshire and Merseyside”.
Diabetes Essential
Diabetes Essential is a group education session for people with diabetes or borderline diabetes. The Diabetes Essentials package provides a variety of half day specially designed patient education sessions to provide encouragement, support and information to help you manage your condition. Organised and run by the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Ear Wax – Self Help
Our earwax leaflet describes what ear wax is and how you can remove it safely.
Exercise on Referral
If you have a health issue that makes exercising difficult, you can join a free exercise safely programme. It’s a 12 week programme with a wide range of supported leisure activities designed to help you exercise safely. These activities include gym sessions, swimming and group exercise classes. To sign up for this programme your doctor will need to refer you first.
Criteria for joining:
- You must be a resident or registered with a GP within Cheshire West & Chester
- Over 18 years of age
And have one or more of the following conditions:
- BMI of 30 – 34.9
- Diabetes Types 1 or 2
- Established Osteoporosis
- Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
- Hypertension
- Mental health problems
Finding out your Blood Group
Please note that if you wish to find out your blood group we do not hold this information on your records. You can either:
- Give blood – the Blood Service will inform you of your blood group.
- Pick up a form from reception – you will then need to contact Leighton Hospital who will arrange to take a blood sample to check your blood group – please be aware there will be a charge for this service from the hospital.
- DIY test kits are widely available to order on the internet.
Guide to your Medicines
Important points about your medicine:
- Always store your medicines safely. In hospital, all containers should be kept in your bedside locker. At home, make sure containers are out of reach of children. Return unused medicines to your pharmacist.
- Read the instructions on the label of the container carefully. If you don’t understand them or why the medicine has been prescribed for you, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
- Always take the medicine as directed on the label. If you forget a dose, take the next one when it is due. If you think you have taken more medicine than you should contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice.
- Don’t transfer medicine from one container to another, unless it is to a special container designed to remind you when to take it.
- Always complete a course of medicine as directed. Even if you feel better after a day or two. If you lose your tables or spill your medicine, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice. If your supply of medicine is running out and you need more or are not sure if you should continue taking it contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Heatwave: How to cope in hot weather
Information from the NHS on how to cope in a heatwave.
Information from Public Health England on how to beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather.
Information on how to stay cool during hot weather.
Inside Health Podcasts
A wide variety of podcasts covering various health conditions, from BBC Radio 4.
Keep Warm Keep Well
Keeping warm both inside and outside your home can help reduce the risk of serious health problems, that are more common in the colder months. Stay well this Winter.
Further information is available from Age UK on how to keep warm and well in winter.
Macmillan Information & Support Centre
Based within The Countess of Chester Hospital the Macmillan Information & Support Centre provide a confidential service for anyone affected by cancer. This includes people who:
- require information about cancer
- have a cancer diagnosis
- are living beyond cancer
- are living with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis
- are looking to reduce the risks of cancer
- are a carer, relative or friend of someone with cancer
- are health care professionals who are caring for people affected by cancer
You can also:
- discuss what support you may need
- find out about other local and national support agencies
- share your concerns
- find out about benefits and financial advice
- discuss cancer screening and health awareness
Medicine Cabinet
You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and Aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take Aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Rehydration mixture
- Indigestion remedy (eg antacids)
- Travel sickness tablets
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- Sunburn treatment (eg Calamine)
- Tweezers and sharp scissors
- A thermometer
- A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- Keep medicines in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out of date medicines back to the pharmacy
Mental Health
SilverCloud Self-Referral: SilverCloud is an online self-referral option that will enable you to access a programme full of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques for anxiety and depression. It allows people to complete therapy in their own time, at a time and pace that suits them, whilst having regular weekly or fortnightly online reviews with a qualified mental health practitioner. If appropriate for you, the SilverCloud programme can be tailored to your specific needs. It offers access to a number of different modules that provide information about depression and anxiety and tools and skills to manage these more effectively.
There are self help guides to download and self help information from the Mental Health Team.
YouinMind.org is a mental health directory for Cheshire, helping you find mental health and well-being support. Find out what support and services are available near you.
Children and Young People’s Out of Hours Advice Line
01244 397644 – This line is open from 5pm till 10pm weekdays and 12 till 8pm at weekends.
Open to everyone (teachers, parents, young people, relatives and other professionals) who would like to speak to a trained clinician about a child or young person’s mental health. The number is for individuals living in Wirral, West Cheshire and East Cheshire.
Minor Ailments Service (Pharmacy First)
Your local pharmacy can offer health care advice and treatment for you and your family on the following minor health conditions, under the Minor Ailments Service. Tarporley, Kelsall and Tarvin pharmacies offer this service.
- Conjunctivitis
- Oral thrush in infants
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Impetigo
You don’t have to make an appointment; it will save you time as you won’t need to visit your GP. Consultations are always free, you will be given advice and if necessary medicine(s) will be supplied to treat your symptoms.
If you don’t pay for prescriptions from your doctor, then any medicine supplied to you from the pharmacy will also be free of charge. If you normally pay for your prescriptions, then the standard prescription fee will be charged.
Minor Injuries
If you have a minor injury, please contact the surgery so we can assess you and decide whether we can treat you here or you may need further treatment at one of the other local hospitals.
Music for Dementia
Music for Dementia is a national campaign to make music available for everyone living with dementia. It is anticipated that there will be one million people living with dementia in the UK by 2021. Music is a powerful connector and has the ability to bring people together in the here and now. It can enliven, stimulate and enable people living with dementia to express themselves creatively through musical engagement.
NHS Screening Programmes
The cancer screening programmes of England are nationally coordinated. They are:
There is no organised screening programme for prostate cancer, but an informed choice programme, Prostate Cancer Risk Management. This provides information on the risks and benefits of the PSA test.
The NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme aims to reduce deaths from abdominal aortic aneurysms (also called ‘AAAs’ or ‘Triple As’) through early detection.
One You
Our lifestyles can be more unhealthy than we think. Making better choices today can have a huge influence on our health.
Own Life
Own Life – Make a change. Be the difference. There are lots of ways in which you can positively impact your health and the wider community.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
- Do you need information about your local health services?
- Would you like someone to help you sort out a problem?
- You don’t want to complain, but have a query or concern.
PALS provide information, advice and support to patients, families and their carers
PALS – The Countess of Chester Hospital
Physical Activity Benefits for Adults
There are physical activity benefits for adults and older adults which includes:
- Benefits for health
- Improving sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing stress
- Improving quality of life
There’s an underlying myth that falls are an inevitable part of getting old. The surprising truth is our risk of a fall decreases with one thing – exercise.
Private Screening for Health Conditions
Thinking of having a private screening test?
There are some important facts you need to know before you make a decision. The NHS has recommendations on private screening for different conditions and diseases
Self Care
Your local pharmacy can offer healthcare advice and treatment for you and your family for many minor health conditions such as coughs, cold, flu, sore throats, diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as over the counter remedies, at a time that suits you.
Keep your home medicine cabinet well stocked.
Clean hands and good hygiene can stop you and your family from catching infections. Make sure you wash your hands regularly and always before you eat and after using the toilet. If you sneeze “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” – catch the sneeze in a tissue, bin the tissue and kill the chance of spreading that infection to someone else. Keep GP surgeries, hospitals and schools free from infection – stay away if you have sickness and/or diarrhoea.
When will I feel better? Please remember that antibiotics don’t work for everything.
Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?
- Back pain
- Dermatitis
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
- Constipation
- Migraines
- Coughs
- Acne
- Sprains and strains
- Headaches
Please visit the NHS website for further information.
Starting Well Service
The 0-19 Starting Well Service is delivered by a range of healthcare professionals with lots of specialist experience in working with children and young people. They provide a range of health services for children and young people who attend school and college or live within Cheshire West and Chester, to promote health and wellbeing, supporting you to make good lifestyle choices.
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Stop Smoking Services
If you would like help to give up smoking you can self refer to the services below:
- Cheshire Change Hub – Tel: 0300 777 0033 (see website for eligibility)
- Smokefree – National Helpline 0300 123 1044
- Stop smoking in pregnancy – Please see your Midwife for referral
You are four times more likely to be successful if you use NHS funded services.
Suspect a Stroke?
Suspect a stroke? Act FAST. Call 999. Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect a stroke, always dial 999.
The Silver Line – Helpline and Friendship Phone for Older People
The Silver Line is a free, confidential helpline, providing information, friendship and advice to older people. They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Telephone 0800 4 70 80 90.
Weight Management Service
Specialist weight management programme for those aged 16+ living in Cheshire West and Chester. To be eligible you must have one of the following conditions:
- BMI of 25+:
- Patients with a BMI of 25-29.9 will be offered 12 weeks free slimming world vouchers
- Patients with a BMI of 30-34.9 will be offered the 12 weeks free slimming world vouchers as well as 12 weeks exercise on referral
- Patients with a BMI of 35+ will be offered a more specialist 24 week behaviour change programme
- Diabetes Types 1 or 2
- Established Osteoporosis
- Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
- Hypertension
- Mental health problems