A new interactive online initiative is teaching web surfers to ‘choose well’ when it comes to clinical help and advice.
Visitors to the Welsh Ambulance Service and NHS Direct Wales websites can now take part in an interactive quiz based on the national Choose Well campaign.
Evidence reveals that a significant number of people dial 999 for an ambulance or got to A&E departments despite there being other more suitable services available to help their needs.
Choose Well centres on a colour coded thermometer to assist people in linking their symptoms or injury to the right service, which is right for their need.
The online quiz asks browsers what service they would choose for five illness or injury scenarios they are faced with on screen.
At the end a score out of five is given and the more suitable clinical pathways are highlighted for any wrong answers.
“As more and more people have access to the web thanks to better technology, we thought it appropriate to carry our support for this important campaign into the online arena.
“Every day the ambulance service receives a number of 999 calls for minor illnesses or injuries such as coughs, toothache or sore throats. These calls can divert our resources away from the patients that need us the most… those facing a cardiac arrest, severe blood loss, or a stroke.
“Visitors to both websites can support us in making sure that we are able to reach the people who really need us by logging on and testing their clinical knowledge through the quiz. If you can choose the right answers you can help make sure the people of Wales get the right care in the right place at the right time. “
To visit the Welsh Ambulance Service and NHS Direct Wales online go to: www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk / www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
To find out more about how you can use the Choose Well Campaign to help pick the appropriate medical care -log on to www.choosewellwales.org.uk www.dewisdoethcymru.org.uk