EVERY winter, and in particular over bank holidays, more people need the help of health and social services. The choice of health care available is greater than is often realised, particularly for the treatment of minor ailments.

The NHS is running an advertising campaign to guide people through the range of health care options available to them.

The 'Choose the Righ Remedy' campaign emphasises the wide range of options open, suggesting when self-care or a visit to the pharmacy is appropriate, or when seeing your nurse or GP, going to hospital or calling 999 is the best course of action.

This should enable everyone to choose the right service at the right time to meet their individual needs and circumstances. A local pharmacist in particular can provide easily accessible free advice.

A huge amount of planning has gone on to ensure the best care is available this winter - particularly over Christmas and the Millennium. Health authorities, local GPs, social services and pharmacists have worked hard to ensure that services are available everywhere.

I would urge readers to keep an eye open for information issued locally which provides details of the services available. If in any doubt please ring NHS Direct (now available to 65 per cent of the country - 100 per cent by the end of 2000) on 0845 4647, which will provide direct advice or an appropriate local telephone number.

GISELA STUART, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health.

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