PATIENTS are being advised to make sure that they choose the right health service for their needs this winter.

The Minor Injuries Unit at the Robert Peel Hospital provides treatment and advice for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, ear infections, skin infections, burns, bites, simple fractures, sprain and strains. Emergency contraception and chlamydia screening is also available.

Accident and Emergency departments – at Good Hope, Sutton Coldfield and Queen's Hospital, Burton – should be used for chest pain, heavy blood loss, unconsciousness, overdoses, deep wounds, broken bones, severe breathing difficulties, head injuries, meningitis symptoms or strokes.

Ann Marie Curtis, professional lead for urgent care at South Staffordshire PCT provider services, said: "There are several options to help residents in South Staffordshire obtain the best health care and advice. For example people can often overcome day-to-day common illnesses by keeping a well-stocked first aid box containing cough and cold remedies, including any medicines children might need.

"Seeing your pharmacist could save a visit to the GP and during the Christmas period we suggest those who take regular medication such as insulin or inhalers make sure they have sufficient medicines to last over the holiday period."

She added: "A&E departments are designed to deal with serious life threatening illnesses or accidents, therefore using alternatives such as Minor Injuries Units keeps hospitals free to deal with these cases."