Stay Winter Wise - Calderdale

The urgent and emergency care programme is keen to identify opportunities for improving health and for reducing health inequalities. As a Partnership, we continue to encourage people to ‘choose well’ especially as health and care services continue to be under enormous pressure. If people do become unwell and have an urgent medical problem, it is important they get the care that is most appropriate for their needs. 

Equipping people to ‘choose well’ is very important as it reduces the need for those with low acuity cases, such as a minor complaint that is non-urgent, and instances where people could see their community pharmacist to then undertake appropriate self-care at home rather than attending primary or acute care settings. Emergency departments are there to treat those with life-threatening and critical illnesses and injuries.

Some people and groups within our more deprived communities across West Yorkshire may have lower levels of health literacy and may not have access IT. We are keen to highlight areas of good practice to help close the gap on widening health inequalities.

With a drive to social media and online platforms there are far fewer printed materials than in recent years and many groups will not be seeking out or accessing online information at all meaning we are disconnected from some groups of people within our communities. Local engagement is important to make connections and gaining the trust of the seldom reached.

Recently and during the COVID-19 pandemic there has been some great work across our places in conjunction with third and voluntary sector colleagues to share and reach the seldom reached.

Case studies like this one show how we have worked differently across West Yorkshire to:

• Reach and engage people with low levels of health literacy
• Equip people with the knowledge to choose the right service for their needs
• Reach people with little or no internet access.

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