Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group have developed scratch cards encouraging people in Oxfordshire to test their knowledge of NHS services.  The cards ask people to choose the service they think is best to treat some health conditions.  These range from a cough and cold, mild headaches, broken bones to severe chest pains.

Libraries, children’s centres, linked centres, community support centres, children’s centre mobile, pubs and working mens clubs in Oxfordshire have received a share to help to show people where to go if they are ill or need health advice.

Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, Locality Clinical Director at Oxfordshire CCG, said: “I would urge people to pick up a scratch card to test their knowledge of NHS services. The cards will help us signpost people to the most appropriate service to treat them and help keep them well and healthy especially over winter when pressure on health services increases.”

People can find out if their choice is the best one or not by scratching below a service icon on the card to reveal a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

The scratch cards also signpost people wanting further advice on treating illnesses to NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/staywell) and remind those at risk of the flu – such as people aged over 65 or younger people who have a long term health condition – to have a flu vaccination from their GP or pharmacy.