Policing leaders: “Choose Well and help save lives.”

Leading police figures in Dyfed-Powys are backing a high-profile health promotion.

Commissioner Christopher Salmon and Chief Constable Simon Prince are supporting the Choose Well campaign.

It calls on people to think carefully about how they use the NHS in Wales and find the right health services for their needs.

Mr Salmon said: “It’s the responsibility of all of us not to put lives at risk and instead think and choose well what NHS services we really need.”

Mr Prince said: “The vast majority of medical conditions don’t need emergency care and the NHS has in place a range of accessible services that can help people get the right care at the right time.”

NHS Wales bosses say that making the right decision will not only help people get treated faster in the most appropriate way, but also means health service resources are being used efficiently.

The Choose Well campaign highlights the importance of self care in dealing with many minor illnesses, which can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines and advice.

It also highlights the free services available, from NHS Direct, GPs, pharmacies, opticians and minor injury units, ready and able to treat a range of health conditions.

It asks people to only call 999 or visit A&E if they have a life threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention, such as severe chest pain, choking, blacking out, major blood loss or a suspected stroke.