If you’re feeling unwell there are a range of services available:
Self Care
If you have a cough, cold, headache or other minor ailment try treating yourself at home first.
Please remember that self-care for common conditions can help free up our GPs’ time, making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious condition.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and can give you confidential health advice for a range of common illnesses and complaints.
Don’t wait for a GP appointment for coughs, colds, aches and pains. Just call your local pharmacy a call or drop in – there’s no need to make an appointment.
Your pharmacists can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor or nurse.
GP
If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, then you need to make an appointment here at your GP practice. GP practices provide care, which may involve appointments or telephone advice either with a GP or practice nurse.
GPs are able to provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.
NHS 111
111 is the free NHS non-emergency number.
You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
Call 111 if:
- you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
- you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
- you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
- you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
Urgent Treatment Centre
You can go to an urgent treatment centre (UTC) if you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not a life-threatening situation. UTCs are open every day.
Conditions that can be treated at an urgent treatment centre include:
- emergency contraception
- sprains and strains
- suspected broken limbs
- minor head injuries
- cuts and grazes
- bites and stings
- minor scalds and burns
- ear and throat infections
- skin infections and rashes
- eye problems
- coughs and colds
- high temperature in child and adults
- stomach pain
- being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea
A&E & 999
A&E is for life-threatening accidents and emergencies only. Before you go there, ask yourself, “is it a real emergency?”.
If not, please consider using other local health services before you visit A&E.