Consider the range of services available to you and use the NHS responsibly.
Be prepared to care for yourself with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
- cough or cold
- upset stomach
- pain or headache
- cuts and grazes
- sore throat (but if for two weeks or more contact your GP)
For health advice, visit nhs.uk.
Your local Pharmacist is a trained medicine expert who can dispense and advise you on the safe use of prescription, repeat prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Most pharmacies are open until late and at weekends, and they all have a private area where you can talk to a Pharmacist in confidence. You don’t need to book an appointment to see a Pharmacist.
- Ask for advice on ailments, medicines and healthier living
- Queries about medication, dosage, type or suitability plus urgent requests or if related to hospital discharge
- repeat prescription
- sore eyes (but if persists go to optician)
- runny nose
- diarrhoea
- bite or sting
GPs deal with a whole range of health problems including:
- Conditions that can't be treated with over the counter medication or advice from a Pharmacist
- Coughs lasting more than three weeks
- New moles appearing or existing moles changing shape, size or colour
They also provide health education, offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations. A range of health care professionals work at GP practices, including GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, practice managers, receptionists and other staff. Practices also work closely with health visitors, midwives, mental health services and social care services. If the health professional you see cannot deal with a problem, then you’ll usually be referred to a hospital for tests, treatment, or to see a consultant with specialist knowledge.
NHS 111 is there for you when you have a healthcare need that is not life threatening. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- If you think you need to go to hospital
- If you don’t know the most suitable place to go or call
- If you don’t have a GP to call or if your GP practice is closed
- If you need advice or reassurance about what to do
Available 24 hours a day, every day. Click here for NHS 111 online.
If you have a non-life-threatening illness or injury, there are lots of ways you can access advice and care without going to an Emergency Department. This allows emergency staff to concentrate on people with serious, life-threatening conditions and will save you a potentially long wait. Visit for same day, urgent, minor injuries or illness when your GP practice is unavailable, such as such as sprains and suspected broken bones
- fractures and lacerations
- insect and animal bites
- stitches (sutures)
- dressing care
- minor cuts and bruises
- minor burns and strains