The best ways to get NHS help this winter
There are lots of NHS services available to help you if you or your family are unwell.
At this time of year, with pressure mounting on local health services, it's important to make sure you go to the best place to meet your needs. Choosing the right one means you will get help quickly.
Here are some of the best places to get the help you need:
- Your local pharmacy – your local pharmacist can help with your medication questions and minor health concerns, including: rashes, coughs, colds and minor infections. Pharmacists are trained health professionals who can see you face-to-face, without an appointment, just pop into the pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist. They can also advise where to get further help if needed.
- Your GP – you can now contact your practice online through the practice website. You can use the online service to ask about; medical concerns, medication or to book appointments. This service is in addition to contacting the practice in person and over the phone. Evening and weekend GP and nurse appointments are available near you. If you call your GP practice - out of hours, the answer phone will list the contact details to book these appointments.
- 111 – this should be the first place to contact if you are not sure where to go for help. 111 online (www.111.nhs.uk) or on the phone can quickly direct you to the right service for your medical needs. Medical professionals will be on hand to provide advice, call you back, direct you to the right service or book an appointment for you.
