What services are available?
If you are feeling unwell but you are not sure where to go for help, then this page might help you decide.
Self care
Look after yourself. Ensure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to treat minor ailments. You should manage conditions such as headaches, colds, sore throats, coughs and diarrhoea. A lot of illnesses can be treated at home with medicines and by getting plenty of rest.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists are experts in medicine that can help you with minor health concerns. They will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional. All pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice. Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment. Many pharmacies also have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
Pharmacists can help you with lots of issues including stomach upset, fever, aches & pains, headaches and minor cuts and bruises.
For opening times and more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/
NHS 111
They can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do.
If you GP surgery is not open, and you need help before they reopen you can visit or call 111
GP
GP's are available for health concerns and refer patients for other medical services when required. You should see a GP when your have done some self-care and visited a Pharmacy but your symptoms won’t go away.
GP's can help with things like ear pain, back pain, stomach pain, arthritis and vomiting.
Minor Injuries Unit
Minor injury units deal with problems such as suspected fractures, cuts bruises, minor eye problems, burns, scalds and sprains.
https://elht.nhs.uk/services/minor-injuries-unit
Urgent Treatment Centres
Urgent Treatment Centres are for serious conditions such as suspected broken bones or breathing difficulties which need immediate care but are not life threatening.
Emergency Department
Emergency departments or A&E are only for life threatening emergencies.
To see current waiting times https://elht.nhs.uk/waiting-times