It is sometimes difficult to know what kind of help you need when you have a health problem. This information will help you decide which health service to use if you or your family have a health problem.

1. Is it an emergency?
2. What do I do in an emergency?
3. Is it serious?
4. What can I go to a GP surgery for?
5. What do I contact out-of-hours for?
6. What do I go to an NHS Walk-in Centre for?
7. What do I go to a Minor Injuries Unit for?
8. Is it routine?
9. What can my GP surgery help with?
10. What should I go to my pharmacy for?
11. What routine help can my NHS Walk-in Centre give me?
12. Can I deal with the problem myself?

In a critical or life threatening situation go to your nearest A&E hospital department or if you think immediate treatment by paramedics is needed call 999 for an ambulance.

An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation like:

 loss of consciousness

 heavy bleeding (except periods)

 suspected broken bones

 rash that does not fade when you press a glass tumbler or finger against it

 chest pain for 15 minutes or more

 breathing difficulties - if someone is struggling for breath or turning blue

 overdose or swallowing something harmful or poisonous

 deep wound, like a stab wound.

 

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In many cases the quickest way to get help is to go to your nearest A&E department. You should call an ambulance and not move the person:

 if you think they may have hurt their back or neck or have another injury that might be made worse by moving them;

 if they are unconscious;

 if they are in shock and need constant attention; or

 if they have severe chest pain or problems breathing.

 

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Call NHS Direct 0845 4647 or call your GP surgery for telephone advice or to make an appointment - let the person know you think it is serious. If the surgery is closed call the surgery out-of-hours number 0118 9787811 or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. You can also visit your nearest NHS Walk-in Centre (England only) if you don't want to wait for an appointment. You can get nurse advice and treatment for many ailments and injuries and centres are usually open early until late. Some people may be able to go to a Minor Injuries Unit for the treatment of some injuries although these are not in every area.

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For help and treatment of serious medical problems like:

 blood coming out of somewhere (like coughing up blood, nose bleeds or passing blood in motions (poo) or urine)

 high fever, especially if a child

 sudden or severe increasing pain anywhere

 sudden or distressing breathlessness

 altered consciousness (feeling drowsy or confused)

 severe diarrhoea and vomiting

 severe abdominal (tummy) pain

 unusual headache.

 

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If you need urgent medical treatment and your GP surgery is closed call your NHS out-of-hours service 0118 9787811, or NHS Direct 0845 4647. This service is only for urgent medical problems (like those listed above) that can't wait until normal surgery hours to be dealt with.

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These are not available in every area.

Advice on staying healthy and the treatment of many injuries and ailments including: everyday cuts and wounds; rashes and sunburn; bites and stings; strains and sprains; stitches and dressing care; hay fever; emergency contraception; colds and flu; vomiting and diarrhoea. You don't need an appointment and centres are usually open from early until late, 7 days a week.

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These are not available in every area. They can treat injuries like:

 cuts, grazes and wounds

 sprains and strains

 broken bones

 bites and stings (including human/animal bites)

 infected wounds (that may be weeping, painful or hot)

 minor head injuries

 everyday eye infections like conjunctivitis

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Is it routine?

Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice or call your GP surgery to book an appointment with a GP or practice nurse. You can also ask your nearest pharmacist for on the spot advice, treatment and to answer your medicines questions. Keep a well stocked medicines box and you may be able to deal with the problem yourself at home.

 

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• Routine treatment and advice including:
• repeat prescriptions
• jabs and tests (immunisations like MMR for children, blood tests or cervical smears)
• some surgeries offer other services like family planning clinics or complementary therapies - check your practice leaflet for details.
  
   
  
  
  
   

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Pharmacists can give you advice and treatment for many health problems and advice on how to improve your health - without the need for an appointment. Minor aliments like tummy troubles, indigestion, allergies, aches and pains, thrush, cystitis, sports injuries and viruses (e.g. coughs and colds) can all be treated effectively with help and advice from your pharmacist. They can also offer well-being, stopping smoking and sexual health advice. Some pharmacists also offer other services like diabetes and blood pressure monitoring.

Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can advise you on over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

To find out where your late night pharmacy is call NHS Direct 0845 4647.

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NHS Walk-in Centres can treat many routine problems and offer health advice.

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If you have a well-stocked, locked medicines box at home you may be able to deal with the problem yourself. Useful medicines include paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain, fever and headaches, antihistamines for allergies and hay fever and indigestion remedy for heartburn and trapped wind. Ask your pharmacist about which medicines to keep at home.

Remember - if you are unsure call NHS Direct 0845 4647.

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