NHS services are very busy at the moment. It’s important to come forward with any health concerns but you can help ease the pressure by choosing the right service. 

Knowing the right place to go can help you get the treatment you need faster. Please choose wisely and help us help you.

Accident and emergency (A&E) departments are currently extremely busy treating high numbers of patients.

This service is for those who need it most – like people with severe chest pains, serious head injuries, loss of consciousness or breathing difficulties.#

Your local pharmacist can give you expert advice about over-the-counter medicines that can help with lots of common conditions such as diarrhoea, a runny nose, a cough or a headache – without the need for an appointment.

As well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide a range of services related to specific health issues and can advise on minor ailments such as colds, skin conditions and allergies.

Urgent treatment centres and minor injury units are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend emergency departments for, including sprains, minor burns, and minor illness.

Patients can visit a centre without an appointment if they have an urgent condition that needs to be seen on the same day.

Appointments can also be booked by contacting NHS 111 by phone or online. By using NHS 111, patients will know they are going to the right place for treatment.