Get the Right Treatment
Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor's appointment. It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.
999 for life threatening emergencies
111 if you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency, call NHS 111 for clinical advice, assessment and for direction to the most appropriate services for treatment
GP or Pharmacy for less urgent health needs, contact your local pharmacist or GP. You can also access NHS advice at www.nhs.uk
Help Us Help You Be Self-care Aware
At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it's just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist, before it gets more serious. Act quickly.
The sooner you get advice from a pharmacist the better. Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action. This can be the best and quickest way to help you recover and get back to normal.
If you can't get to a pharmacist yourself, ask someone to go for you or call your local pharmacy.
Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat minor ailments such as colds, sore throat, cough, sinusitis indigestion or painful earache middle ear infection many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.
Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.
Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription
Accident & Emergency
Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:
loss of consciousness, pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia, acute confused state, persistent, severe chest pain, or breathing difficulties. If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union. Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.