Your Local Pharmacist
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.
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. Your local Pharmacist can also advise on healthy eating.
Pharmacists can also advise on healthy 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 a chemist without a prescription.
NHS Walk-In Centres
NHS Walk-In Centres offer convenient access to a range of NHS services for patients based in England only. You can receive treatment for many ailments including:
- Infection and rashes,
- Fractures and lacerations,
- Emergency contraception and advice
- Stomach upsets
- Cuts and bruises or
- Burns and strains
NHS Walk In Centres treat around 3m patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some centres offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.
NHS 111 – Phone or Online
If you have an urgent health concern you can either use the NHS 111 phone service or access the NHS web service: 111.nhs.uk
The NHS 111 Online service is completely free, user friendly and available 24/7.
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
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
- 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 are usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.
Further Information
You can also find more help on a range of health problems, including the services available to you on the following:
- NHS Website: https://www.nhs.uk/
- Healthy Sandwell: https://www.healthysandwell.co.uk/our-services/
- Sandwell & West B’ham CCG: https://sandwellandwestbhamccg.nhs.uk/self-care
- Self-Care Forum: http://www.selfcareforum.org/resources/patient-portal/