Save your self the convenience and get the right treatment you need

By visiting the appropriate service, you could save yourself time and trouble. 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.

Your Local Pharmacist

Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. 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. Your local Pharmacist can also advise on healthy eating. 

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. 

You can get advice and treatment for a range of conditions from your local pharmacist instead of visiting your GP practice. This means that you do not have to wait for an appointment and you can get your medication (if appropriate) free if you do not normally pay for your prescriptions.

GP Practice

Ideal for any concerning or long term symptoms which are not settling with conservative measures or have been directed by other services.

NHS Walk-In Centres

Offer convenient access to a range of NHS services for patients, especially when the surgery is closed or at full capacity.

You can receive treatment for many ailments including:

• infection and rashes,

• fractures and lacerations,

• emergency contraception and advice,

• stomach upsets,

• cuts and bruises

• burns and strains

• dressing change or stitch removal

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.

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, 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.