Self Care:
The best choice for minor illnesses:
- Try the NHS online symptom checker
- Keep a well stocked medicine cabinet, guidance can be found at: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/Pages/Yourmedicinecabinet.aspx
- Patient.co.uk is an online resource loaded with tips and advice on the different self care options and how to go about treating your minor ailments. Click on the link: www.patient.co.uk
- Selfcareforum.org contains downloadable leaflets and information on a huge range of minor ailments. Click on the link:www.selfcareforum.org
NHS 111:
- For urgent medical needs that ARE NOT life threatening
- They offer advice on treatments for various injuries, allergies, general health, bleeding, dental issues, head and neck injuries and sexual health
- They can refer you to the nearest health service
Pharmacists:
- Talk in confidence, without appointments
- Offer advice on minor ailments such as coughs and colds, earache, skin rashes and sore throats
- They can provide services such as Chlamydia testing, emergency contraception and stop smoking services
GP:
- When illnesses aren’t responding to self care or advice from your pharmacists call your GP surgery
- Visit when you are suffering from a persistent illness
- When you have a ‘flare-up‘ of a long standing illness
- When you are in need of any vaccinations
A&E / 999
For emergencies that are critical or life threatening such as:
- loss of consciousness
- persistent severe chest pain
- acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
- severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
Visit A&E or call 999