Health Advice & Signposting

NHS services are very busy. 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.

Managing at Home Most minor illnesses will get better without the need to visit a doctor and can be treated at home. 

Pharamacies 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.

NHS 111 When you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency, visit NHS 111 online or call the NHS free phone number 111.

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.

GP Surgeries If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, including persistent vomiting, ear pain, stomach ache or back ache, make an appointment with your GP practice team. 

Dental Care You should be registered with a dental practice and have regular check-ups. Your dentist can also help with toothache, gum problems, wisdom teeth, bleeding from the gums and most other mouth related health problems. 

The new Pharmacy First Service will enable community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice. This, alongside expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, will save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year and help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.

111 online is a fast and convenient alternative to the 111 phone service. 

Your needs will be assessed and you will be given advice about whether you can treat yourself at home or go to a Primary Care Centre.

If your doctor or nurse has asked you to complete a Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Form then please click here. The form contains all the information you need to complete it and how to send it back to the surgery.