Where to go when you are unwell

It is sometimes difficult to know what kind of help you need when you have a health problem. This leaflet will help you decide which health service to use if you or your family have a health problem.

Is it an emergency?

In a critical or life threatening situation go to your nearest A&E hospital department or if you think immediate treatment by paramedics is needed call 999 for an ambulance.

An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation like:

• loss of consciousness
• heavy bleeding (except periods)
• suspected broken bones
• rash that does not fade when you press a glass tumbler or finger against it
• chest pain for 15 minutes or more
• breathing difficulties - if someone is struggling for breath or turning blue
• overdose or swallowing something harmful or poisonous
• deep wound, like a stab wound
  

What do I do in an emergency?

In many cases the quickest way to get help is to go to your nearest A&E department. You should call an ambulance and not move the person:

• if you think they may have hurt their back or neck or have another injury that might be made worse by moving them;
• if they are unconscious;
• if they are in shock and need constant attention;
• if they have severe chest pain or problems breathing.
  

Is it serious?

Call NHS Direct 0845 4647 or call the practice on 01923 231633 for telephone advice or to make an appointment - let one of our receptionists know you think it is serious.

If the surgery is closed call the surgery out-of-hours number 0845 605 6000 or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. You can also visit your nearest NHS Walk-in Centre (England only) if you don't want to wait for an appointment. You can get nurse advice and treatment for many ailments and injuries and centres are usually open early until late.

Some people may be able to go to a Minor Injuries Unit for the treatment of some injuries although these are not in every area.

What can I go to a GP surgery for?

For help and treatment of serious medical problems like:

• blood coming out of somewhere (like coughing up blood, nose bleeds or passing blood in motions (faeces) or urine)
• high fever, especially if a child
• sudden or severe increasing pain anywhere
• sudden or distressing breathlessness
• altered consciousness (feeling drowsy or confused)
• severe diarrhoea and vomiting
• severe abdominal (tummy) pain
• Unusual headache
  

What do I contact "Out of Hours" for?

If you need urgent medical treatment and your GP surgery is closed call your NHS out-of-hours service 03000 33 33 33, or NHS Direct 0845 4647. This service is only for urgent medical problems (like those listed above) that can't wait until normal surgery hours to be dealt with.

What do I go to an NHS Walk-in Centre for?

Advice on staying healthy and the treatment of many injuries and ailments including: everyday cuts and wounds; rashes and sunburn; bites and stings; strains and sprains; stitches and dressing care; hay fever; emergency contraception; colds and flu; vomiting and diarrhoea. You don't need an appointment and centres are usually open from early until late, 7 days a week.

What do I go to a Minor Injuries Unit for?

A Minor Injuries unit is available at Mount Vernon Hospital. The Unit is open from 9am until 8pm, 365 days a year. You can contact reception on 01923 844201. The unit will be able to treat the following:

• Cuts, grazes and bruising
• Wounds, including those that may need stitches
• Minor burns and scalds
• Tetanus immunization after an injury
• Removal of foreign bodies from eyes, nose or ears
• Minor eye problems, including removal of contact lenses
• Insect bites or other animal bites
• Minor head injuries where there has been no loss of consciousness or vomiting
• Removal of rings, earrings and studs
• Minor injuries to legs below the knee, and arms below the elbow, where you can bear the weight through your foot or move your fingers
• Minor nose bleeds

You will be treated by specially trained nurses who have the experience and expertise to treat people with minor injuries quickly and efficiently. They will contact a senior doctor when necessary.
 

Is it routine?

Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice or telephones the surgery 01923 231633 to book an appointment with a GP or practice nurse. You can also ask your nearest pharmacist for on the spot advice, treatment and to answer your medicines questions. Keep a well stocked medicines box and you may be able to deal with the problem yourself at home.

What can my GP surgery help with?

Routine treatment and advice including:

• repeat prescriptions
• jabs and tests (immunisations like MMR for children, blood tests or cervical smears)
• Family Planning Advice and Chronic Disease Management (i.e. heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, asthma).
  

What should I go to my pharmacy for?

Pharmacists can give you advice and treatment for many health problems and advice on how to improve your health - without the need for an appointment. Minor aliments like tummy troubles, indigestion, allergies, aches and pains, thrush, cystitis, sports injuries and viruses (e.g. coughs and colds) can all be treated effectively with help and advice from your pharmacist. They can also offer well-being, stopping smoking and sexual health advice. Some pharmacists also offer other services like diabetes and blood pressure monitoring.

Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can advise you on over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

Local Pharmacies

Abells    01923 235253

Esoms    0208 428 6806

Listers    0208 950 3370

Mastercare Ltd    0208 428 4719

Bonds     01923 223468

Boots The Harlequin  01923 223875

Heath    0208 950 1866

Jones    0208 428 1643

Prestwick Pharmacy   0208 421 2929

Tweens    0208 950 1263

Wyles    020 8950 1357

To find out where your late night pharmacy is, call NHS Direct 0845 4647.