Get the Right Treatment
If you feel unwell or need some advice about your health, there are a number of places you can go. Read the information below to help you decide what to do.
NHS 24
NHS 24 is a 24-hour telephone health advice and information service. You can phone NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 at any time of the day or night (Textphone 18001 08454 24 24 24).
NHS 24 can give you: advice about what to do if you, or someone you look after, is not well; information about health conditions and local NHS services, such as how to find your nearest pharmacist, GP surgery, dentist, optician, or Accident and Emergency department. To visit NHS24 website click the NHS 24 image to the left.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can give advice on common health problems and can answer questions about medicines. Many pharmacists provide other services such as helping you stop smoking, checking the different medicines you are taking, or giving advice about sexual health. Ask to speak to your pharmacist in a private area if there is something you don’t want other people to hear. If your symptoms are serious, your pharmacist might suggest you should go to your GP. To find a pharmacy which is open out of hours phone NHS 24.
Minor ailments
Self-care
There are lots of ways you can look after yourself if you feel unwell. A well-stocked medicine cabinet will help you treat everyday illnesses at home. You should have paracetamol, plasters and bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic cream, and other remedies for coughs, colds and sore throats. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label.
GP surgeries
For medical advice and treatment, or prescriptions, you can make an appointment at your GP surgery. Surgeries vary in size and can have a wide range of staff as well as GPs, including nurses, health visitors, counsellors and physiotherapists. Some surgeries run special clinics for people with diabetes, asthma or other health conditions. To get a list of surgeries in your area click here (link) , or for help with registering with a doctor, phone NHS 24.
Out of hours GP services
Out of hours GP services are available between 6.00pm and 8am on weekdays, at the weekend, and on public holidays. These services provide help when your GP surgery is closed and your condition is too serious to wait until the next day.
If you phone your surgery when it is closed you will get a message explaining how to contact your local out of hours service.
NHS24
Contact NHS24 for health care advice on 08454 24 24 24 (Textphone 18001 08454 24 24 24).
Accident and Emergency
Hospital Accident and Emergency departments only treat accidents and emergencies which are too urgent or serious for a GP to treat. If your condition is urgent you can make your own way there or call for an ambulance using 999. If you’re not sure if you should go to Accident and Emergency, phone NHS 24 for advice.
Social Work Services
For practical help for yourself or your carer, contact the Social Work Department of your local council. The department supports the care provided by families, neighbours, and the community in general. The social work department can assess you for home care, day care, respite care, meals on wheels and any other help you may need.
