Get the right treatment

The NHS provides different services to meet a wide range of patient needs. Choosing the right place to go for NHS treatment will ensure that you get the right care as soon as possible while also allowing A&E staff to look after people with serious or life-threatening conditions.

 

Go to the services search page to find and choose the right local health service for you and read below for some guidance on how to choose well.

NHS Direct

If you have a minor ailment, you can get advice from NHS Direct on a range of common conditions and minor ailments, and you will be directed to another service if appropriate. Choosing to use NHS Direct can give you peace of mind without leaving your home.

 

Pharmacists

If you have a common condition or minor ailment, you can get help from your pharmacist rather than your GP or A&E. Your pharmacist can give you confidential advice and help you decide whether you need to see a doctor, potentially saving yourself having to book an appointment and the time waiting to be seen.

GPs

If you have a non-urgent ailment, you can choose to get help from your GP rather than A&E. Your GP will have access to your health records, which contains important information about you to help improve your care, and they can refer you to a specialist for further treatment if necessary.

 

GP led health centres

 

If you are unable to get an appointment with your regular GP, you can visit your local GP led health centre as an unregistered patient. Opening times are 8:00am to 8:00pm, 365 days a year.

 

Walk-in centres

If you have a minor ailment and aren’t near your GP, you can choose to get help from a walk-in centre rather than using A&E. Walk-in centres are able to offer care for minor ailments and injuries such as cuts, bruises, minor infections, stomach upsets, strains and skin complaints.

You get to see an experienced nurse or doctor without making an appointment and by doing this can get access to a convenient range of treatment, potentially saving yourself a long wait.

 

Please note that most walk-in centres are for those over two years old only.

Minor injury units

If your injury is not serious, you can get help from a minor injuries unit (MIU) rather than going to A&E. Minor injuries units offer assessment and treatment for minor injuries such as sprains and strains, cuts and grazes, bites and broken bones.

By choosing to use an MIU, you could potentially save yourself a long wait.

 

Please note that minor injury unites are for those over two years old only.

A&E

A&E is there to help and save the lives of people who are seriously ill. If you are seriously ill or injured you should call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency.