NHS services are very busy throughout the year, especially during winter months. 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.

Ambulance and A&E

Ambulance services and A&E departments are very busy and need to prioritise life threatening injuries and illnesses.

Please consider an alternative to A&E if your condition is less serious.

Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units

These units equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend emergency departments for, including sprains, minor burns and minor illness, and most are open either weekdays and weekends.

They can also be used when you can’t wait for an appointment with your GP. View your nearest unit and opening times here: Urgent and emergency care – Stay Well 

NHS 111

Contact them online or on the phone, NHS 111 is sometimes the fastest way to get advice on non-life threatening emergencies fast.

NHS 111 is now also offering mental health advice and support. People of all ages, including children, in crisis or concerned loved ones can now call 111.

Select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional. More here: Mental Health – Stay Well

NHS App

The NHS App provides a convenient and secure way to access a variety of NHS services directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Download the NHS App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, or you can access the same services via the NHS website.

With full NHS App access you can:

• order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy of your choice
• book and manage appointments
• view your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines 
• book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations
• register your organ donation decision
• choose how the NHS uses your data
• view your NHS number (find out what your NHS number is)
• use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you

To use the NHS App, you be at least 13 years old, and registered with a GP.

More here: About the NHS App – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Pharmacies

Your pharmacist is an expert in many health conditions and will be happy to give advice. 

Pharmacy First offers treatment for seven common conditions without needing you to get a prescription from your GP first. Find out more here: Pharmacies

Make sure you order prescriptions in advance of any Bank Holidays. You can check opening times and dates here: NHS England — South East » Pharmacy information

GP Practice

Your local GP provides a wide range of health services, including medical advice, vaccinations, examinations and treatment, prescriptions for medicines, and referrals to other health services.  

GP teams can include nurses, physiotherapists, clinical pharmacists, mental health practitioners, paramedics, social prescribing link workers, and health and wellbeing coaches. If you need to see a GP you will always be offered an appointment, but there may be other health professionals who can provide the most appropriate support. Find out more: GP Practice – Stay Well