Choose Well

http://www.nhs.uk

The NHS offers a wide range of services to help if you are ill or injured. This is a guide to how each service can help you. Choosing the right one will mean you get the best service, and help the NHS do its job well.

Self-care

Hangover. Sore throat. Cough.

A lot of illnesses or symptoms can be treated in your home by using a well stocked medicine cabinet and by getting plenty of rest. Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries.

NHS Direct

Unwell? Unsure? Confused? Need help?

NHS Direct offers confidential health advice and information by telephone and on the internet. Contact NHS Direct if you are ill and have any questions about health. The service can also help you to find health services in your local area, such as GPs and Pharmacists.

0845 4647 http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

*Calls to NHS Direct cost a maximum of 5 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. Your service provider may charge a minimum cost per call. For patients’ safety, calls to NHS Direct are recorded.

Pharmacist (Chemist)

Diarrhoea. Runny nose. Painful cough. Headache.

Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional, and can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them. Most now have a quiet area away from other customers where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately.

James Wood, Pharmacist, Associated Chemists, Wicker says, “Pharmacies can help with a range of common conditions, such as aches and pains, cystitis, cold and flu. Pharmacies are also able to provide additional specialised services such as Emergency Contraception, Chlamydia Testing, Stop Smoking Service, Pregnancy Testing, Travel Advice, Needle and Syringe Exchange Services and Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Testing (Please note, there may be a charge for some of these).

Many pharmacies are open evenings, weekends and bank holidays – you can always see a pharmacist without an appointment.

GP (Doctor)

Vomiting. Ear pain. Stomach ache. Back ache.

You can make an appointment with your GP for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions. Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness or injury that will not go away. GPs also provide an out-of-hours service – just ring your normal GP’s number.

Ted Turner, GP at Shiregreen Medical Centre and member of North Sheffield Consortium for Health says, “GPs spend much of their time managing long term health problems like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions and also patients with cancer or other specific conditions. We provide basic family health services and can advise on self-care of minor ailments. Contact your GP when your condition is not responding to simple treatments or if you feel you need some advice about a long term health problem.

Many surgeries offer a wide range of additional services like smoking cessation, smears, travel vaccinations, weight management and counselling.”

NHS Walk-in services

Cuts. Strains. Rashes. Sprains.

Walk-in services treat minor illnesses and injuries that do not need a visit to A&E.

Sheffield’s walk-in services are open 8am – 8pm, 365 days a year. You do not need an appointment and will be seen by an experienced nurse or doctor.

Sheffield City GP Health Centre, Rockingham House, Broad Lane, (please use S1 4BT with your sat nav)

Sheffield NHS Walk-in centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital (Nurse led)

Sheffield NHS Minor Injuries Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital (Adults only).

Mary Wren, Lead GP at the Walk-In Centre, on Broad Lane, says: “Patients from anywhere can walk in and be seen by a doctor or a nurse, even if they are registered at another practice. Patients find us very useful for acute illnesses such as flu, tonsillitis, musculoskeletal pains, bites, burns etc – any new problem that you would normally consult your own practice about. We can also give advice on minor injuries such as sprains, grazes and minor cuts or anything non-life threatening"

A&E or 999

Choking. Chest pain. Severe bleeding. Blacking out.

Accident and Emergency (A&E) provide immediate emergency care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. If you call 999 and say there is a medical emergency, a response vehicle may be sent to your location. Emergency services are very busy. They should only be used in very serious or life-threatening situations.

Going to A&E with minor injuries or illnesses puts additional pressure on the NHS and means staff cannot look after the people with urgent medical conditions who really need them.

Adults A&E is at the Northern General Hospital

Children’s A&E is at Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Sponsored by North Sheffield Consortium for Health