Getting the right treatment - finding services
Self-care
Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter. Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.
Your Local Pharmacist
Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription.
NHS Direct
NHS Direct is a 24-hour confidential telephone service. You can ring for nurse advice if you are feeling ill and are unsure what to do, or for health information on particular conditions such as diabetes and allergies. NHS Direct can also tell you where to find your nearest GP, pharmacist, dentist or support group. You can call NHS Direct at any time day or night on 0845 4647. For deaf people and those hard of hearing, a textphone service is available on 0845 606 4647. If English is not your preferred language, you can choose to use a confidential translation service.
You might find it useful it vist the NHS Direct online website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for health advice and information for you and your family. There is a self help guide to treating common health problems at home, an encyclopaedia covering hundreds of illnesses and conditions, and a directory of local health services such as doctors, pharmacists and dentists.
NHS Choices Website
NHS Choices is a comprehensive information service that helps to put you in control of your healthcare. The service is intended to help you make choices about your health, from lifestyle decisions about things like smoking, drinking and exercise, through to the practical aspects of finding and using NHS services in England when you need them. Visit www.nhs.uk for more information on making the most of your health.
NHS walk-in centres
NHS walk-in centres (WiCs), offer convenient access to a range of NHS services. Today WiCs are managed by primary care trusts (PCTs).There are around 93 NHS WiCs available in England, dealing with minor illnesses and injuries. This includes:
- infection and rashes,
- fractures and lacerations,
- emergency contraception and advice,
- stomach upsets,
- cuts and bruises, or
- burns and strains.
NHS WiCs are predominantly nurse-led first-contact services available to everyone without making an appointment or requiring patients to register. Most centres are open 365 days a year and are situated in convenient locations that give patients access to services even beyond regular office hours. You should be aware that some newly opened centres may offer different opening hours during their first few months.
NHS WiCs treat around 3m patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some NHS WiCs offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.NHS Walk-in Centres provide fast and convenient NHS Treatment. You can see an experienced nurse for advice, assessment and treatment for minor ailments and injuries such as cuts, bruises, minor infections, strains, sprains and skin complaints.
Local NHS WiCs:
NHS Walk In Centre, Newcastle, Byker
Molineux Street Medical Centre,
Molineux Street,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
Tyne and Wear,
NE6 1SG
Telephone: 0191 275 5863
Information - Open times: 365 days, 08:00-22:00. Age group restrictions: Will not treat children under the age of 2 years. Service restrictions: Pregnant women will not be seen for pregnancy related conditions.
Newcastle (Westgate) NHS Walk in Centre
- Newcastle General Hospital,
Westgate Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE4 6BE- Telephone: 0191 256 3163
- Information - Newcastle Westgate NHS Walk-In Centre is located next to the A&E and minor injuries services at Newcastle General Hospital. Open 8.00am to 9.00pm seven days a week.
- Telephone: 0191 256 3163
Care UK Walk In Centre Newcastle
Unit 5,
The Bar,
St. James Gate,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
Tyne and Wear,
NE1 4BH
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:
- loss of consciousness,
- pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,
- acute confused state,
- persistent, severe chest pain, or
- breathing difficulties.
If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in England. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.
Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.
Once you're at an A&E department, a doctor or nurse will assess your condition and decide on further action. You may have to wait a short while before you are seen. There is an operational standard in place for A&E services, where 98% of people attending A&E should be seen, diagnosed and treated within four hours of arrival, to help ensure that the care is timely.
In addition to major A&E departments there are a range of other services available such as walk-in centres and minor injury units. They can provide timely care for patients without an appointment. They deal with a range of minor injuries and illnesses.