Services to complement GP services

NHS Direct and NHS Direct Online

NHS Direct – 0845 46 47 - is a confidential national 24-hour telephone advice and health information service staffed by nurses and professional advisers.

• you can call NHS Direct for advice on what to do if you or a family member feels ill. You will be transferred to a nurse, who will ask you a series of questions. Then using their skills, experience and a comprehensive computer system, they will advise you on the most appropriate course of action. You may be able to treat yourself at home following a visit to the pharmacist. If the problem is more serious, you may need to see your GP or go to hospital. If your problem is very serious, NHS Direct can connect you to the ambulance service.
• NHS Direct can give details of local GP practices, NHS dentists, emergency dental services, walk-in centres, opticians and pharmacies including late opening pharmacies. They can tell you which PCT or SHA covers your area.

NHS Direct provides information on particular health conditions; self-help or support groups.

If English is not your language of choice, they offer a confidential translation service. Call 0845 46 47 and say the English word for the language you would prefer to use. You will then be connected to an interpreter who will help NHS Direct staff give you the help or information you need. Alternatively ask a friend to make the call. The friend can pass the phone to you when the interpreter is on the line.

A 24-hour textphone service is offered on 0845 606 46 47. The same service – advice if you are feeling unwell or information on a medical condition or support group – is available by textphone.

There is also an online service www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. The on-line service allows you to look for information on a wide range of health conditions, treatments and operations. It also provides information on healthy living and gives links to other web sites you may find helpful. A specialist section looks in depth at a range of topics including diabetes, stroke and breast cancer. There is also a self-help guide to treating common illnesses at home.

NHS Walk-in centres

There are currently over 40 centres open 7 days a week from early morning until late evening. They are designed to provide fast and convenient access to help if you are feeling unwell. They are often located in the centre of town or grounds of a hospital. A mixture of nurse practitioners and nurses provide a range of services to treat minor illnesses and also minor injuries – cuts, grazes or strains. They can also offer health information and advice. Call NHS Direct to see if there is one near you.

NHS Minor injuries treatment centres

These are also open 7 days a week and treat minor injuries. Call NHS Direct to see if there is one near you.

Community pharmacists

Pharmacists are qualified to give advice on common complaints such as sore throats, colds, flu and aches and pains. Based on your symptoms, they can assess whether a visit to a doctor is advisable. A pharmacist can also answer questions about prescription or ‘over-the-counter’ medication you are taking. They can also advise on suitable over-the-counter medicines for minor conditions.