Got a health worry? Get it sorted now

If you’re feeling unwell or have noticed a health issue, don’t wait for it to get worse before you seek help. The NHS wants to see you and help you get the care you need.

For more minor problems, going to nhs.uk will help you find your best next step. If it’s more urgent, go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111 (see below).

You can also visit a pharmacy. The highly trained teams who work in pharmacies can provide reassurance, treat common illnesses and give healthcare advice. Its services are free, and many are open late and at weekends.

Pharmacy teams can give advice on minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach aches. They also know if you need to be referred to your GP practice – and can even help you get an appointment.

It’s good to know which service you need and how to access it.

NHS 111 ONLINE

If you have an urgent but not lifethreatening medical problem, NHS 111 online can help. Access it online at 111.nhs.uk or via a link on the NHS app. Depending on the situation, the service will refer you to a local service that can assist you: connect you to a nurse, pharmacist or doctor; tell you how to get any medicine you need; provide self-care advice or, if severe, ask you to head to in-person urgent care such as A&E.

PHARMACY

A pharmacist can give advice on aches, pains, coughs and colds as well as checking symptoms and providing services such as blood pressure tests. There’s no appointment needed, so if you’re feeling under the weather, don’t wait for it to get worse – walk in.

GP PRACTICE

When you contact your surgery, the receptionist team will assess you and ensure you get help from the right medical professional. Most surgeries have a team of other health professionals, including nurses and physios, to ensure you get the right care quickly.

“A lot of health issues are seasonal, so we might see coughs and colds through the winter, and hayfeverrelated issues in the spring or summer. Otherwise, the things we deal with could be anything from sportsrelated injuries to diarrhoea, dental problems, earache and issues with eyesight. It’s so varied, and could relate to anything from head to toe.

“Patients are often unaware of the services you can get from a pharmacy. That’s why we are keen to educate people about the whole healthcare system. Pharmacists have regular contact with patients and, in a way, we are a jack of all trades. We deal with so many issues that we know when we need to direct someone to, say, a doctor or an optician, or when we can deal with it ourselves.

“Patients often go to their GP initially, but in many cases their issue could be dealt with by a pharmacist. There’s no need to make an appointment.

“It’s quick, easy and accessible and we will be

community pharmacies in England