Choosing well for help and advice
Where you should go for help and advice
Choosing well for help and advice ensures you receive the right care at the right time and that emergency medical care is available to those people who need it the most.
Our Emergency Department can become very busy, and may be further impacted by strike action by junior doctors from 20 to 23 December, and from 3 to 9 January.
See our full guide on Choose the right care to best suit your needs and to receive the right care.
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you need urgent medical help and are not sure what to do. You can also ring 111 to get straight through to mental health advice.
Your local pharmacy may be able to help – they can help with a range of minor health issues including colds, skin problems and earaches. Every area has a late opening pharmacy and most have consulting rooms where you can ask for advice in private. Go to the NHS website to find your nearest open pharmacist.
Contact your GP practice or visit their website to get help. GP practices can arrange for you to speak to or see a GP or another healthcare professional. If you need help outside of normal hours, check your practice website for extended or enhanced access.
Regardless of industrial action, please continue to seek urgent medical care if someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
Call 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continue to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.