Pointing you in the right direction
In order to provide the best healthcare possible, NHS services are available in many different ways. You can choose from a range of healthcare options to ensure that you always get the right treatment for your needs.
Self help
A well stocked medicine cabinet will help you treat many everyday illnesses and minor ailments at home. For example, a small supply of paracetamol or ibuprofen and other remedies will help you treat common ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats, indigestion, toothache, headaches and constipation. If you have children, don’t forget to include appropriate medicines for them. If your symptoms persist or worsen you should call NHS 111 or your GP practice.
Ask your pharmacist
Pharmacists (chemists) are experts on medicines and how they work. They can also offer advice on common complaints such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and other health issues, such as healthy eating and giving up smoking. They can help you decide whether you need to see a doctor. You can talk to your pharmacists in confidence – even about the most personal symptoms and you don’t need to make an appointment.
Minor ailments scheme
Why wait to see your doctor? Minor ailments are conditions that can be self-treated with medicine available over the counter from your pharmacy.
The minor ailment scheme allows you easier access to the same advice, treatment and medicines from your pharmacist as you would get from your GP, without having to wait for a GP appointment. You can also get your medicines free if you are normally exempt from paying prescription charges!
NHS 111
You can call NHS 111 for confidential health advice and information 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, this is a free phone service. The lines are staffed by nurses and professional advisors. NHS 111 has become a first point of contact for patients seeking medical help outside normal surgery hours. NHS 111 can offer you information on:
- What to do if you or a family member feels ill
- Particular health conditions
- Local health services (such as doctors, dentists or out-of-hours pharmacies)
- Self-help or support organisations
For patient safety, all calls are recorded. For deaf people or those hard of hearing there is a textphone service available on 0845 606 46 47. For those whose preferred language is not English, there is the choice of a confidential translation service. NHS Direct is also available on Freeview channel 108 and Sky Digital Interactive. Visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for further information.
Urgent out-of-hours GP care
If you are in need of urgent care when your GP practice is closed, please contact NHS111 who will transfer you to,the out of hours GP provider Care UK:
Tel: 111
NHS Urgent Care/Walk-in Centres
There is a local Urgent Care centre based on the George Eliot site next to A&E. The nearest Walk-In-Centre based at Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry, CV1 4FS.
They offer fast and convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. They are open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week. They are run by experienced NHS Doctors/Nurses and you don’t need to make an appointment.
When to go to Accident and Emergency (A&E)
An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy blood loss
- Suspected broken bones
- Persistent chest pain for 15 minutes or more
- Difficulty breathing
- Overdose, ingestion or poisoning
Remember to keep calm, do everything you can to help the person, but don’t put yourself in danger and don’t give the person anything to eat, drink or smoke.
You should get medical attention by either taking the patient to the nearest A&E department or by phoning 999 for an emergency ambulance. A&E departments are open 24 hours a day.
Unless you need emergency medical attention avoid local A&E departments. Doctors and nurses there are equipped to deal with serious cases of injury and illness, not routine and minor ailments. Calling an ambulance won’t necessarily mean you are seen any quicker at A&E as the most serious cases are prioritised.
Local A&E units:
George Eliot Hospital,College Street,CV10 7DJ,
Tel No: 024 76351351
University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire ,Clifford Bridge Road,CV2 2DX
Tel No: 024 76964000