How to get urgent medical help
- NHS 111: Start here for urgent medical advice. NHS 111 can guide you to the right service, whether that’s an out-of-hours GP, an Urgent Care Centre, or advice to help you manage your condition at home. Call them on 111 or check your condition via the 111 website first – unless it’s a life-treatening emergency, in which case you should call 999.
- Pharmacy: For immediate health advice or treatment for minor concerns, your local pharmacy can often provide the fastest help.
- Urgent Care Centres (UCC): For injuries or illnesses that don’t require a hospital visit but can’t wait for a GP appointment, UCCs are an excellent resource. They treat sprains, fractures, wounds, and minor burns.
- Walk-In Centres: Similar to UCCs, Walk-In Centres offer treatment without the need for an appointment. They can handle a variety of conditions from infections to minor injuries.
- GP Surgeries: Some GP practices offer same-day appointments for urgent cases. Call your GP surgery early in the morning for availability.
- Emergency Departments (A&E): For life-threatening emergencies only, go to your nearest hospital’s A&E department or call 999.
- Mental Health Crisis: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact your local NHS urgent mental health helpline available 24/7 or go to A&E for immediate assistance.