Your local pharmacy is the place to go to get any prescription medicines and clinical advice for minor health concerns. But they do a lot more than that.
As well as helping with common illnesses – like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains – pharmacy teams can also help with stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, advice on safe sex and emergency contraception.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You don't need an appointment – you can just walk in. Always seek advice from your pharmacists at the first sign of a cough or a cold before it gets more serious.
You should contact your GP if you or a family member has a condition that you or your pharmacist cannot treat. Your GP practice will be able to offer you a range of appointment options, including evening and weekend appointments based across three hubs.
If you have a condition that needs prompt medical help to avoid it deteriorating, but is not life-threatening, then the new and enhanced Urgent Treatment Centre (including walk-in access) and primary care access service is there to help you.
For free and confidential advice and guidance on where to get the right medical help you can contact NHS 111 at any time of day. You can telephone 111 or use your smartphone, laptop or digital device to go online to 111.nhs.uk. The online service is not available for advice for children under 5.
To help you get better more quickly:
GPs don't recommend antibiotics for flu because they won't relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
