Not sure where to go to get the right care?

NHS Mid and South Essex has shared the following advice on where to go to seek help when you need it.

Visit your pharmacy

Pharmacists are able to give advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help. Most pharmacies provide individual consultation rooms giving you a confidential environment to discuss your medication or condition as necessary. Many pharmacies in Essex also open during evenings and on weekends, and no appointment is necessary.

What can my pharmacist treat as part of the Pharmacy First scheme?

Pharmacy First is a scheme allowing community pharmacists to diagnose and treat seven minor conditions such as sore throats or shingles without patients needing to see a GP.  This is part of the Government’s plan to improve access to primary care.

Under the scheme, your pharmacist can help with the following:

• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)

• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)

• shingles (aged 18 years and over)

• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)

• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)

• urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years

Where is my nearest pharmacy?

You can type your postcode in on the the 'Find a pharmacy' page on the NHS website to find one nearby.

Find your local pharmacy

Visit your GP surgery

Your GP surgery team is made up of a range of healthcare professionals who have the expertise to help you with your specific health needs.

You should check your surgery's website, or call them directly, to check their opening hours this winter.

You can find more about who you might see when visiting your surgery on the Mid and South Essex NHS website.

Who might you see at your GP surgery?

NHS 111

For urgent health concerns, you can contact NHS 111 by phone or online. NHS111 will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms; including your local pharmacy, dentist, GP or A&E if this is necessary.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

• Visit 111.nhs.uk (for people aged 5 and over only) 

• Call 111 
  

If you’re Deaf and want to use the phone service, you can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language service. 

Urgent and emergency care

For life-threatening emergencies visit an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department or call 999. This includes major injuries, chest pains and breathing difficulties, and symptoms of a stroke.  

Still not sure where is best for you?

Visit the Mid and South Essex NHS website for more information.

Where to get the right care