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Your choices in the NHS

1 Min Read

Did you know that in many cases you have the legal right to choose where you have your NHS treatment? The NHS is offering more and more options to enable you to make choices that best suit your circumstances, giving you greater control of your care, and hopefully better results.

You can view what choices are currently available to NHS patients in the NHS Choice Framework. Here you'll also find information about when you cannot choose – for example, if you need emergency care or you're a member of the armed forces. Make sure you know which options apply to you.

It's your Patient Choice.

Find out more at Your choices in the NHS - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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Consider the range of services available to you and use the NHS responsibly.

Care at home

Be prepared to care for yourself with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

cough or cold
upset stomach
pain or headache
cuts and grazes
sore throat (but if for two weeks or more contact your GP)

For health advice, visit nhs.uk.

Pharmacy

Your local Pharmacist is a trained medicine expert who can dispense and advise you on the safe use of prescription, repeat prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Most pharmacies are open until late and at weekends, and they all have a private area where you can talk to a Pharmacist in confidence. You don’t need to book an appointment to see a Pharmacist.

Ask for advice on ailments, medicines and healthier living
Queries about medication, dosage, type or suitability plus urgent requests or if related to hospital discharge
repeat prescription
sore eyes (but if persists go to optician)
runny nose
diarrhoea
bite or sting

GP Surgery

GPs deal with a whole range of health problems including:

Conditions that can't be treated with over the counter medication or advice from a Pharmacist
Coughs lasting more than three weeks
New moles appearing or existing moles changing shape, size or colour

They also provide health education, offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations. A range of health care professionals work at GP practices, including GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, practice managers, receptionists and other staff. Practices also work closely with health visitors, midwives, mental health services and social care services. If the health professional you see cannot deal with a problem, then you’ll usually be referred to a hospital for tests, treatment, or to see a consultant with specialist knowledge.

NHS 111

NHS 111 is there for you when you have a healthcare need that is not life threatening. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you think you need to go to hospital
If you don’t know the most suitable place to go or call
If you don’t have a GP to call or if your GP practice is closed
If you need advice or reassurance about what to do

Available 24 hours a day, every day. Click here for NHS 111 online.

Urgent Treatment Centre

If you have a non-life-threatening illness or injury, there are lots of ways you can access advice and care without going to an Emergency Department. This allows emergency staff to concentrate on people with serious, life-threatening conditions and will save you a potentially long wait. Visit for same day, urgent, minor injuries or illness when your GP practice is unavailable, such as such as sprains and suspected broken bones

fractures and lacerations
insect and animal bites
stitches (sutures)
dressing care
minor cuts and bruises
minor burns and strains

Accident & Emergency

Emergency department or call 999. Only for very serious or life-threatening situations. If you are unsure, call NHS 111.

Click here to find out when to call 999.