As the colder months approach, it is important to know where to go if you need medical support.
The Get the Right Care campaign is here to help people in mid and south Essex make the best choices for their healthcare needs.
- Use your local pharmacy for minor illnesses like sore throats and colds. They can offer advice and over-the-counter treatments without an appointment. They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First).
- Call NHS 111 or use 111 online for urgent medical advice. NHS 111 can direct you to the right service and even book appointments if necessary.
- Download the NHS app to manage your health from your phone—book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and access your health records.
- GP surgeries now offer a wider range of professionals: nurses, clinical pharmacists, and physiotherapists can help with a variety of health concerns. Different professionals working in a general practice bring extra skills and experience that registered patients can benefit from, meaning faster access to the right care in the community.
- Know when to use urgent or emergency care: Urgent care is for things like minor injuries or infections, while emergency care (A&E) should be used for life-threatening conditions such as severe chest pain or serious injuries.
Make sure you’re prepared this winter by knowing where to get the right care. For more information, visit Winter Health Hub