Choose the right NHS service

Did you know that your GP and A&E are not the only sources of treatment when you are ill or injured? The following can all provide expert treatment, support or advice:

• Accident and emergency (A&E)
• NHS Direct
• Your local pharmacy
• GP surgery
• Out-of-hours services
• Out-of-hours dental services
• Walk-in/urgent care centres

Choosing the right NHS service will help you to get the best treatment for your needs and ensure that those who are seriously ill or injured can access emergency services quickly.

Accident and Emergency (A&E)

Accident and emergency (A&E) departments treat people with critical or life-threatening problems like head injuries, suspected heart attacks and serious illnesses or injuries. This includes severe breathing difficulties, suspected broken bones and heavy blood loss.

Local A&E departments can be found at Selly Oak Hospital, City Hospital, Heartlands Hospital and Good Hope Hospital. If you are unsure whether an illness or a very minor injury needs to be dealt with at A&E call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 and ask for advice.

999 – Save A&E for life-threatening conditions and emergencies

For symptoms of serious illnesses, and major accidents, choose A&E or 999

• Choking
• Chest pain
• Blacking out
• Blood loss

999 calls and Accident and Emergency (A&E) services are for serious health care problems and should not be used in place of other services. Using them responsibly will ensure they are able to respond quickly to those who are most in need of their help.

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NHS Direct

If you’re feeling unwell, you can get expert help online at www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Your local pharmacy

Your local pharmacist (chemist) is an expert on medicines and how they work. They can answer any questions about choosing and using the right medicine. Your pharmacist can also provide easy to understand advice on treating everyday ailments and even help you decide if you need to see a doctor. You’ll find a fully trained health professional at your local pharmacy who will be able to provide quality healthcare advice on the spot.

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GP surgery

Your local GP surgery provides a range of services, including general medical advice and treatment, prescriptions, referral to a specialist or hospital and injections and tests. You don’t always need to see the doctor – you may be able to see a practice nurse or another member of the team.

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Out-of-hours services

The out-of-hours service is available when your GP surgery is closed and is only for urgent health problems that can’t wait until your surgery re-opens. The service operates at night, over the weekend and on bank holidays. It is not designed for the request or collection of repeat prescriptions, your GP surgery will handle these.

Out-of-hours dental services

If you have a dental problem in the evening, weekend or bank holiday, please call 0845 603 1435. You must be a Birmingham resident to call this service. If not, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, or visit NHS Choices.

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Walk-in/urgent care centres

NHS walk-in centres (also known as urgent care centres) provide fast and convenient NHS treatment. You can see an experienced nurse for advice, assessment and treatment for minor ailments and injuries such as cuts, bruises, minor infections, strains, sprains and skin complaints. Urgent care centres are available at Warren Farm and Washwood Heath in east and north Birmingham.

There is also a walk-in centre in Birmingham city centre.

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Appointments – keep them or cancel them

Every year more than one million people fail to attend their hospital appointment and even for the average GP practice over one hundred patients a month don’t turn up. If you are unable to attend your GP, dental or hospital appointment please ring to cancel as this appointment could be offered to someone else.

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