The NHS wants you to stay healthy and well this winter and understands your time is precious.

There are many other ways you can get medical advice and care without needing to spend time in a waiting room.

Help us help you by accessing the right care in the right place.

NHS 111

Help at your fingertips

If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, get help using the NHS 111 service.

Pharmacy

Get expert advice

Get the advice and help you need, when you need it, without the wait.

Your GP practice

Get help in a variety of ways

We now have a variety of appointment types from our team of health experts.

Self-care

Help yourself to stay well

Taking steps to look after your wellbeing can prevent you from getting ill.

NHS 111

Get help at the touch of a button by using the NHS 111 service.

If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, please visit 111 online

The website is quick and easy to use. You will be asked information about your medical problem and then advised on what to do next.

111 online can tell you:

  • where to get help for your symptoms
  • how to find general health information and advice
  • where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
  • and how to get a repeat prescription.

You can also access NHS 111 via telephone. Simply dial ‘111’ and follow the instructions to speak to someone who will be there to help and advise.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacy can provide the advice and help you need, when you need it, without the wait.

Your local pharmacy can provide medication for many illnesses, as well as expert help and advice, when you need it – usually in a private consulting room, and often, without a wait.

You can visit your local pharmacist for treatment advice relating to health problems such as:

  • Sore throats
  • colds and flu
  • aches and pains
  • skin rashes
  • cystitis
  • tummy ache
  • teething
  • red or sore eyes
  • earache.

Some pharmacies can also advise about sexual health, stop smoking services, weight management, blood pressure and asthma.

Find out more about how pharmacies can help you stay well on the NHS website

Your GP Practice

We now have a variety of appointment types from our team of health experts.

A variety of appointment types:

GP practices are working in new ways, offering a variety of appointment types.

You can now speak to a GP from the comfort of your own home by telephone or video appointment.

You can also request online consultations or book appointments online (through the NHS app or your GP practice website) without having to phone the practice.

Telephone, video and online appointments mean you do not have to spend time travelling to a GP practice and sitting in busy waiting rooms.

Face-to-face appointments are still available for those who require them.

A team of health experts here to help:

GP practices are here to ensure you are cared for by the right person as soon as possible. Your practice may have a team of different healthcare professionals who can support your health needs.

Most practices offer telephone, video consultations and appointments with GPs and other healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, pharmacists, mental health specialists and nurses, who may be able to help you quicker.

Find out more about how GP services can help you stay well on the NHS website.

Self care

Taking steps to look after your wellbeing can prevent you from getting ill.

Please look after yourself and your loved ones by:

  • Eating well – eating a well-balanced diet, full of lots of fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of fluids can help you stay in good health.
  • Keeping active – exercise is vital to staying well and healthy. There are many ways in which you can exercise to fit your lifestyle. Visit the NHS website or the Better Health website for more information.
  • Stocking up your medicine cabinet on self-care essentials (you can get these at your local pharmacy). Having a full range of remedies such as pain killers, antihistamines and a first aid kit can help treat minor conditions at home.
  • Getting your COVID vaccine – reduce your risk of serious COVID-19 by getting fully protected against the virus.

Live in Telford and Wrekin? Find out more about Live Well Telford.

Live in Shropshire? Find out more about Five Ways to Winter Wellness.

Page last updated 3 February 2022