Choosing the Right Service

Caring for yourself at home is often the best way to treat minor illnesses and injuries.

A large range of illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply with rest and over-the-counter medicines. So remember to stock up your medicine cupboards.

Self-care examples include: minor cuts & grazes; minor bruises; minor sprains; coughs and colds; sore throat; aches and pains With a little rest and basic care, most minor problems will improve on their own.

Pharmacists can offer clinical advice, dispense prescriptions, and treat a range of common symptoms, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary trips to your GP or Accident and Emergency (A&E).

You don’t need an appointment and most pharmacies have private consulting areas. If you need further help the pharmacist will guide you to a GP or other healthcare professional.

Pharmacy examples include: minor illnesses; headaches; stomach upsets/diarrhoea; bites & stings; painful coughs; sticky eyes; teething; rashes; allergies; cold and flu symptoms.

You can also buy medicines for minor illnesses or first-aid supplies in a pharmacy or supermarket - to find your nearest pharmacy visit: nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

GPs and their teams are experts in general health issues and can help with a wide range of physical and mental health problems and concerns.

Everyone has the right to register with a GP and you do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number. To register for free visit:
nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery

A GP can give medical advice, provide a diagnosis, and prescribe medicines through telephone, online, or in-person appointments depending upon your health concern. They also coordinate and manage long term healthcare needs and can refer you to more specialised hospital services if required.

GP examples include: persistent symptoms (that aren’t going away following self-care or pharmacy support); arthritis; asthma; back pain; vomiting; chronic pain; long term conditions; new prescriptions.

Websites and contact details for GP Surgeries in the North Cumbria area can be found here. 

If you need medical help quickly but it’s not an emergency contact NHS 111.

NHS111 offers free health advice and guidance, including what to do next for your symptoms.

This service is open 24/7 and can be contacted for by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk.

When calling you can ask for an interpreter in your language by saying “interpreter please”.

NHS 111 examples include: feeling unwell; feeling unsure; feeling anxious; in need of advice and guidance for non-life threatening emergencies quickly.

If you need urgent medical advice, you can go directly to an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) without an appointment. These centres are usually led by nurses and open during daytime hours. They provide non-urgent services for a range of conditions.

UTC examples include: small fractures and sprains; X-Rays; deep cuts & grazes; fevers & rashes; minor burns; skin infections...

Urgent Treatment Centre locations in North Cumbria:

• Penrith Community Hospital, CA11 8HX - open 8am until 10pm
• Keswick Community Hospital, CA12 5PH - open 8.30am until 6pm

Emergency care hub and live waiting times available here
from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

To find a dentist go to: nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

Dental care is not normally free in England. However, Asylum Seekers who are financially supported by the Home Office will be given a HC2 certificate to get full help with emergency dental care health costs. Anyone can apply for this support - for more advice and information on how to apply go to: gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide

For urgent dental care you should call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk Dental treatment examples include: tooth pain, bleeding gums...

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call NHS 111 and select Option 2 to reach the Mental Health NHS Crisis Line for help and support- this service is free and operates 24/7.

If you have seriously harmed yourself or are in immediate danger call 999 or go straight to A&E.

If you are thinking about suicide, self-harm, or need emotional support call the 24/7 Samaritans Helpline on 116 123.

If you are finding it difficult to cope, feel low, anxious or stressed, worried or struggling to sleep properly you can contact Cumbria’s Psychological Wellbeing Services on 0300 123 9122
There is also a North Cumbria Asylum Seeker Service (NCASS) to provide support - information regarding NCASS can be found at:
penrithandedenrefugeenetwork.org/north-cumbria-asylum-seeker-service-ncass

If you need emergency medical help for serious or life threatening situations like serious road traffic accidents, strokes, heart attacks, and serious blood loss, call 999 or go to A&E.

• A&E (Accident & Emergency) departments are intended for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies.
• 999 is designated for life-threatening emergencies such as serious road traffic accidents, strokes, and heart attacks. ​

Emergency care hub and live waiting times for A&E available here
from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

For further information visit:
nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999