Your quick guide to local health services Liverpool
Use this handy guide on where to get the right advice or treatment when you need it. If you’re feeling unwell, don’t put off getting help.
GP practices are open and here to help: • When you contact your practice, a care navigator will ask you some questions. This is confidential and will help them to direct you to the right care. GP services
You may be offered a telephone or video appointment, a quick and safe way to deal with many minor health problems. • Face-to-face appointments are available for patients who need to be seen in person. • You’ll be treated by the best member of the healthcare team to meet your needs.
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This won’t always be a GP, it could be a nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist.
It’s a fast and convenient way to access GP services – simply fill out a form for help and advice for non-urgent problems. You can also use it to request things like fit notes and repeat prescriptions Have you tried online consultation? Check your practice website for details.
Pharmacists are trained health professionals who provide advice on medications for treating a wide range of minor illnesses, no appointment needed. Many are open from early until late, and over weekends. Find your nearest pharmacy at: Try a pharmacy www.nhs.uk /find-a-pharmacy
NHS Walk-In Centres can provide consultations, advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, no appointment needed, just walk in. They are open from early to late, and on weekends and bank holidays. Find your nearest Walk-In Centre at: Walk-In Centres www.merseycare.nhs.uk/ walkincentres
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has an online symptom checker to help parents and carers understand common symptoms in children, and when to seek further help. Go to www.alderhey.nhs.uk to try it out. Children’s symptom checker
Did you know that you can access some treatments straight from a pharmacy, without a GP prescription? If you don’t pay for your prescriptions, medicines supplied under Care at the Chemist are free. Care at the Chemist For more information, ask at your local pharmacy.
NHS 111
When you need urgent medical help but it’s not a life threatening situation, think NHS 111 first. Their team of trained clinicians and advisors are always on hand to offer health advice, or direct you to the right local health service if you’re not sure where to go.
They can also arrange appointments with an Out of Hours GP or A&E for those who need one too. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk at any time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to know where to go: Mental health support • Mersey Care offers a 24/7 mental health crisis helpline for adults on 0800 145 6570 (freephone).
For advice on looking after your mental health, visit: www.merseycare. nhs.uk If you’re feeling mentally unwell but don’t require urgent help, seek advice from your GP. • If you are a child or young person in crisis, or a parent or carer, call Alder Hey’s helpline on 0151 293 3577 (or 0808 196 3550 freephone) at any time.
A free and simple way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet, at a time that suits you. You can use it to do things like: • Find your NHS number • Order repeat prescriptions • Get the NHS COVID Passport (proof of vaccination) NHS App Go to: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app or search for ‘NHS app’ in your app store now.
Whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight, eat well, cut down the booze, sleep better or feel happier, the NHS offer lots of advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing. Live Well Go to: www.nhs.uk/live-well
Don’t forget there are lots of common illnesses that you can manage yourself at home. A well-stocked medicine cabinet should include: • Paracetamol, ibuprofen • Anti-histamines • Anti-diarrhoea medicine • Oral rehydration salts • Indigestion treatment • First aid kit including plasters, bandages, and a thermometer. Medicine cabinet
Getting vaccinated is the single, most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your children against ill health. Help us to help you • Get your annual winter flu jab, your GP practice will invite you if you’re eligible. • Keep up to date with childhood immunisations, speak to your GP practice if you think your child may have missed one.
Vaccines
diseases
• Check eligibility and book a COVID-19 vaccine or booster at www.nhs.uk/ covidvaccine or by calling 119. Did you know?
were first used in the UK in the 1700s, and have helped prevent
like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill millions of people.
If you need this information in a different format or language email: communications@ liverpoolccg.nhs.uk Do you need support to communicate? All NHS services must provide free interpreters to help you, please ask. Do all you can to keep yourself well this winter.
