Do you have an issue but you’re not sure where is the best place to be treated or seek advice? Follow the information below to find out which service is the best one for you.
Self-Care:
With a well-stocked medicine cupboard, you can treat a lot of minor ailments yourself without even needing to leave your home!
Here’s a handy list of items you should have in your medicine cupboard:
- A first-aid kit including bandages, plasters, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings, medical tape and tweezers.
- Pain relief such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen for aches, pains and fever.
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets, constipation relief, and oral rehydration salts to replace lost minerals and fluid after a fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Antihistamines which can help with allergies
- Indigestion relief remedies
Remember:
- Regularly check expiration dates to check they are still in date before use
- Always be safe with what you are taking. If you are unsure, you can check the information leaflet included or speak to your local pharmacy team for advice.
You can also find advice on treating minor illness and injury and when you should seek advice by visiting the NHS website and entering the name of the issue you are having.
Visiting your Pharmacy
Your local pharmacy should almost always be your first point of call. As qualified health professionals they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor ailments such as coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains. If symptoms suggest it is something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.
All pharmacists train for five years in the use of medicines and they are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends, and you do not need an appointment. Click here to find a pharmacy.
If you need information about ordering your repeat prescriptions click here.
Single Point of Access/GP Out of Hours
If it’s not an emergency but you need medical help fast, call the North East Lincolnshire Single Point of Access (SPA) on 01472 256 256.
SPA offers confidential advice and information over the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are ill and have any questions about your physical or mental health or if you need to see a GP during the evening, night time or weekends then ring 01472 256 256 and choose from the below options:
- Health
- Adult Social Care
- Mental Health
You will get through to a team of trained call advisers, who are supported by experienced clinicians. They will ask some questions to assess your symptoms and give you the advice you need or direct you to the right local service.
If they think you need an ambulance, they will send one immediately, just as if you had originally dialled 999.
You can go to an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) if you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not a life-threatening situation. UTC’s are open at least 12 hours a day, every day to treat conditions such as:
- Sprains and strains
- Suspected broken limbs
- Minor head injuries
- Minor scalds and burns
- Persistent high temperatures in children and adults
If you are not sure what to do, you can contact your GP Out of Hours on 01472 256 256 or call NHS 111. They will ask you questions about your symptoms so you get the help you need.
Pilgrim Primary Care Centre in Immingham offers a walk-in Minor Injuries Unit which is manned by Nurse Practitioners, providing an emergency minor injury/illness service to the local area. This service is open on weekdays from 9:00am-4:30pm.
Emergency Department (Otherwise known as Accident and Emergency) or 999
If you live or work in North East Lincolnshire, your local Emergency Departments are Grimsby and Scunthorpe.
You should only call 999 or visit the emergency department in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. An emergency department should only be used in genuine life-threatening emergencies, such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- A sudden confused state
- Fits that are not stopping
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe burns or scalds
- Stroke
- Major trauma such as a road traffic collision