Feeling unwell? Here's where you should go in Sussex for the best NHS advice and treatment
TALK TO A PHARMACIST - visit your local pharmacy first when you have a common health problem. Your local chemist can give you advice on illnesses and the medicines you can take to treat them and, if they believe you need to see a doctor, they will tell you so.
CONTACT YOUR GP – accessing your GP is a bit different right now due to coronavirus. But GP practices are still open and here for you if you need them. Call or go online to arrange an appropriate appointment. Face-to-face appointments are available for those who need them.
NHS111 FIRST - if you think you need A&E, just call NHS 111 first. They will talk to you about the help you need and can book you in with the right local service – just call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
URGENT TREATMENT CENTRES – medical help for injuries and illness is available in UTCs across Sussex. Call NHS 111 to find out the most appropriate service. These are at major hospital sites across Sussex. Call NHS 111 first to find out where the most appropriate service is and for a booked time slot if appropriate.
There are two key vaccination programmes underway in Sussex – the flu vaccination and the new COVID-19 vaccination.
Flu – It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. If you are over 65, pregnant, a carer, or someone living with long-term conditions, you are eligible for a free flu jab.
COVID-19 – over new year, if you are contacted to have your COVID-19 vaccine, please do your best to attend the appointment. You will be contacted when it is your turn, so please support our teams and wait for your appointment.
Four important steps that we’d like you to remember over the festive period:
· Please continue to follow the guidance - maintain social distancing, good hand hygiene and wear a mask unless you are exempt
· Use 111 First for urgent help that isn’t a life-threatening emergency
· Please continue to attend all booked appointments, unless you are asked not to
· Get your flu jab and wait for the NHS to contact you when it is your time to get a COVID-19 vaccination