Patients, Visitors & The Public

Get the right NHS treatment

Get convenient, expert, confidential advice and treatment for a wide range of common complaints from your high street pharmacy without having to wait for a GP appointment, or go to A & E.

Feeling unwell? - There are a range of NHS services on your doorstep. Emergency services should be used only in very serious or life-threatening situations.

During winter, more people get ill or are injured than any other times of the year and by choosing well means you will get the best treatment for you this winter.

Self-Care

Is the best choice to treat very minor illness, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

NHS Direct

Offers confidential health advice and information by telephone, on the internet, 24 hours a day. Call 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are found throughout the local area, and offer expert advice on common winter illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them such as painful coughs, headache and diarrhoea, without the need for an appointment.

GP

GPs surgeries can be found locally, and offer expert treatment for people of all ages. Registering is free, and means you can make an appointment with a doctor for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.

If you need to see a doctor urgently outside of opening hours, contact your GP surgery who will then direct you to the out-of-hours service.

To find your nearest GP visit: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

NHS Walk-In-Centre

Urgent Care Centres and Walk-In Centres can treat minor illnesses, cuts and sporting injuries, and offer expert health advice for you and your family. You do not need an appointment, and you will be seen by an experienced nurse or doctor. The Countess of Chester Hospital hospital site has a Walk-In-Centre next to its Emergency Department.

A&E or 999

If you're injured or seriously ill you should go, or be taken to A&E.
The Countess of Chester Hospital's Emergecncy Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to treat serious and life-threatening emergencies. This includes severe breathing difficulties, suspected broken bones and heavy blood loss

To find out what is the right service to use if you are ill or injured, please visit: http://www.northwest.nhs.uk/yournhs/choosewellthiswinter/