By Dr Taz, local GP and Urgent Care Lead
When you’re ill and need help, save yourself anxiety, time and energy by making sure you know which NHS service can help you fast.
There’s never a good time to be ill and knowing where to turn for different health problems can save you time, reduce anxiety, and ensure you get the right care when you need it.
The key is matching your symptoms to the most appropriate service. Think of it as a ladder of care, starting with self-treatment at home and moving up to emergency services when necessary.
For everyday minor illnesses that crop up regularly – like a cough, sore throats, upset stomachs, skin rashes, or headaches – your local pharmacy should be your first stop. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals and can provide consultations and treatment where needed for many minor illnesses, such as urinary tract infections, sinusitis, and sore throats – without you needing a GP appointment. Many pharmacies stay open late and at weekends, making them a convenient option when illness strikes outside normal hours.
If you’re dealing with ongoing health concerns that aren’t emergencies but you need help, your GP practice is the right choice. These could include persistent symptoms, medication queries, or routine health checks. Many surgeries now offer same-day telephone consultations for urgent problems, and practice nurses can handle a wide range of issues from wound care to blood pressure monitoring.
When you’re unsure about what to do, use NHS 111 online or over the phone. This free service is available round the clock and guides you through a series of questions about your symptoms. Based on your answers, you’ll be advised when you; can safely manage at home, need pharmacy advice, should book a GP appointment, or require urgent care.
The Orsett Minor Injuries Unit is available to provide support for a range of minor injuries such as cuts, sprains, burns, and minor fractures.
Some situations may require emergency treatment. Don’t hesitate to call 999 or go straight to A&E if someone has severe chest pain, serious difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, major bleeding that won’t stop, loss of consciousness, or severe allergic reactions. Our A&E departments are there to help for those serious and life-threatening emergencies.
Choosing the right option for your needs helps make sure you get help smoothly and without delay. It also helps other people that could be facing a serious or life-threatening situation.
During winter, this becomes even more important. Cold weather brings increased heart problems, respiratory infections, and accidents from slips and falls. We see a significant spike in demand at our emergency departments, so it’s vital that people with minor illnesses seek help elsewhere.
The good news is that thousands of people across Essex already use this stepped approach to healthcare, and it works brilliantly. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with your local healthcare options. That way, when health problems do arise, you’ll be prepared to get the right care quickly.
Winter health hub