Often people go to A&E or call 999 when they should seek help elsewhere. The NHS Choose Well campaign wants to help you make the right decision on where to go when you're ill or worried about a loved one.
Hangover. Grazed Knee. Sore Throat. Cough.
Self care
A lot of illnesses or symptoms can be treated in your home by making use of a well stocked medicine cabinet and by getting plenty of rest.
Self care at home is usually the best option for common complaints such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets. Check your symptoms online and receive self care advice to look after yourself with confidence.
Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.
Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.
Unwell. Unsure. Confused. Need Help.
NHS 111
You should call the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation. Access this service by simply ringing 111. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you access local urgent health services. To access the NHS 111 service text-phone, call 18000 111. NHS 111 is also available online here.
Diarrhoea. Runny nose. Painful Cough. Headache.
Pharmacist
Pharmacies can be found locally across Doncaster. Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional who can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them. Most pharmacies also have a quiet area for consultation if you need to speak to the pharmacist in private.
Your pharmacist may be able to help with:
- skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
- coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat
- minor cuts and bruises
- constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
- hay fever and allergies
- aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and backache
- indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms
- period pain and thrush
- warts and verruca's, mouth ulcers and cold sores
- athlete's foot
- nappy rash and teething
Vomiting. Ear ache. Stomach ache. Backache.
GP
GP surgeries can be found locally across Doncaster and are usually open from 8am to 6pm. An out-of-hours service operates when your surgery is closed and can be contacted on 0845 122 2120. Alternatively visit the Doncaster Same Day Health Centre. For treatment of minor illness and injury by appointment only. Based at Cavendish Court, South Parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DJ. Ring 01302 123 3103. Open year-round, 8am to 8pm. All appointments are seen within 24 hours of booking.
Cuts. Sprains. Strains. Rashes.
Minor Injuries
Minor injuries units can assess and treat: minor burns, scalds, infected wounds, sprains, cuts, grazes and possible broken bones. Montagu Hospital, Mexborough, Minor Injuries Unit: Adwick Road, Mexborough, S64 0AZ. Open 9am to 9pm every day (except Christmas). 01709 585171. Goole and District Minor Injuries Unit: Woodlands Avenue, Goole, DN14 6RX. Open 24 hours a day. 01405 720720. The New Selby Memorial Hospital Minor Injuries Unit: Doncaster Road, Selby, YO8 9BX. Open 7.30am to 9pm every day. 01904 724300.
Choking. Chest Pain. Severe Bleeding. Blacking out.
A & E or 999
Hospital emergency departments and 999 calls provide immediate and urgent care for people who show symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. Only use this service in the case of an emergency. Accident and Emergency at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Thorne Road, Doncaster, DN2 5LT. Call 999.