Finding the health service you need

Pharmacists are trained to give medical advice and help you treat many common conditions, such as sore throats, insect bites, urinary tract infections and ear ache.

If they are unable to help you, they can tell you where to go next, for example to a GP or another health professional.

Most pharmacies are open late and on weekends.

If you are collecting a prescription, you might have to wait 10-20 minutes. Some may ask you to come back later to collect the medicine when it is ready.

Find your nearest pharmacy. 

Visit your GP. A GP is a family doctor. They are usually the first person you see for most health problems that are not emergencies.

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GPs can help with:

• Ongoing health issues such as asthma, diabetes or back pain

• Illnesses that don’t go away such as coughs, rashes or infections

• Mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety or depression

• Referrals to hospitals or specialists if you need tests or treatment)

• Prescriptions for medicines

You must register with a GP before you can get help from them.

Find and register with a GP on the NHS website.

The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital,  is a walk-in service for injuries which are not serious or life-threatening. 

This service is provided by nurses and they are unable to provide CTs, MRIs or X-rays on necks and back.

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Location: 

Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF

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Opening hours:

8am-8pm, every day

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Appointments:

You do not need an appointment.

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What they can help with:

• Sprains and strains

• Broken bones

• Wounds, lacerations and grazes

• Wound infections

• Minor burns and scalds

• Minor head injuries

• Insect and animal bites

• Minor eye injuries and conditions after 4:30pm weekdays and weekends

Only call 999 or go to A&E if someone is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as:

• Chest pain

• Breathing difficulties or not breathing

• Severe bleeding 

• Signs of a stroke 

• Loss of consciousness

• Major broken bones

• Major trauma or accident (for example, a car crash)

• Severe allergic reaction

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A&E Location:

Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, S5 7AU

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Opening hours:

24 hours, every day

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Appointment:

You do not need an appointment.

If you have an eye emergency, you will need to visit the Emergency Eye Centre at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. 

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Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm - excluding bank holidays.

The NHS provides free translation and interpreting services for many languages.

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When you call NHS 111:

• Say the language you speak when someone answers

• They will connect you to a translator to help you explain your symptoms.

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At your GP or hospital:

• You can ask for a translator when booking your appointment.

• Where possible, ask in advance, especially for longer appointments.

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Translators are available in person, by phone or by video.

Call 111 (NHS 111)

You can call 111 (NHS 111) if you need medical help but it is not an emergency.

Trained staff can tell you what to do and help you where to go for care.

You can also get help online at 111.nhs.uk

NHS 111 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Visit the NHS Website

If you are not sure what to do or need more help, visit the NHS website.

It gives clear, trusted advice to help you look after your health.

You can also find information about local services, such as GPs, dentists and pharmacies.

You can visit an optician (eye doctor) for check-ups, glasses and contact lenses.

Some NHS eye tests are free for children, people over 60 and people on certain benefits.

If you have problems with your eyes or vision, an optician can check your eyes and give advice or treatment.

The NHS website provides more information on who can have free NHS eye tests.

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Use the NHS Find an eye sight test tool to find an optician near to you.