Health Care

If you are new to Sheffield and you can use NHS services, the first things you should do are:

• Register with a local GP (doctor) - this is your main contact for health care.

• Register with or join a waiting list with an NHS dentist.

• Find out where your nearest pharmacy, walk-in centre and emergency services are.

An emergency is a serious or life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.

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You should:

• Call 999

Or

• Go to A&E at the Northern General Hospital

Or

• For children or young people under 16 years old go to the Emergency Department at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital

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Examples of emergencies:

• Chest pain

• Breathing difficulties or not breathing

• Severe bleeding 

• Signs of a stroke

• Loss of consciousness

• Major broken bones

• Major trauma or accident (e.g. car crash)

• Severe allergic reaction

If you need urgent, but not life-threatening medical care and are unable to get a doctor’s appointment at your GP, you should:

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• Visit the Minor Injuries Unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Or

• Call 111 to receive immediate help from the NHS

Or

• Visit Broad Lane Walk-in Centre. You do not need an appointment.

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• For children or young people under 16 years old go to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

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Examples of urgent, non life-threatening medical care:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea that won’t stop

• Cuts or injuries that may need stitches

• Infections or rashes you are worried about

If you need help after 8pm, go straight to A & E at the Northern General Hospital as Broad Lane Walk-in Centre and the Minor Injuries Unit both close at 8pm.

Most NHS care is free or low cost for people who live legally in the UK.

You can usually get free or low-cost NHS care if you:

• Are a UK citizen or have permanent permission to stay

• Have a student, work or family visa for 6 months or more and have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Have settled or pre-settled status (from the EU or EEA)

• Are an asylum seeker, refugee, or have permission to stay for safety reasons

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These people can use services like:

• GP appointments

• Hospital care

• Emergency services

• Mental health support

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You may have to pay for hospital care if you:

• Are visiting the UK for a short time (for example, as a tourist)

• Are staying less than 6 months and have not paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Do not have legal permission to stay in the UK

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Everyone can use:

• GP services

• Emergency care

• Treatment for some illnesses, like infectious diseases

Even if they are not fully eligible for all NHS care.