With so many options available, let us help you choose the right service the first time.
When to Use a Pharmacy
For minor ailments and non-urgent or persistent problems:
The Pharmacy First service allows you to visit your local pharmacist for self-care advice on common health conditions such as coughs, colds, or earaches. The NHS Pharmacy First scheme encourages patients to manage their care following advice from their pharmacist. Medication will only be recommended or provided if absolutely necessary.
This service can reduce the need to make an appointment with your GP, use out-of-hours NHS services, or visit A&E. It is particularly useful when you have a common condition that can be treated with self-care or over-the-counter medication.
Many pharmacies in Leeds are open until late and on weekends, which is helpful if you start to feel unwell with a minor ailment covered by Pharmacy First. You don't need an appointment to access this service.
Common conditions for Pharmacy First include:
- Cough
- Cold
- Earache
- Sore throat
- Threadworms
- Teething
- Athlete's foot
- Thrush
- Hay fever
- Fever
- Blocked nose
- Sprain or strain
- Head lice
When to Go to Your GP Surgery
For illnesses and injuries that won't go away:
If you have a long-term illness or a health issue that is not suitable for Pharmacy First, does not require an immediate response, and is not serious or life-threatening, contact our GP Practice. We offer various options depending on the nature of your health issue:
- Call on the day for an urgent health problem.
- Book in advance for routine matters.
- Make an appointment with one of our specialist nurses if you have a long-term condition.
Visit our services page for a full list of services available.
When to Call NHS 111
For illnesses and injuries that need treating fast:
111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It's fast, easy, and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from both landlines and mobile phones.
Call 111 if:
- You need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency.
- You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service.
- You're unsure who to call or you don't have a GP to call.
- You need health information or reassurance about what to do next.
When to Visit the Minor Injuries Unit
For non-life threatening conditions:
If your injury or condition is not serious, you can get help from a local urgent care unit instead of going to an A&E department. This helps A&E staff concentrate on people with serious, life-threatening conditions and saves you a potentially long wait.
An urgent care centre can treat:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Wound infections
- Minor burns and scalds
- Minor head injuries
- Insect and animal bites
- Minor eye injuries
- Injuries to the back, shoulder, and chest
The urgent care centre CANNOT treat:
- Chest pain and breathing difficulties
- Major injuries
- Stomach pains
- Gynaecological problems
- Pregnancy issues
- Allergic reactions
- Overdoses
- Alcohol-related problems
- Mental health problems
When to Visit A&E
For illnesses and injuries that are serious or life-threatening:
An A&E department (also known as an emergency department or casualty) deals with genuine life-threatening emergencies such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
- Persistent, severe chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe burns or scalds
Less severe injuries can be treated in urgent care centres or minor injuries units (MIUs). An A&E is not an alternative to a GP appointment. If your GP practice is closed, you can call NHS 111, which will direct you to the best local service to treat your injury. Alternatively, you can visit an NHS walk-in centre (WIC), which also treats minor illnesses without an appointment.
If you arrive by ambulance, the crew will have already informed the hospital about your condition en route. If your condition is not life-threatening or serious, you will be prioritized along with other patients waiting to be seen — arriving by ambulance does not necessarily mean you will be seen sooner.
If you go to A&E on your own, you will need to register first. You will be asked some questions about your name, address, and the reason for your visit. If you have been to the hospital before, the registrar may also check your health records.
