The NHS belongs to us all - let’s use it right.

Map-and-services-posterYou've got a cold.  Do you pop into your local pharmacist and buy a pack of paracetamol or make an appointment to see your GP?

You've twisted your ankle.  Do you spend 4 hours in A&E or be seen and treated in a minor injuries unit within an hour?

There is a huge range of health services in Hertfordshire and people have told us that they do not always know where to go when they fall ill, or have enough information about what different NHS services actually offer. At the same time people want to know more about what they can do to look after their families’ and their own health.

Using the right health services is not only good for individuals but helps the NHS as a whole by making sure resources are used in the right way.

The NHS belongs to us all - let's use it right.

  • Self-care

Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries.  For conditions like backache, earache, coughs and colds, you are best off looking after yourself to begin with then seeking help if your condition doesn't improve.

  • Pharmacy

Visit your pharmacist (chemist) for advice when you are suffering from common health problems that do not need to be seen but a nurse or doctor like coughs, colds, aches and indigestion.  In Hertfordshire we have several pharmacies that are open for long hours, 7 days a week. 

For health information and advice contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk

  • GP services

If you have an illness that just won't go away make an appointment to see your GP or practice nurse or speak to them on the phone.

Many GPs in Hertfordshire are now open for longer and offer early morning, late evening or Saturday morning appointments for those people who find it difficult to get to their GP during usual opening hours.  Ask your practice manager for details or visit www.nhs.uk.

GP heath centres
In Hertfordshire we have two GP heath centres - one in Hemel Hempstead and one in Welwyn Garden City - that are open 8am to 8pm every day.  You can register for a full range of GP services or just use the centre for the occasional appointment - link to relevant pages.  These health centres are open to everyone living or working in the area - not just residents of the towns where they are located.

If you need urgent GP assistance in the evening or at weekends please call 03000 33 33 33.

  • Minor Injuries

Minor injuries units can treat injuries like sprains, cuts, grazes, bites, stings, burns and scalds.  They can treat children aged 2+.

  • Urgent Care Centres

Urgent Care Centres treat most injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening.  This includes sprains, strains, fractures, wounds, burns, scalds, minor head injuries, bites, stings, cuts and grazes.

  • A&E

 A&E is for life-threatening situations such as a heart attack or stroke and for the care of people who show the symptoms of serious illness or who are badly injured.  In an emergency dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.