With a few simple steps you can look after yourself and your family

• Check your repeat prescription, order only what you need, in plenty of time.
• Know how to treat common illnesses at home.
• Visit NHS Inform for health information and advice including common symptoms and self-help guides 
• If you need to talk to a healthcare professional it’s important that you get the right care in the right place, which could be your local pharmacy, your GP or by calling 111.

If you need to talk to a healthcare professional it’s important that you get the right care in the right place. See the sections below on how to access health information and advice.

View the different sections below for information on:

• Pharmacy Services
• Tick Bites
• Minor injury, illness or urgent health advice?
• Dental Practice
• GP Practice Services
• Optometrist
• Mental Health Support

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Pharmacy Services

Under a scheme called Pharmacy First, they can also provide treatment, free of charge, without the need for a prescription for a wide range of health conditions. These include urine infections, skin infections, shingles,  conjunctivitis, thrush and eczema. Pharmacists can also provide free treatment and advice for minor skin conditions  such as dermatitis and allergic reactions to insect bites, an initial three-month supply of the progestogen-only pill as well as emergency contraception.

Pharmacy opening times over the festive period

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Tick Bites

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They vary in size, usually between 1mm to 1cm long. They have either 6 or 8 legs. Tick season is usually between March and October but it may last longer. This is because wet weather and warmer temperatures make ticks active for longer in the year.

You can find information on NHS inform about how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you are bitten.

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Minor injuries, illnesses or urgent health advice?

Call NHS 24 first on 111 for:

• Healthcare advice
• A telephone or video consultation with a local healthcare professional
• A minor injuries appointment so you don’t have to wait if you need to be seen

To make sure you are going directly to the right service visit our full Guide to Local Services.

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Dental Practices

If you’re experiencing dental problems such as tooth pain, swollen or bleeding gums, or an injury to your mouth, your local Dental Practice should be the first place you contact. If you’re not registered with a dentist, find your regional dentist helpline at NHS inform.

For more information visit the Dental Service section of our Guide to Local Services.

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GP Practice Services

If you have a minor injury or require urgent healthcare advice but it’s not something life-threatening call NHS 24 on 111 (day or night) to help access the right services as quickly as possible. They can also arrange for you to speak to a local healthcare professional who can organise a telephone or video consultation or arrange an appointment for you to be seen at a local healthcare centre or hospital so you don’t need to wait when you attend.

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Optometrist

If you’re experiencing eye problems such as a red or sticky eye, blurred vision, or flashes and floaters, please contact your optometrist who will be able to assist you.

For more information visit the Eye Problems section of our Guide to Local Services.

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Mental Health Support

If you’re in need of mental health support, you can contact your General Practice, or call NHS 24 on 111.

You can also call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, open Monday – Thursday 6pm to 2am and weekends Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.

For more information visit our Mental Health & Wellbeing section.