Using NHS Services

It is important that people help their local NHS by taking greater control of their health. There are lots of simple things that you can do to look after yourself and if you do fall ill you dont always need to visit your GP or go to A&E.

One out of every four people who go to A&E could have been treated elsewhere in the community or could have self-treated. Your local pharmacy can help treat many common illnesses. Remember A&E and 999 services are for life threatening and serious conditions only.

By acting quickly before ailments set in you can keep yourself well and ensure that the local NHS makes the best use of its resources to treat those most in need.

The following information is a range of local services which will help you receive the most appropriate treatment close to your home. Emergency services will, as always, be there for those who need them.

Use your pharmacist

If you are feeling under the weather seek advice from your local pharmacist. Pharmacists are experts in providing medical information and advice and have at least five years medical training and often a lot more.

You can just drop in to see your pharmacist and many have private consultation areas. They can also advise on any over-the-counter remedies available and, if you need specialist medical advice, can point you in the right direction. Local Pharmacy opening hours.

NHS 111

NHS 111 has been introduced across England and Wales to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services. It is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year and is free to call from your landline or mobile phone.

When to use 111

You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

You should 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 need another NHS urgent care service.
• You don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call.
• You need health or medical information or reassurance about what to do next.

For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.

If you are injured or unwell but not sure what to do, dialling 111 is a good start.

You can talk to fully trained advisers or nurses, who will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you straightaway to the local service that can help you best. When you call 111, you will be assessed straight away.

If it is an emergency, an ambulance is dispatched immediately without the need for any further assessment.

GP out of hours’ service

The service operates overnight from 6.30pm to 8am Monday - Friday and 24 hours a day over weekends and public holidays.

To access the service, please call NHS 111.

Bristol dental out of hours’ service

To access the out of hours service, please call NHS 111 and patients will be advised of available appointments.

Your local Walk-in Centre

NHS Walk-in Centres offer fast and convenient access to health advice, information and first aid. You can walk in 7 days a week. Professional nurses run the centres and will be on hand to offer help when and where you need it. The walk in service is available for all patients whether they are registered with a local surgery or not.

The service is for the treatment of any minor illness or minor injury, this includes sexual health concerns, emergency contraception, also wound management, travel health, smoking cessation and lifestyle management are all available. Procedures such as suturing and clip removals can also be performed.

Your nearest Walk-in Centre:
Bristol City Walk-in Centre Broadmead Medical Centre 59 Broadmead Bristol BS1 3EA	Telephone: 0117 954 9828 Above Boots See: Broadmead Medical Centre website

Minor Injuries Unit (MIU)

A minor injuries unit (MIU) treats a wide range of less serious or minor injuries. MIUs are open seven days a week and appointments are not required.

Typically you are seen more quickly at an MIU than in A&E (which you should visit only in an emergency), and you will be treated by doctors and nurses in a calm, relaxed setting.

If you’re not sure whether your injury is minor or an emergency, dial 111 any time for NHS advice.

Please note that MIUs are for minor injuries. If you are feeling unwell and it’s not an emergency, see your GP, pharmacist or go to a walk-in centre.

The Yate Minor Injuries Unit (MIU)

X-ray facilities Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. There are no X-ray on weekends or bank holidays.

The Minor Injury Unit is based in the Yate West Gate Centre, in the Yate Shopping Centre, next to the public library. It is well served by public transport and there is free car parking around the shopping centre.

Southmead Hospital MIU
(co-located within the A&E Department) (Click here for map)

The MIU at Southmead is based inside the Emergency Department and is a 24-hour, seven day a week service – this means that patients can be immediately directed to the right place for treatment.

South Bristol NHS Community Hospital
Urgent Care Centre Hengrove Promenade Hengrove Park Bristol BS14 0DE (Sat Nav BS14 ODB) Telephone: 0117 342 9692 Please note that this is also a walk-in centre that treats illness and can only x-ray children over 2 years old.

A&E Departments

Accident and Emergency, or A&E, provide urgent treatment for serious, life-threatening conditions. You should travel to A&E yourself if you can. But if someone is too ill, for example if they have collapsed or can’t breathe, dial 999 for an ambulance.

At A&E, the most seriously ill patients will be seen before those with less urgent conditions. This means some people have to wait for several hours for treatment or they may be redirected, for example, to a GP, walk-in centre or a minor injuries unit.

Your nearest A&E Departments are:

Bristol Royal Informary A&E Department  (Click here for map)
Upper Maudlin Street
Bristol
BS2 8HW

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week including bank holidays

Southmead Hospital (Click here for map)
Gate 35
Level 0, Brunel building
Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road
Westbury-on-Trym,
Bristol
BS10 5NB

Emergency Department Main Reception Gate 35 - Telephone: 0117 4145100 or 0117 4145101

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children A&E Department (Click here for map)
Paul O’Gorman Building
Upper Maudlin Street
Bristol
BS2 8BJ

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
For children up to 16 years of age

To call an ambulance, ring: 999

Bristol Clincial Commissioning Group (CCG) Self Care Information

Your health & local services - Self Care and Ask 3 Questions to get the most from your consultation.

By Visual Productions Ltd