Where to go for help
GPs
Hospital/ Walk in centres
Dentists
Pharmacists
This guide will help you find the right treatment for your needs. There is a range of options, depending on how serious the problem is. Hospital emergency services are very busy. They should only be used in very serious or life-threatening situations.
Headaches. Hangovers.
Small cuts and grazes.
Coughs and colds.
Minor illnesses can be treated at home by using everyday medicines and getting plenty of rest. Keep a simple medicine cupboard (out of children's reach), with paracetamol or aspirin, anti-diarrhoea medicine, rehydration mixture, indigestion remedy, plasters and a thermometer.
Not sure how serious it could be?
NHS Direct is 24-hour phone service - 0845 4647*. It offers confidential health advice and information. It is also available on the Internet at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and through digital TV FREEVIEW channel 100, or page two on Sky Digital's interactive service.
*Calls to NHS Direct cost a maximum of 5p a minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. Your phone company may charge a minimum cost per call. For patients' safety, calls to NHS Direct are recorded.
Runny nose. Bad cough. Headache.
Diarrhoea. Other minor ailments.
Pharmacists do not simply sell products. They can give advice too. Your local pharmacist can give you expert help on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them, without the need for an appointment. To view all details of pharmacies in Leicester City click here. Or click this link for details of pharmacies in Leicester City with extended opening hours.
More serious and prolonged illness.
Go to your GP. Leicester has more than 60 GP surgeries, and most now have longer opening hours. Registering is free, and means you can then make an appointment with a doctor for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions. If you need to see a doctor urgently outside of opening hours, telephone your local surgery. You will be given the number for the out-of-hours service or be connected to it. To find your local GP click here to search for Leicester doctors.
Urgent and out-of-hours care.
Cuts, strains and sprains.
The Urgent Care Centre is open 24 hours all year and is next to the A&E at Leicester Royal Infirmary. It can treat minor illnesses, cuts and sporting injuries, and offer expert health advice for you and your family. Or use the walk-in centre at the Merlyn Vaz Health & Social Care Centre, in Spinney Hill Road. Open 8am-8pm. There is another at Pinfold Gate, Loughborough. You do not need an appointment, and you will be seen by an experienced nurse or doctor.
Chest pains. Bleeding badly.
Broken bones. Burns or scalds.
Go to A&E or dial 999. If you're injured or seriously ill you should go to A&E.
Leicester's A&E department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to treat serious
and life-threatening emergencies. If it's a matter of needing immediate emergency care, you should call 999 and ask for the ambulance service. But dialling 999 or using A&E when you do not need to could delay treatment for someone who is more seriously ill.
Last updated: 02/04/2012