Health

Local NHS GPs

GP practices are open and there to help.

When you contact your practice, a Care Navigator will ask you some questions. This is confidential and will help them to direct you to the right care
You may be offered a telephone or video appointment, a quick and safe way to deal with many minor health problems
Face-to-face appointments are available for patients who need to be seen in person
You will be treated by the best member of the healthcare team to meet your needs

The process may differ slightly depending upon the arrangements at your practice.

If your GP surgery is closed, a recorded message will tell you who to contact.

If you are not registered with a GP, you can find a list of Tamworth practices here to register.

Before you make an appointment
Before you make an appointment to see your GP, think about what other services might be able to help you.

Go to a pharmacy for advice and treatment for minor conditions that do not need a prescription, find your local pharmacy here.
Call NHS 111 if you have an urgent medical problem, but you’re not sure what to do
Visit a sexual health service for testing for sexually transmitted infections and contraception advice

Online consultations
It’s a fast and convenient way to access GP services, you can simply fill out a form for help and advice for non-urgent problems.

You can also use it to request things like fit notes and repeat prescriptions.

Check your practice website for details.

Urgent and emergency healthcare

If you need urgent healthcare – and it’s not a life-threatening emergency – contact NHS 111. They will assess you and direct you to the best service for your needs. This could be your own GP, a GP service that’s open in the evening and at weekends, or a minor injuries unit.

If you have a minor illness, NHS 111 may advise seeing your local pharmacist. At some pharmacies, NHS 111 will be able to book you an appointment for a pharmacist consultation. NHS 111 can also advise on getting urgent dental care, help for eye conditions or injuries, and urgent mental health support.

Go online at 111.nhs.uk, call 111, or use the NHS app.

Sometimes, if you have a minor illness or condition, NHS 111 may advise you on how to look after yourself at home. Find out more on our page about self-care.

Our emergency departments (EDs) are very busy. Please keep 999 and EDs free for genuine emergencies. Use NHS 111 if you have other urgent care needs – they can direct you to the most appropriate service, where you may have a shorter waiting time.

Always call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. A call operator will advise you on what will happen next.

Examples of medical emergencies include (but are not limited to):
Chest pain
Difficulty in breathing
Unconsciousness
Severe loss of blood
Severe burns or scalds
Choking
Severe allergic reactions.

Minor Injuries

Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) – University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS

Live Well

Live Well - NHS

Help us to help you

We can all play a part in reducing the pressure on GPs and other health services.

Keeping yourself as healthy and fit as possible means you are less likely to need support from the NHS and others.
Take charge and understand your own health – attend health checks, screening, immunisations. You can access your GP health record on the NHS app
We know that when people do have health concerns they want to be able to get help and support quickly. Often people go directly to their GP for this but there are other options to consider first including visiting your local pharmacy, using NHS 111 or the NHS app
If you are unable to attend a GP or health appointment, please let the surgery/clinic or hospital know as soon as possible. Every year thousands of missed appointments mean missed opportunities for people to be seen by a health professional
If you are on medication from your GP, please ensure you follow the advice on the label and take your medication as instructed

Keep up to date with vaccinations
Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your children against ill health.

Get your annual winter flu jab, your GP practice will invite you if you are eligible or you can book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy - NHS
Keep up to date with childhood immunisations, speak to your GP practice if you think your child may have missed one
Check eligibility and book a Covid 19 vaccine or booster at nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119
Keep your medicine cabinet stocked

Don’t forget there are lots of common illnesses that you can manage yourself at home. A well-stocked medicine cabinet should include:

Paracetamol, ibuprofen
Antihistamines
Anti-diarrhoea medicine
Oral rehydration salts
Indigestion treatment
First aid kit including plasters, bandages and a thermometer

Mental Health Services

Talk in confidence – You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 if you want to talk to someone now.

Could your life be in danger? You should call 999 for an ambulance or go to A&E if you have seriously harmed yourself or feel that you might harm yourself.

Alternatively, if you are worried about your mental health, for urgent help please call the freephone 24/7 local crisis line: 0800 051 1508 (for all ages).

Talking Therapies – Find an NHS talking therapies services - NHS