If you are unwell or injured it is important to choose the right NHS service.

Choosing the right care first time, means that you and your family will get the best treatment available and allows busy NHS services to provide treatment and care in the most appropriate setting.

Follow these steps to get the right care, first time.

Self-care

You can often self-treat many minor illnesses and injuries at home by keeping your medicine cabinet and first aid kit well-stocked with medicines such as:

• painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen 
• antihistamines 
• anti-diarrhoeal medicine 
• oral rehydration salts 
• indigestion treatment 
• first aid kit including plasters, bandages and a thermometer.

Most simple ailments will begin to get better within a couple of days.

Visit the NHS website for a full medicine cabinet list.

Pharmacy first

Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses such as colds, flu, minor rashes and pain relief. They can also help answer any questions you may have about the medication you are taking.

Many pharmacies are open late into the evening, on weekends and bank holidays. They all have a consultation room so you can speak in private and Pharmacist advice can also include recommending you to see your GP. 

Find your nearest pharmacy here

NHS 111

NHS 111 is the fast, easy and free NHS non-emergency contact. You can call 111 or fill in an online form at www.111.nhs.uk.

When you call 111 you will speak to a highly trained adviser who is supported by healthcare professionals. The adviser will ask you a series of questions to assess your own, or the patient’s symptoms, and you will then be directed immediately to the most appropriate medical care.

When you visit www.111.nhs.uk you will be asked questions which will assess your symptoms and, depending on the situation, will be directed to the most appropriate medical care.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no charge to use the website and calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice when it is not a life-threatening situation. Call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk 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 information or reassurance about what to do next

You may be directed to the urgent care centre at York Hospital which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Depending on where you live in the Vale of York, you may be asked to attend the New Selby War Memorial Hospital for an appointment at the Minor Injury Unit. The unit is open between 8am-9pm, 365 days a year for patients attending without a pre-booked appointment via 111.

You may be offered self-care advice to help you take care of yourself at home or advice on the local service that can best help you.

If necessary, the advisor on the phone may call an ambulance for you or if you are using the online system you may be advised to call an ambulance directly.

You can download information leaflets in a range of languages and formats and find out about the British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter for the NHS 111 service at www.nhs.uk/111.

Dental emergencies

If you need urgent treatment, please contact your usual dental practice as they may be able to see you or direct you to an urgent dental care service.

 If you have dental pain but you do not have a regular dentist contact NHS 111 for advice. Go to The NHS Website dental services for more information.