Choose the right service

Our Emergency Department is very busy. To ensure you receive the right care as quickly as possible, please choose the right service appropriate to your needs.

In a life-threatening emergency, please call 999.

NHS 111

NHS 111 can help if you think you need medical help right now.

You can get help by:

• calling 111
• on the NHS app
• or by visiting 111 online

Example conditions might be: feeling unwell, unsure where to go, feeling anxious, need further help.

Local Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice on a range of different illnesses. They can also advise on medication and side effects.

Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without having to go to see a GP. Including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Shingles
• Impetigo
• Infected insect bites
• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache

Example conditions might be: coughs and colds, sore throat, minor illnesses, headaches, stomach upsets, bites and stings, medication advice, medication side effects advice.

Speak to your GP

Your general practice will have a variety of different medical healthcare professionals to help you with a range of physical and mental health issues.

If you are not already, make sure to register with a GP surgery.

Example conditions might be: persistent problems, prescriptions, chronic pain, long term conditions.

Mental health help

The Berkshire Mental Health Service (run by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) can help support and treat severe and complex mental health difficulties.

If you feel you're at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 999.

Example conditions might be: depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD.

Minor Injuries

Minor Injuries offers advice and treatment for a variety of minor injuries.

Some conditions might include: cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains, minor eye injuries, minor burns, strains.

Emergency Department (A&E)

Our Emergency Department cares for patients who are acutely ill, or have life or limb threatening problems.

Example conditions might be: signs of heart attack, signs of stroke, sudden confusion, suicide attempt, severe difficulty in breathing, choking, heavy bleeding, severe injuries, seizure.

Still unsure which service to use?

You can visit 111.nhs.uk to find out which service is best for you.

If it's an emergency, call 999.