Self-care
Having a well-stocked medicine and first aid cabinet at home will mean you can deal with many minor injuries and ailments without needing to come to the urgent and emergency care department. It also means the staff in the department can concentrate on looking after the seriously ill or injured.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can give advice and administer medication for a majority of ailments. They have fully trained staff and often have a private room to speak about confidential matters.
GP (doctors)
Contact your own GP practice during their opening hours. When your GP practice is closed, you can call 111 for advice.
Remember
Outside of your GP surgery opening hours you can call NHS 111 to make an appointment. NHS 111 may be able to make a GP appointment for you.
Urgent treatment centre
We advise you contact NHS 111 to make an appointment to attend your local centre for urgent medical problems. However, if you have a minor injury, no appointment is needed, simply walk in. Your local urgent care centres operate seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Remember
If you are unsure about anything, contact NHS 111. It is manned by our local ambulance service call handlers who can give the best advice where to go or they will book you an appointment at the right place
Emergency department
Remember
You should call 999 straightaway if you are worried about a life-threatening emergency or serious injury.
All emergency departments use a priority system where the most seriously ill or injured patients are seen first. When attending the urgent and emergency care departments at North Tees or at James Cook, staff will assess your condition and direct you to urgent care or emergency care.
Choose right, avoid the emergency department (A&E) where possible
Hospitals are under pressure – especially emergency departments. We need to make sure specialised hospital staff treat people who really need their expert help in life-threatening or emergency situations.
Unsure? Confused? Need help? Talk before you walk
Contact NHS 111 – they will give advice or book you in to see the right service. Contact NHS 111 for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year – it operates weekends and bank holidays.