Deciding where to seek medical assistance when you’re unsure about your condition can be daunting, but there’s no need to worry. The NHS offers straightforward advice on how to navigate such situations, providing specific steps to follow.

In a post on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, the NHS stated: “There are numerous options for accessing NHS support for non-emergency situations. Your local pharmacist is equipped to handle minor health concerns and can prescribe medications for seven common conditions. Ensure you receive appropriate care, in the right setting, at the right time this winter.”

Launched in 2024, the Pharmacy First program is an NHS England initiative that empowers community pharmacists to deliver full treatment courses for seven prevalent ailments. This initiative aims to free up GP appointments for those in urgent need, while offering individuals more convenient access to safe and high-quality healthcare.

The seven common conditions covered under this program include:

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Infected insect bite
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

It’s important to note that the treatments available may vary based on age. For instance, the Pharmacy First program provides shingles treatment only for adults aged 18 and above, though this age requirement may differ for other conditions.

In 2024, the Department of Health and Social Care elaborated: “You can obtain treatment for these conditions either by visiting a pharmacy in person or contacting them online. Additionally, GP receptionists, NHS 111, and emergency care providers can direct patients to participating pharmacies when contacted.”

It also added: “The pharmacist will be able to speak to you privately in a separate consultation room. They may perform an examination or ask to access your medical records. The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action on an individual patient basis, including by issuing prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary.”

Additionally, the NHS operates a 111 service offering urgent medical guidance around the clock, 365 days a year, including Christmas and Boxing Day. Contacting the service is typically free via landline or mobile, and you can also use the NHS App or website to access it.

When you make contact, their specialists will assess your circumstances and, where appropriate, connect you with a nurse, doctor, or paramedic. You might be directed to an urgent treatment centre, an out-of-hours GP service, your usual GP during standard hours, or the nearest A&E department.

However, the service states that it cannot perform the following actions:

• Issue fit notes – you need to contact your GP
• Make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS

Whilst NHS 111 is available across the UK, its online service operates exclusively in England and should only be utilised for people aged five and above. Residents of Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland should utilise their local online services or call 111, which will connect them to the correct assistance service.

Online guidance from the NHS explains: “If your symptoms mean you need a callback from a nurse, you will be offered one and given a timeframe. You cannot request a callback. 111 online users or people who have called 111 go into the same callback queue and the waiting times are the same.”

It also adds: “111 online has about 120 topics, covering most common symptoms. We can triage one symptom at a time. If you have multiple symptoms, pick the one that is bothering you most. We cannot give advice about conditions you already know you have.”

Those who are deaf but require telephone contact with 111 can access the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.  Alternatively, you can dial 18001 111 via the Relay UK app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, or employ a conventional textphone if you encounter communication difficulties.

Nonetheless, calling 999 remains the best option if you believe you are facing a life-threatening situation or dealing with a serious issue. This helpline is dedicated to handling emergencies, such as road traffic accidents, strokes, and heart attacks.

The NHS adds: “Calling 999 does not always mean an ambulance will be sent. You might be told it’s safe for you to make your own way to A&E, or to be seen elsewhere.”

For more information on how 111 operates, visit the NHS website here.