Choose the Right NHS Service

Your Health

Visit the NHS website for your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help. You can also find the service you need and book appointments online as well as information about how to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and advice tips on Healthy living.

Choose the right NHS service

What services are available?

If you are feeling unwell but you are not sure where to go for help, then this page might help you decide.

Find a service near you

Further in formation about each service is available below

Self-care

Self care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way. It can be anything from brushing your teeth, doing some exercise,

managing common conditions (also called minor ailments) like headaches, colds and flu or living with a long-term health problem,

such as asthma or diabetes. <click here> for further information

Pharmacy Services

Pharmacies can advise and treat a range of symptoms. This can avoid unnecessary trips to the GP or A&E department and save

time. You don't need an appointment and most pharmacies have a private consulting area.

All community Pharmacies offer the following services as part of the NHS Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework. [Essential Services]

Dispensing Medicines

Pharmacies are required to maintain a record of all medicines dispensed, and also keep records of any interventions made which

they judge to be significant.

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is also being implemented as part of the dispensing service.

Dispensing Appliances

Pharmacists may regularly dispense appliances in the course of their business, or they may dispense such prescriptions

infrequently or have taken a decision not to dispense them at all.

Repeat Dispensing

The repeat dispensing service enables pharmacists to dispense regular medicines to suitable patients who have been issued batch

prescriptions (by their GP) without the involvement of the GP practice at the point of dispensing.

Support for Self Care

Pharmacies are able to help and support people to manage minor ailments and common conditions, by providing advice and

where appropriate, the sale of medicines, including dealing with referrals from NHS 111.

Further self-care information is available here

Public Health (promotion of Healthy Lifestyles)

Each year pharmacies are required participate in up to six campaigns at the request of NHS England. This involves the display and

distribute leaflets provided by NHS England.

Disposal of Unwanted Medicines

Pharmacies are obliged to take back unwanted medicines from patients.

Signposting

Pharmacies are able to help people who ask for assistance by directing them to the most appropriate source of help.

GP Surgery

Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services, including:

> Advice on health problems

> Vaccinations

> Examinations and treatment

> Prescriptions for medicines

> referrals to other health services and social services

If you want to see a doctor, you'll usually need to make an appointment. Most GP surgeries operate independently and have their

own booking routines. You can still call your GP outside normal surgery hours, but you will usually be directed to an out-of-hours service. Alternatively you can call NHS 111 which has been introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services in England. You can call NHS 111 when you need medical help fast but it's not an emergency. It is a fast and easy way to

get the right help, whatever the time. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free from landlines and

mobile phones.

For more information click on the links below:

NHS Choices: GP appointments

NHS Choices: How to register with a GP

NHS Choices: Fi nd your nearest GP practice

Minor Injuries Unit

A Minor Injuries Unit provides treatment for patients with common injuries, such as scalds, burns, cuts, stings, bites, and

suspected broken bones, which although not life-threatening do still need urgent medical treatment.

They DO NOT provide treatment for patients with dental problems, breathing difficulties, chest pain, coughs and colds,

headaches, urine infections, rashes, stomach and bowel problems or other general illnesses. Nor do they provide treatment

for patients unable to get a GP appointment or needing a repeat prescription.

In East Lancashire there are two Minor Injuries Units:

Accrington Minor Injuries Unit Accrington

Victoria Community Hospital Haywood Road

Accrington BB5 6AS

Open 7 days a week from 8am until 8.30pm

Rossendale Minor Injuries Unit

Rossendale Primary Health Care Centre

Bacup Road

Rawtenstall BB4 7PL

Open 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm

Urgent Care Centre

An Urgent Care Centre provides treatment for any illnesses or injuries which aren’t life threatening, but still need treating

quickly such as:

> minor head injuries

> suspected broken bones and fractures

> sprains

> cuts and scrapes

> bites

> eye problems

> rising temperatures

You don't need a referral from your GP to access the service, you can just drop in. However, this service is not for General

Practice problems where treatment can wait until drop in surgeries are next open or an appointment time is available.

Blackburn Urgent Care Centre

Royal Blackburn Hospital

Haslingden Road

Blackburn BB2 3HH

Burnley Urgent Care Centre

Burnley General Hospital

Casterton Avenue

Burnley BB10 2PQ

Accident and Emergency

The Emergency Department is used to treat people with serious injuries and those in need of emergency, and potentially

life-saving, treatment. The department is sometimes referred to as ‘casualty’ or A&E. The Emergency Department can get very

busy and you may have to wait a long time to be seen if you are not a real emergency.

Blackburn Emergency Department

Royal Blackburn Hospital

Haslingden Road

Blackburn BB2 3HH