Self-Help and Self-Referral

Self-referral services and helpful websites

Not Sure Where To Go?

Self Care
Minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at home with rest, simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and basic first aid.
A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you and your family to get the best treatment as soon as possible for a range of common illnesses, such as colds and flu. If you are unsure, or you have questions about what you can have at home to treat you and your family, visit your local pharmacist for free, effective advice and support.

Common ailments can typically last for between one and three weeks – for example, a sore throat can last one week; a cold one-and-a-half weeks; and a cough three weeks.
Pharmacy
Your pharmacist can do so much more than complete your prescription. They can give you expert clinical advice for minor health concerns and help with many common illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains.
Pharmacists are trained experts in managing minor illnesses and using medicines safely. They can advise you on the safe use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Most local pharmacies have private consultation rooms where your pharmacist can talk to you confidentially. They are not required to note anything in your medical records, which some people may prefer.
Find a pharmacy near you.
NHS 111
For urgent medical help, contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or make a free call by dialling 111. Help is available 24 hours per day from a team of highly trained experts.

NHS 111 call handlers can advise you where local NHS services are, help with prescriptions, offer self-care advice and even arrange appointments including giving you an arrival time at an Urgent Treatment Centre or A&E.
Urgent Treatment Centre
For injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening you can use an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), walk-in centre or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU). It is best to try NHS 111 first to book an appointment at the nearest service to you.
A&E
A&E and Emergency Departments are for life-saving emergencies only.

If you have a serious or life-threatening emergency – such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties or chest pain – please dial 999 or go to your local A&E department.
Mental Health Support
The Sussex Mental Healthline offers crisis care for people in urgent need of help with their mental health. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0800 0309 500.

Your pharmacist can do so much more than complete your prescription. They can give you expert clinical advice for minor health concerns and help with many common illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains.

Pharmacists are trained experts in managing minor illnesses and using medicines safely. They can advise you on the safe use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Most local pharmacies have private consultation rooms where your pharmacist can talk to you confidentially. They are not required to note anything in your medical records, which some people may prefer.

Find a pharmacy

If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next. They will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms, or advise you on how to care for yourself at home.

NHS 111 call handlers can advise you where local NHS services are, help with prescriptions, offer self-care advice and even arrange appointments including giving you an arrival time at an Urgent Treatment Centre or A&E.

Visit 111 online