NHS West Sussex Health & wellbeing for life

Many everyday illnesses can be managed at home with a well stocked medicine cabinet. A pharmacist can advise you about over-the-counter remedies and pain relief.

For medicines advice and minor ailments you should have a chat with your pharmacist (chemist).

Pharmacists are qualified to give you free, expert advice – and you don’t need an appointment.

Opening times are displayed in pharmacy windows and some local newspapers.

For expert, confidential health advice and information, 24 hours a day every day, you can call the NHS Direct helpline on 0845 4647.

You can also visit www.nhs.uk, the country's biggest health website, which gives you the information you need to make choices about your health.  For example, you can check your symptoms online, find out more about hundreds of health conditions and treatments, and find telephone numbers and addresses for most NHS organisations.

Your GP's (doctor's) surgery is the right choice for general medical advice and treatment, prescriptions, vaccinations and tests.

Anyone who urgently needs to see a doctor or other health professional should be able to do so as quickly as possible.

If you require more specialised care they will refer you to a specialist service or hospital.

If you are not registered with a GP practice, contact your local surgery:

• Find your nearest surgery on our website or contact NHS Direct for advice and information (0845 4647, www.nhs.uk).

If you have a serious medical need or an urgent health problem when your surgery is closed, contact the out-of-hours service on 0300 130 1313.

This service is not for repeat prescriptions, test results or routine appointments.

You can also contact NHS Direct for 24-hour health advice and information on 0845 4647, or visit www.nhs.uk.

Need a dentist? Did you know that there are over 150 dental practices in West Sussex that provide NHS dental services.

Visit our dentists page to find out how to find a dentist in West Sussex, what you can expect from NHS dentists, and details of what to do if you need emergency dental care.

Before going to Accident and Emergency (A&E) consider if you would get the right treatment at a minor injury unit (MIU) or urgent treatment centre (UTC).

You won't need an appointment and they can help with injuries like cuts, sprains and strains, bruises and fractures, wound infections and minor burns and scalds.

Minor injuries units and urgent treatment centres cannot treat chest pains, breathing difficulties, major injuries, pregnancy problems, overdoses and conditions likely to require hospital admissions.

Find out more about minor injuries units and urgent treatment centres in West Sussex.