Healthcare Services
If you need support or medical assistance, our local health and care professionals are ready and waiting to provide you with the right help, at the right time, in the right place. All you need to know is which service best suits your needs.
We have put together a guide about the services available and when they should be used. By knowing where to go, you’ll get the right advice, support and treatment as quickly as possible.
Remember, 999 and A&E are for emergency, life-threatening illnesses only.
When should you worry?
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Advice and Guidance
Think Pharmacy First
Your local pharmacist can offer confidential expert advice and treatment for most common illnesses. Many pharmacies are open evenings, weekends and bank holidays – no appointment needed.
Patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and ease pressure on GP services.
But what does it cover and who will benefit? Here's everything you need to know.
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First will enable community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.
What are the seven common conditions?
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Infected insect bite
- Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
How can I access treatment from my pharmacy?
You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually. GP receptionists, NHS 111 and providers of emergency care will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.
Find out more about pharmacy first here.
NHS 111 - on the phone and online
If you, or someone you are with, is ill or has suffered a minor injury and you’re not sure what to do, you can contact the NHS 111 service on the phone or online.
The NHS 111 service is available free on the phone or online 24/7. Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or GP and they can arrange for an ambulance if they think you need one. 111 can also directly book GP appointments if you need to see a doctor face to face.
Just dial 111 on your phone or visit 111.nhs.uk for the online service.
You can also call 18001 111 on a textphone or to use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service go to https://signvideo.co.uk/nhs111/
Where will NHS 111 direct you to?
NHS 111 can give you advice and help for dealing with your symptoms, arrange for you to speak to a relevant healthcare professional, organise face-to-face appointments, and provide you with information on how to get a repeat prescription and where to get an emergency supply from.
They will also send you an ambulance if they think you need it.
NHS 111 'mental health option' for mental health
You can now access help via NHS 111 if you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health.
If you're living with active suicidal thoughts or feel you are in immediate danger, call 999 for emergency services or ask someone to call 999 for you or take you to A&E.
GP Practice
General practitioners (GPs) and staff working within general practices treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment. They focus on the health of the whole person combining physical, psychological and social aspects of care.
Your GP practice is here to help with a range of health needs. It could be a health concern, or other issues like bullying, body changes, mood swings or sexual health.
Practices are not just about doctors (known as GPs). Depending on your needs, you might see a practice nurse, paramedic, pharmacist or mental health worker.
Anyone aged 13 or over can make an appointment with a GP – and you don’t have to say what it's for. You don’t have to ask for permission from your parent or carer.
You have a right to confidentiality; anything you tell your doctor or any other health professional within the practice won't be passed on unless they feel that your or someone else is at risk of being harmed.
If you're not sure which practice you're registered with, you can ask your parent/carer - but if you don't want to ask them, your school nurse can find out for you, or you can find your local practice at www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp. Every practice has a website explaining how to get help from them.
Most colds, coughs and sore throats will not get better with antibiotics and cannot be treated by practice staff. However, you should make an appointment at your GP practices if persistent, recurring problems are not improving with self-care.
You should also see your GP for:
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss
- Constant fatigue and unexplained tiredness
- Persistent cough
- Yellowing skin
- Sudden, blinding headaches or migraines
- A new or growing mole
- A persistent high fever
- Changes in bowel movements
Making an appointment
You can make an appointment by going to the practice and asking the person on the front desk, phoning, or booking online. You'll need to ask your practice how to book online – once you're set up for this, it's easy.
Most practices offer phone appointments, which is sometimes easier than visiting the practice. If you would prefer not to talk about your problems on the phone, ask the receptionist for an in-person appointment.
When you go to your practice, you need to tell them you've arrived, by tapping a screen or speaking to the person on the front desk.
Tips for seeing your GP
- If you don’t understand what the doctor’s saying, it's OK to ask.
- You can be honest – the doctor won’t judge you.
- If it helps, you can write down what you want to ask, and the doctor's advice
- You can take a friend if you like
- You can request a male or female doctor
I’m a university student, how do I register for GP services?
Contact your Student Union for university specific information on registering for a GP. They will also have information on other health services such as dentists and opticians.
Urgent Treatment Centres
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Dorset provide medical care for urgent but not life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are equipped to diagnose and treat a range of conditions that would otherwise be seen in an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, helping to alleviate pressure on hospital emergency services.
These centres are typically staffed by experienced clinicians, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, and many have access to diagnostic facilities like X-ray.
Conditions commonly treated include sprains and strains, minor head injuries, cuts and grazes, bites and stings, minor burns, and infections.
While some UTCs offer a walk-in service, it is often recommended to contact NHS 111 first to ensure the UTC is the most appropriate service for your needs and to potentially book an arrival time. In some locations within these areas, Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) provide a similar service for a more limited range of conditions.
Here is a list of addresses for Urgent Treatment Centres and relevant Minor Injuries Units in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Dorset based on available information:
Hampshire:
- Basingstoke Urgent Treatment Centre: Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 1 9NA
- Gosport Urgent Treatment Centre: Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Bury Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 3PW
- Lymington Urgent Treatment Centre: Lymington New Forest Hospital, Southampton Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZH
- Petersfield Urgent Treatment Centre: Petersfield Community Hospital, Swan Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LB
- Practice Plus Group Urgent Treatment Centre, Portsmouth: Milton Road, Milton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 6DW
- Southampton Urgent Treatment Centre: Royal South Hants Hospital, Level B, Brintons Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0YG
- Andover Minor Injuries Clinic: Andover War Memorial Hospital, Enham Alamein Way, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 1LP (Please call 111 to book an appointment)
Isle of Wight:
- Isle of Wight Urgent Treatment Centre: St Mary's Hospital, Parkhurst Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG (Please call 111 to make an appointment as this is not a walk-in service)
Dorset:
- Urgent Treatment Centre - Weymouth Community Hospital: 3 Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TB
- Minor Injuries Unit - Blandford Community Hospital: Milldown Road, Blandford, DT11 7DD
- Minor Injuries Unit - Bridport Community Hospital: Hospital Lane, North Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DR
- Minor Injuries Unit - Swanage Hospital: Queens Road, Swanage, BH19 2ES
- Minor Injuries Unit - Victoria Hospital: Wimborne Hospital, Victoria Road, Wimborne, BH21 1ER (Booking an appointment via 111 is required before attending)
- Minor Injuries Unit - Westminster Memorial Hospital: Westminster Memorial Hospital, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury, SP7 8BD
- Minor Injuries Unit - Yeatman Hospital: Hospital Lane, Sherborne, DT9 3JU
- Portland Community Hospital MIU: Castle Road, Castle Town, DT5 1AX (Note: This MIU was temporarily closed based on the search results).
Please note that opening times and specific services offered can vary between locations. It is always advisable to check the latest information via NHS 111 or the respective NHS trust websites before visiting.
999 and Accidents & Emergency (A&E)
The Accident and Emergency department, also known as the Emergency Department or Casualty, should only be used for emergencies which are life threatening. In all other cases other urgent care services should be used or if you are in any doubt please call 111 for advice.
An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation and can include someone suffering:
- loss of consciousness
- an acute confused state
- fits that aren't stopping
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that can't be stopped
- severe allergic reactions
- severe burns or scalds
Where is my nearest A&E?
Here are the addresses for the main Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Dorset:
Hampshire:
- Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NA
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3LY
- Royal Hampshire County Hospital Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5DG
- Southampton General Hospital Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD
Isle of Wight:
- St Mary's Hospital Parkhurst Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG
Dorset:
- Royal Bournemouth Hospital Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DW
- Poole Hospital Longfleet Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2JB
- Dorset County Hospital Williams Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2JY
These hospitals provide 24/7 emergency care for serious and life-threatening conditions. For urgent but less severe issues, you should consider using an Urgent Treatment Centre or Minor Injuries Unit, or contacting NHS 111 for advice on the most appropriate service.
Self care and Prevention
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