If you are feeling unwell or are injured, don’t wait to seek help. Find the right health service for your needs.
Click on the links below to find out more about the help you can receive at these health services:
Think 111 First
If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, be sure to contact NHS 111 first rather than going straight to an emergency department.
If you’re not sure whether to go to your GP, your pharmacy, or a walk-in centre – call 111 first.
If you do need urgent care, then NHS 111 can book you in to be seen quickly and safely in A&E.
Plus, NHS 111 can book you an appointment at Urgent Treatment Centres, GP surgeries, pharmacies, emergency dental services, and Walk-In Clinics.
Calls are completely free 24/7 and you will speak to a trained NHS advisor who can provide advice.
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 on any mobile or landline.
Community Pharmacies
You can contact or visit your local community pharmacy to get help and support from a qualified healthcare professional for minor illnesses.
- Pharmacy teams are trained to provide clinical advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses.
- If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, they can point you to the right place.
- Your general practice team or NHS 111 may send you to your local community pharmacy for a same day appointment to access the help you need.
Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you find the right over-the-counter medicines to help you manage many minor health concerns at home. Examples of minor health concerns they can help with are:
- Hayfever
- Colds and flu
- Sore throat and headaches that last less than a week
- Aches and pains
- Cuts and bruises
- Insect bites
- Tummy troubles that last less than a week
- Skin irritations/rashes
- Eye irritations
- Teething in babies
To find a local pharmacy and check their opening hours, visit Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Self Care
NHS 111 might recommend you take care of yourself at home using your first-aid kit or over the counter medications. Find out more about the types of illnesses that you can take care of yourself at home, with some expert advise from your local pharmacy team.
Many supermarkets and community pharmacies will have what you need and are often open during bank holidays.
Please monitor your condition and if your symptoms change or get worse, please do not hesitate to call NHS 111 who can advise further.
Minor Injuries Units
In Norfolk and Waveney there are two Minor Injuries Units:
The Norwich Practices Walk-in Centre at Rouen House on Rouen Road, Norwich which is open between 7am and 9pm every day.
This nurse-led centre can help with a range of minor illness and injuries, including minor cuts and wounds, strains and sprains and skin complaints.
You will be triaged at the entrance and then treated or signposted elsewhere if necessary.
The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) based at Cromer Hospital on Mill Road is open every day, including Bank Holidays, from 8am to 7.45pm.
Patients can receive treatment for minor injuries such as minor wounds, burns, simple fractures, and broken or dislocated fingers.
The unit can advise over the phone if your injury is suitable for the MIU. Call 01603 646230 to speak to one of the team before travelling to the MIU.
GP Practices
GP practices are working differently but they are here to help.
You can contact your surgery over the phone, online, or by visiting the practice. The reception staff are trained to support you to get the right appointment for your needs.
GP practices have appointments face-to-face every day, or you may also be offered a telephone or video consultation depending on your clinical needs.
Groups of GP practices also work together in a local area called a Primary Care Network (PCN) to ensure you can be seen when you need to be. Although this may not be at your usual practice, it will still be with the best professional to support your needs.
Emergency Departments
The Emergency Department (A&E) provides urgent and emergency care that can’t be treated at your pharmacy, GP, or a Minor Injury Unit.
Emergency Departments are for serious or life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, symptoms of stroke or sepsis, serious allergic reactions, trauma or blacking out.
There are three Emergency Departments in Norfolk and Waveney:
3 in 4 people who attend Emergency Departments do not end up staying in hospital as they can be treated on the day or advised to seek treatment at a more appropriate service. Please do not bring an overnight bag unless you have been specifically asked to.
Services for Children and Young People
Children and young people can use all of the above services depending on their needs.
Just One Norfolk is a dedicated NHS resource for parents and guardians with trusted help, advice and information during pregnancy, birth and your parenthood journey.