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Welcome to the website that tells you all about
the NHS in Wiltshire
Choose well
Not sure which service to use? Here’s a guide to help you choose the right treatment
Choose Well is a simple, handy guide to choosing the right treatment out of hours.
The out-of-hours service is for urgent medical problems that cannot wait until the next day. The service is available between 6.30pm and 8.00am on weekdays, all day at the weekend and on public holidays.
0300 111 5717
The number is operated through Wiltshire Medical Services
What happens when you call the out-of-hours service?
Specially trained staff will answer your call. They will ask you some questions, for example your name, address and the reason for your call. Your problem will initially be assessed over the telephone.
They will then either:
- Put you through to a nurse will talk to you and give you advice on how to look after yourself.
- Ask you to come in to one of our centres to be treated by one of our team.
- Arrange for one of our team to visit you at home.
Your guide to choosing well
The table below explains the services that are available to you, so you can choose the right service at the right time.
Self care
A well-stocked medicine chest will help you treat many everyday illnesses and minor ailments at home. For example, a small supply of paracetamol or ibuprofen (available as syrup for children) and other remedies will help you treat common ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats, indigestion, toothache, headaches and constipation. If you have children, don’t forget to include appropriate medicines for them.
NHS Direct
You can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647* for confidential health advice and information 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. The lines are staffed by nurses and professional advisors. NHS Direct has become a first point of contact for patients seeking medical help outside normal surgery hours. NHS Direct can offer you information on;
- What to do if you or a family member feels ill
- Particular health conditions
- Local health services (such as doctors, dentists or out-of-hours pharmacies)
- Self-help or support organisations
*Calls are charged at local rates.
For patients' safety, all calls are recorded.
For deaf people or those hard of hearing there is a textphone service available on 0845 606 46 47.
For those whose preferred language is not English, there is the choice of a confidential translation service.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists (sometimes called Chemists) are experts on medicines and how they work. They can also offer advice on common complaints such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and other health issues, such as healthy eating and giving up smoking. They can help you decide whether you need to see a doctor. You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence – even about the most personal symptoms – and you don’t need to make an appointment.
NHS Walk-in Centre
NHS walk-in centres offer fast and convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. They are open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week. They are run by experienced NHS nurses, and you don’t need to make an appointment
Doctor’s Surgery
Your local Doctor’s surgery provides a range of services, including general medical advice and treatment; prescriptions; referral to a specialist or hospital (where appropriate); jabs and tests (such as immunisations, blood tests or cervical smears).
Remember to tell your doctor if you have tried or are still taking self-care treatment.
Surgeries are always busy, so be sure to keep to your appointment time and cancel it if you need to; missed appointments waste precious time and resources.
Out-of-hours GP and dental treatment
If you are ill and urgently need medical or dental help after 6.30pm and before 8am, contact the out-of-hours service. Phone your GP surgery or 0300 111 5717.
In an emergency (eg serious injury, loss of consciousness, chest pain or suspected stroke), patients should always phone 999. For healthcare advice over the phone, NHS Direct is available 24-hours a day on 0845 4647.
Minor Injuries Unit
Minor Injuries Units are for patients with less serious injuries, such as sprains, cuts and grazes. You do not need an appointment to visit a Minor Injuries Unit. Minor Injuries Units are led by highly qualified nurse practitioners with more experience and expertise than many doctors in this kind of treatment.
Minor Injuries Units can treat a wide variety of problems including: •
- Cuts/grazes and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones (fractures)
- Bites and stings (including human/animal bites)
- Infected wounds
- Minor head injuries
- Minor eye infections, foreign bodies & scratches
Accident & Emergency (A&E) or 999
It is often very obvious when emergency care is needed for serious injury or illness. You should get medical attention by either taking the patient to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A & E) department or by phoning 999 for an emergency ambulance.
An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy blood loss
- Suspected broken bones
- Persistent chest pain for 15 minutes or more
- Difficulty breathing
- Overdose, ingestion or poisoning
Remember to keep calm, do everything you can to help the person, but don't put yourself in danger and don't give the person anything to eat, drink or smoke.
Unless you need emergency medical attention avoid local A&E departments. Doctors and nurses there are equipped to deal with serious cases of injury and illness, not routine and minor ailments. Calling an ambulance won't necessarily mean you are seen any quicker at A&E as the most serious cases are prioritised.
By making the right choice at the right time, you can get the best possible treatment through the NHS. Many everyday illnesses can be managed easily at home, while advice is freely available from pharmacists or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
