Get The Right Treatment

Your GP surgery can provide a huge range of advice, examinations, treatment, vaccinations, prescriptions and other routine healthcare.

But did you know there are lots of other local services that you can go to directly for help? No need to see your GP first.

This guide sets out the main services that available and how you can contact them.

Minor Ailments And Conditions

Did You Know

You can get rapid advice, treatment and even prescriptions from your local pharmacy. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, the pharmacist can prescribe medicines for these conditions (normal charges and exemptions apply):

  • Coughs, colds, sore throats, blocked nose
  • Ear-ache
  • Thrush and uncomplicated urinary tract infections
  • Teething and nappy rash
  • Threadworms
  • Hay fever
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Diarrhoea
  • Cold sores and mouth ulcers
  • Skin rashes, impetigo
  • Eye infections

What To Do

Just drop in to your local pharmacy and ask to see the pharmacist. If you have difficulty finding a pharmacy, you can use the NHS website – www.nhs.uk – or dial 111.

Minor Injuries To Adults And Children Aged 3-plus

Did You Know

MIUs (minor injury units) are able to help if you suffer:

  • Lacerations, cuts, grazes, wounds
  • Sprain, strain, muscle or joint injury
  • Broken bone (fracture)
  • Skin complaint – insect/animal/human bite or sting
  • Foreign bodies like splinters
  • Minor scalds and burns
  • Minor head injuries from a low fall
  • Localised allergic reactions and infections (to wounds, for example)
  • Minor eye injuries and infections

What To Do

Phone NHS 111 or contact Cannock Chase Hospital 01543 572757.

Community Nursing Support

Did You Know

If you are a housebound patients and are on the local district nurse’s caseload you can try getting help with:

  • Leg ulcers
  • Dressings
  • Enemas
  • Catheters
  • Syringe drivers

What To Do

Dial 111 or phone the Cannock Community nursing team on 01543 870510.

Life-threatening Conditions

Don’t Forget

Always dial 999 for life-threatening conditions such as:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Severe difficulty in breathing
  • Unconsciousness
  • Severe loss of blood
  • Severe burns or scalds
  • Choking
  • Suspected stroke
  • Fitting or concussion
  • Drowning
  • Severe allergic reactions

And if you aren’t sure…

For advice on health conditions and the availability of local services, you can dial 111 at any time day or night.