Urgent care services

Minor health conditions If you need help quickly and your condition is minor, please try self care first. You can find out more about self care and how to get support with it on our self care page.

If your condition is more serious or self care hasn’t worked, please contact your GP practice, or NHS 111 when your GP practice is closed.

They will match you to:

the right level of care,
from the right health professional ,
in the right part of the NHS,
first time.

Your GP practice or NHS 111 will ask you about your symptoms and help arrange an appointment with the appropriate service – including an appointment on the same day, if needed, and during evenings, weekends and bank holidays. This reduces the need for you to travel to walk-in services that might not be suitable or have long waiting times.

Need help fast?

Get the right NHS care in two simple steps

A same-day appointment could take place at:

Your own GP practice
A local pharmacy
An urgent treatment centre
Another GP practice, health centre or urgent care centre during evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

You can use some local services on a walk-in basis, but you are advised to use your GP practice or NHS 111, before setting out, to make sure you get care in the right place for you, and with an appointment booked to keep your waiting time down.

Life or limb-threatening emergencies If it’s a life or limb-threatening emergency, go straight to the closest emergency department or call 999.

Urgent mental health support 24/7 support is available over the phone. Call NHS 111, selecting the mental health option. This number is open 24 hours a day and is totally free and confidential.