Emergency Department (ED) matron Steph from Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham is raising awareness about the best local places to seek medical treatment.
Steph says: “The ED is absolutely here for people in an emergency but if your condition is not life threatening, it may be quicker and more suitable for you to go to your local Urgent Treatment Centre or call 111 for advice.”
Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) can help with a range of illnesses and injuries, including sprains and strains, bites, minor burns, and infections, up to minor head injuries and broken bones.
The closest UTCs are:
Pharmacists can offer support, advice and medicine for conditions including sunburn, coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. They can also help you understand the medication your have been prescribed. You can find your local pharmacy and view their opening hours online.
Many GP practices also give you the option of logging an e-consult with them during opening hours.
Please leave the emergency department for people experiencing life threatening injuries or illnesses such as stroke, difficulty breathing, severe blood loss, chest pain and loss of consciousness.
If you aren’t sure where the best place for you to get care is including mental health issues, please contact NHS 111.
More information is available on the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust website.