Loss of consciousness

Treat common ailments and illnesses such as sore throats, grazed knees, diarrhoea or indigestion yourself.  Keep plasters, pain relief and cold medicines in your home medicine cabinet or first aid box.

Pharmacies are a first option for minor illnesses and injuries. Trained pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter treatments and advise if they think you need additional clinical support.

Most people live within easy reach of a pharmacy and many pharmacies offer extended opening hours in the evenings and at weekends. They are a fast and convenient way to access clinical advice with no appointment needed. More than 90% of pharmacies also offer a private consultation room.

Parents and carers with children under the age of five are particularly encouraged to visit their local pharmacy team for clinical advice for minor health concerns such as throats, coughs, colds, upset stomach and teething.

Visit the NHS website to find your local pharmacy.

General Practitioners (GPs) treat common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment. They are highly skilled doctors who help patients manage their health and prevent illness. GPs work alongside other healthcare professionals at a GP practice – discover more about the team at your GP practice.

There are 12 GP practices in Portsmouth. You can register with a GP practice, even if you are not currently ill. Each practice has its own website where you can follow the link for new patients or patient registration.

If you wake up at the weekend or want support on a weekday (overnight between 8pm and 8am) for a chest infection, tonsillitis, or anything else that means you might need to see a GP, please contact NHS 111 on www.nhs.111.uk or by calling 111 from any phone.

Through 111, and with the support of Portsmouth Primary Care Alliance, we provide same-day access to a GP where one of our doctors will call you back and, if you need to be seen, can book you an urgent appointment.

Call 111 to get medical help online or over the phone 24-hours a day, seven days a week. You can access the service online at www.111.nhs.uk, for people aged five years or over. Or call 111 free from a mobile phone or landline.

Clinicians, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics and call advisors offer advice and treatment for physical and mental health, without the need for patients to see a GP or visit an Emergency Department.

If needed, NHS 111 can book patients into urgent treatment centres, emergency dental services, pharmacy, A&E, or another more appropriate local service – as well as send an ambulance if the condition be serious or life-threatening.

If you’re not sure where to go, call 111 for help.

UTCs are GP-led, open at least 12 hours a day, every day, and offer treatment, advice, and information for minor injuries and illnesses including:

• Minor head and eye wounds
• Sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs, and feet
• Minor head injuries with no loss of consciousness or penetrating injuries
• Abscesses and bites
• New cuts and wounds
• Minor burns or scalds
• Emergency contraception
• Minor pregnancy issues

Nearest UTCs:

• St Mary’s Hospital, Milton Road – open every day, 8am-8pm
• Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Bury Road – open every day, 8am-10pm
• Petersfield Hospital, Swan Street – open every day, 8am-8pm

Appointments can be booked at www.111.nhs.uk, call 111 or be referred from a GP. You can turn up to a UTC without a pre-booked appointment, but you may wait longer to be seen.

For life-threatening emergencies only such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, stroke or heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped.

Portsmouth’s nearest Emergency Department is at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham.

If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 999 immediately or go straight to the Emergency Department.