Choose the right healthcare service to get the care you need and to enable the NHS to help the greatest number of people.
The person has fainted but recovers within 20 seconds. Reasons can include:
Standing up too quickly with low blood pressure
Not eating or drinking enough
Being too hot
Being very upset, angry or in pain (shock)
Heart problems
Taking drugs or alcohol
If about to faint:
If you see someone faint:
The person has fainted and does not know the cause
The person has recently fainted more than once
There are Doctors, or General Practitioners (GPs) based at 12 GP practices in Portsmouth. Call or book an appointment online.
Do not self-drive
The person cannot be woken after one minute
The person is unconscious from a fall or blow
The person is shaking and jerking after fainting
More than two faints in a 24 hr period
Loss of consciousness following chest pain or new neurological deficit i.e. loss of function or feeling somewhere in the body, even if it returns later
Call 999 immediately or go to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham
Do not self-drive
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 need to see a doctor during the weekend, or overnight between 8pm and 8am, call 111 or go to www.nhs.111.uk. With the support of Portsmouth Primary Care Alliance, you can have same-day access to a GP where a doctor 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:
Nearest UTCs:
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.
Our nearest Emergency Department is at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.
It should only be used for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 999 immediately.