Get the Right Treatment
Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor's appointment.
It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.
Self-care
Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.
Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.
Your Local Pharmacist
Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.
Pharmacists can also advise on healthy eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription. Watch this short video on how you can get the most out of your local pharmacy.
Common Ailments Scheme
Pharmacists in Wales can now provide treatment for many common ailments free of charge. More info - English - Cymraeg
111 Wales
You can also get telephone advice from NHS Wales by ringing 111 or visiting their website 111 Wales.
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have injuries or serious illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:
- loss of consciousness,
- severe pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,
- acute confused state
- major blood loss
- persistent, severe chest pain, or
- acute breathing difficulties.
If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.
Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.
If you want to go to A&E in Cardiff, ring 0300 10 20 247 first unless it is a 999 emergency