How to use Health Services
On this page:
How to register with a
GP When your GP surgery is
closed NHS
Direct
Serious emergency
care Minor Injury Units
How to
register with a GP
You need to register with a family doctor (also known as a
General Practitioner or GP) as soon as possible. You see your GP
about all health matters. He or she can also arrange for you to see
professionals at a local hospital. If you have children, the GP can
arrange for them to be given immunisation injections. Health
Visitors (for young children) and School Nurses may contact you to
help keep your children healthy. GPs arrange for pregnant women to
have scans in hospital to make sure their baby is healthy, and
liaise with a midwife to make arrangements for the birth.
There is no charge for you to see a GP. If the GP gives you a
prescription for medication you will have to pay for the
medication.
To find a GP in your area you can telephone a service called NHS
Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx?ServiceType=GP.
If you need interpretation services when making this enquiry by
telephone, just say which language you wish to use when your call
is answered.
Once you have found a GP who you would like to register with, go
to their surgery, or telephone them, and ask a receptionist about
registering. Interpretation services can be arranged if you need
them.
When your GP
surgery is closed
If you need GP services out of normal surgery hours - from 6pm
to 8am Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday, Bank
Holidays and Public Holidays – telephone the GP out-of-hours
service on 0300 123 3211.
This is only for urgent medical problems that cannot wait until
normal surgery hours to be treated.
If you need interpretation services when making this telephone
call, just say which language you wish to use when your call is
answered.
NHS
Direct
If you have any doubts about where to go for health services,
telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. When your call is answered,
just say which language you wish to use. You will be connected to
an interpreter who will help NHS Direct give you the information or
advice you need. This telephone service provides 24-hour advice and
health information. It is staffed by nurses and professional
advisors, providing confidential information on what to do if you
or a family member feels ill, particular health conditions, where
to find local health services and self-help or support
organisations.
The NHS website http://www.nhs.uk/ has information in
several languages about illnesses, operations, tests, treatment,
advice on common health problems, and a search facility to find
your nearest GP, doctor, dentist or chemist.
Serious
emergency care
If you or someone in your family is seriously ill and needs
emergency care you should get medical attention by either taking
the patient to an Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) or by
telephoning 999 and asking for an emergency ambulance. This call
will be free of charge.
In Worcestershire, accidents that cause severe injuries are
dealt with in the Accident and Emergency Departments at:
- Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester - 01905 763333
- Alexandra Hospital in Redditch - 01527 503030
If you are not sure if it is an emergency, you can call NHS
Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice on what to do.
Minor Injury
Units
If you have had a minor accident, but have not hurt yourself
severely enough to need to go to A&E or call 999 for an
emergency ambulance, your nearest Minor Injury Unit can help. The
Units listed below will treat patients for minor injuries such as
cuts, sprains and minor burns. You do not need to make an
appointment. Interpretation services will be available if you need
them - please tell staff you need it. There are Minor Injury Units
at:
- Evesham Community Hospital MIU (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- 01386 502388
- Kidderminster Hospital MIU (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) -
01562 513039
- Princess of Wales Community Hospital MIU, Bromsgrove (8am-8pm
Mon to Fri, 12pm-8pm Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays) - 01527
488058
- Tenbury Wells MIU (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) - 01584
810643
- Malvern Community Hospital MIU (9am-9pm, 7 days a week) - 01684
612619
