Self-care at home
Visit your pharmacy to stock up on over the counter essentials like paracetamol, cough syrup, plasters etc. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend what’s best for your needs. Over the counter medicines, staying
hydrated and getting plenty of rest is sometimes all it takes to help manage sickness. Conditions like coughs and colds, flu or an upset stomach are usually treatable at home – just make sure you rest up and drink plenty of fluids. If you have a small cut or graze, clean the wound under clean running water and stick a plaster on it to help stop infection.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a free 24 hour helpline, here to make it easier and quicker for people to get the right advice or
treatment they need, be that for their physical or mental health.
The online service is for assessment of people aged
five and over only. It’s free to call 111 from a mobile or landline, you don’t need internet access and it’s for people of all ages.
Your local pharmacy
A pharmacist can help you with lots of medical issues, like the ones listed below.
Pharmacists can help with many things, but there are times when you’ll need to make the trip to the doctor’s or use other services like NHS 111.
- Cold
- Earache
- Sore throat
- Athletes foot
- Thrush
- Hay fever
- Fever
- Blocked nose
- Sprain or strain
- Cough
- Sexual health advice (including the morning after pill)
- Hangover
- Rash/skin complaint
Some pharmacies offer specialist services such as chlamydia tests and blood-glucose tests, as well as stop smoking services and weight management.
Call or visit your nearest pharmacy to see which services they provide
Visit your doctor
If you have an on-going issue that isn’t getting better, book an appointment at your GP (doctor) practice.
Appointments are available on evenings and weekends as well as during the day. You are likely to be assessed first over the phone before being offered a face to face appointment.
You may not always need to see a doctor. GP practices have a wide range of trained clinical staff who can help, such as, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and healthcare assistants.
When you contact your practice, please give as much information as possible so they can make sure you see the most appropriate healthcare professional.
To avoid waiting, check it’s not something your pharmacist can help you with first.
Register with a GP
For a list of GP practices near you visit nhs.uk. To register, pop in or give the surgery a call.
It’s important that you register with a GP in Leeds so you can get an appointment if you get ill. You can still see your GP at home as a temporary resident when you’re back home during uni holidays.
If you spend the majority of the year in Leeds, please register with a GP practice in Leeds.
If you want to stay registered with your GP practice at home, you can temporarily register with a GP in Leeds for up to 3 months.
Register with a dentist
To register with a dentist, find a practice at nhs.uk and give them a call to book an appointment. You may need to join a waiting list to see a dentist.
If you need emergency dental care, even outside of opening hours, call your dentist – they’ll have emergency contact details on their answer phone. Or call NHS 111 and they’ll tell you what to do.
Walk-in centres
Walk-in centres offer health advice and treatments for a range of illnesses. They can be used if you have a minor illness or if you are worried about your health, but it is not an emergency. Walk-in centres can be used by people who are registered with a GP and also people who aren’t.
Shakespeare Medical Practice Walk-in Centre
1 Cromwell Mount
Leeds
LS9 7TA
0113 295 1132
Urgent treatment centre/minor injuries unit
Sprains, broken bones, wound infections or sudden illness – these centres can help you if you need urgent medical attention but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
St George’s Urgent Treatment Centre
St George’s Road,
Leeds,
LS10 4UZ
0330 311 5106
Wharfedale Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre
(previously Minor Injuries Unit)
Newall Carr Road,
Leeds,
LS21 2LY
0113 392 1647
A&E/999
Hospital emergency departments (A&E) and 999 are for serious or life-threatening conditions. This could include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy blood loss that cannot be stopped
- Persistent, severe chest pain
- Head injuries
- A suspected stroke or heart attack
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Suspected broken bones
- A deep wound, such as a stab wound
You will be assessed and may be redirected to another service more appropriate for your condition.
Be Smoke Free – One You Leeds
Be Smoke Free – One You Leeds is a free service open to anyone who’s looking to quit smoking.
Leeds Sexual health
Your pharmacy can give you advice on sexual health, including information on contraception – but for other issues you might need to speak to a specialist.
Leeds Sexual Health clinics offer testing and treatment for all STIs and HIV, pregnancy choice advice, vaccinations to protect from hepatitis or MPOX and support after sexual assault.
Visit Leeds sexual health website for your nearest available pharmacy and for other sexual health services available in the city.
Forward Leeds
Forward Leeds is an alcohol and drug support service for young people and adults across Leeds. They offer a range of different services including advice, support and interventions for young people who are concerned about their alcohol and/or drug use.
forwardleeds.co.uk
0113 887 2477
Leeds Recovery College
If you’d like to learn more about mental health and/or improve your general wellbeing the Leeds Recovery College may have a course for you. Our courses are co-designed and co-led by people who have had or are living with mental health challenges, who work alongside lots of different health professionals, teachers and trainers to run workshops with us. For more information and to book a course visit Leeds Recovery College or email the team.
Northern Gambling Service
The NHS Northern Gambling Service (also known as the Northern Gambling Clinic) provides specialist addiction therapy and recovery to people affected by gambling addiction, as well as those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal feelings. We also provide help to people close to those with gambling addiction, such as family, partners, and carers. You can self-refer or contact the service.
