Get in the know about local health services

When you are unwell or injured it can feel more difficult to choose the right health service. Now you can get the support you need to get the right care as quickly as possible with a new local website www.GetInTheKnow.co.uk.

With everything you need in one place, you can find out which is the right service for your individual health problem and help keep your waiting time to a minimum.

You can visit this website each time you have a health need to help you get in the know, or learn, what to do. It is also worth finding out more about local services in advance so you can act more quickly when you need to.

The website includes information such as where to get support to look after minor ailments yourself, top tips for using your GP practice, what to do if you need help quickly and the local options to support you with your mental health.

Mental health services: It’s OK to ask for help. Whether it’s urgent, an emergency or you just need a little extra support, there are a wide range of mental health and wellbeing services in your local community.

Minor ailments: If you are generally in good health, you can treat many minor injuries or illnesses yourself. In many cases they will get better by themselves so you don’t need an NHS appointment. If you do need some extra support, you can get advice from NHS 111 Online, the NHS App or your local pharmacy.

GP practices: GP practices work differently nowadays to help patients get the right care as quickly as possible. Every practice is different – Get in the know how it works at yours.

1. GP practice teams have a wide mix of specialist health professionals. You don’t always need to see a GP. Tell the receptionist why you need an appointment so they can make it with the most appropriate person in the practice team and using the right appointment format. Receptionists are trained to do this to ensure you are seen in a timely manner.

2. Phone, video or online consultations are more convenient and what’s best for many people. If you can, use alternative appointment types to leave face-to-face appointments for those who need them.

3. Sign up for online services and get advice, appointments, prescriptions and information at your fingertips. If you can, use alternative ways of contacting your practice. You might get what you need more quickly and it frees up the telephone lines for those who do need to speak to someone.

Urgent help: When it’s urgent, use NHS 111 online before going to services and get the right care as quickly as possible. Find out what to do, where to go and get an appointment or arrival time. Ready to help 24/7 and 365 days a year. Go to 111.nhs.uk or dial 111.

Visit www.getintheknow.co.uk to find out more.