Health
This section covers everything to do with keeping healthy, including healthy eating, sexual health, drugs and alcohol. Sometimes talking about health issues can be difficult especially to someone you know. If that is the case, you can always choose to talk to an Adviser you don't know or use one of the helplines that allow you to write or talk anonymously such as Connexions Direct (080 800 13219), or use NHS Direct (0845 4647).If you feel unwell, see your GP or practice nurse or get advice from your local pharmacist or NHS Direct. Don't ignore symptoms that make you feel lousy.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists are experts on medicines and how they work. They can answer any questions you may have about your prescriptions or choosing over the counter medicines, provide easy to understand advice on treating everyday ailments, and even help you decide if you need to see your doctor
NHS Direct - 0845 46 47
NHS Direct gives you 24-hour access to information and
advice about health, illness and health services. Call NHS Direct if you
feel there is something wrong but you're not sure what to do. The
NHS Direct nurse will be able to tell you whether the symptoms are ones
you can manage at home and how to do this or direct you to the right service
if you need to see a doctor.
NHS Direct can also give you general information
about local health services, including late night pharmacists, out-of-hours
dentists or support groups. You can also access NHS Direct online at: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Out-of-Hours Help and Emergencies
Hospital accident & emergency departments are open 24 hours a day to treat people with serious injuries or illnesses. If your condition is less serious you will wait longer to see a doctor. Ambulances are for serious medical emergencies only. Please think before you call 999. Sending an ambulance to a call that is not an emergency could delay the response for someone who is seriously ill.
GPs are also available during the evenings and weekends when practices are normally closed. These services are for health problems that will not wait until the next surgery day. If you need to see a GP urgently, call your surgery and you will be given instructions on how to contact the duty doctor.
Local Contact Details
Kettering General Hospital - Tel: 01536 492000
Northampton General Hospital - Tel: 01604 634700
Website: www.northamptonshire.nhs.uk
For advice on registering with a GP, call Northamptonshire Patient Registration Services on 01604 615000.
