9th January 2025
By Melissa Cooper
Full of cold? Ran out of medication? Earache? Rash? Not sure what it is, but know it needs looking at?
Get help, get sorted and get on with your day with our handy winter lifehacks.
NHS 111
This is the simplest of all winter lifehacks.
Call 111 or go online and be told exactly where you need to be. Get seen, get sorted and get on with the rest of your day.
The NHS 111 team can:
- Have a nurse or doctor phone you and discuss your symptoms
- Direct you to an Urgent Treatment Centre for injuries and illnesses
- Book you an out-of-hours GP appointment
- Get you an urgent prescription if you’ve run out of your regular medication
- Offer specialist mental health crisis support
- Arrange an emergency dental appointment
- Direct you to your nearest, open, pharmacy for over-the-counter medication
- Provide reassurance and advice on how to care for yourself at home
(… and don’t worry, if you need it, they’ll send an ambulance or direct you to A&E.)
Sometimes the reassurance from NHS 111 that you’re doing the right thing, is all you need to help you feel better quickly.
Pharmacy First
Your local pharmacy can prescribe medication for seven common illnesses without you having to see your GP.
Your local pharmacy can help you feel better quickly, if you’re struggling with any of these illnesses or issues:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Infected insect bite
- Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
- Shingles
- Urinary tract infection (in women)
Make sure you call 111, or go to NHS 111 online, if you’re not sure if a pharmacy can help.
Find out how else your local Pharmacy can help you and your family here.
Emergency prescriptions
If you have ran out of your repeat medication, don’t panic.
Request a limited, emergency, supply through NHS 111 online.
Obviously, this service should only be used in emergencies, especially because you’ll only receive a limited supply and will still need to order and collect your usual prescription.
Ultimately, no-one likes being unwell, but in reality, we are all going to be at some point.
Our winter lifehacks can get help you feel better, quicker, by helping you get the care and support you need, in the best place for it.
