NHS Essex’s Get the care you need quicker campaign is helping people understand where to go for different health and wellbeing needs.
Knowing where to start can help you get the right care or support more quickly. Depending on what you need, you may not always need to see a GP.
For non-urgent support, Essex Frontline brings information about local physical health, mental health and wellbeing, community and practical support together in one place. You can search by postcode or town for help with things such as loneliness, money, housing, caring and family life.
For common health problems, your local community pharmacy can offer advice and, where appropriate, treatment. Through Pharmacy First, pharmacists can assess and treat some common conditions, and you will not normally need an appointment.
Your GP practice also has a wider team of healthcare professionals who can help. When you contact your practice, trained staff will assess what you need and connect you with the person best placed to help. This could be a GP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, mental health professional or another member of the team.
You may also be able to refer yourself to some NHS and community services without seeing a GP first. Availability and eligibility vary, so check what is available in your area.
For urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, use NHS 111 online or call 111. If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E.
The NHS App can also help you manage parts of your healthcare, including ordering repeat prescriptions, managing appointments and accessing NHS 111 online, depending on the services available through your GP practice.
Find out more about getting the care you need quicker on the NHS Essex website.