Urgent and emergency care services for 18 – 25 year olds

Your local pharmacist can offer confidential expert advice and treatment for most common illnesses. Many pharmacies are open evenings, weekends and bank holidays – no appointment needed.

Patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and ease pressure on GP services.

But what does it cover and who will benefit? Here's everything you need to know.

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First will enable community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.

What are the seven common conditions?

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Infected insect bite
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

How can I access treatment from my pharmacy?

You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually. GP receptionists, NHS 111 and providers of emergency care will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.

Find out more about pharmacy first here.

If you, or someone you are with, is ill or has suffered a minor injury and you’re not sure what to do, you can contact the NHS 111 service on the phone or online.

The NHS 111 service is available free on the phone or online 24/7. Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or GP and they can arrange for an ambulance if they think you need one. 111 can also directly book GP appointments if you need to see a doctor face to face.

Just dial 111 on your phone or visit 111.nhs.uk for the online service.

You can also call 18001 111 on a textphone or to use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service go to https://signvideo.co.uk/nhs111/

Where will NHS 111 direct you to?

NHS 111 can give you advice and help for dealing with your symptoms, arrange for you to speak to a relevant healthcare professional, organise face-to-face appointments, and provide you with information on how to get a repeat prescription and where to get an emergency supply from.

They will also send you an ambulance if they think you need it.

NHS 111 'mental health option' for mental health

You can now access help via NHS 111 if you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health.

If you're living with active suicidal thoughts or feel you are in immediate danger, call 999 for emergency services or ask someone to call 999 for you or take you to A&E.

General practitioners (GPs) and staff working within general practices treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment. They focus on the health of the whole person combining physical, psychological and social aspects of care.

Most colds, coughs and sore throats will not get better with antibiotics and cannot be treated by practice staff. However, you should make an appointment at your GP practices if persistent, recurring problems are not improving with self-care.

You should also see your GP for:

• Unexplained and sudden weight loss
• Constant fatigue and unexplained tiredness
• Persistent cough
• Yellowing skin
• Sudden, blinding headaches or migraines
• A new or growing mole
• A persistent high fever
• Changes in bowel movements

There are a number of roles within general practices including nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists - amongst others. When arrange an appointment with your practice, you will be offered an appointment with the health care professional best placed to treat you, this may not be a GP.

I'm a university student, how do I register for GP services?

University of Sheffield students:

If you are studying at the University of Sheffield, you can find out how to register for the University Health Service here: University Health Service | University Health Service | The University of Sheffield

If you are an international student, please see here Healthcare for international students | University Health Service | The University of Sheffield

Sheffield Hallam students:

If you are studying at Sheffield Hallam University, find out how to register for Student Health Services here: Student Health at SHU - Porter Brook Medical Centre & Student Health at SHU

If your injury is not serious, you can get help from a minor injuries unit (MIU), rather than going to an A&E department. This will allow A&E staff to concentrate on people with serious, life-threatening conditions and will save you a potentially long wait.

Minor Injuries Units can treat:

• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones
• Wounds, lacerations and grazes
• Wound infections
• Minor burns and scalds
• Minor head injuries
• Insect and animal bites
• Minor eye injuries and conditions

Minor Injuries Units cannot treat:

• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Major injuries
• Problems usually dealt with by a GP
• Stomach pains
• Gynaecological problems
• Pregnancy problems
• Overdoses
• Alcohol related problems
• Mental health problems
• Conditions likely to require hospital admission

Where are the nearest Minor Injuries Units?

There are two minor injuries units in South Yorkshire:

Sheffield

Minor Injuries Unit

Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Glossop Road

Sheffield

S10 2JF

Open daily 8am – 8pm

Tel: 0114 2712071

Doncaster

Minor Injuries Unit

Montagu Hospital

Adwick Road

Mexborough

S64 0AZ

Open daily (apart from Christmas day) 9am – 9pm with last admissions at 8pm

Tel: 01709 649157

In Sheffield there is a Walk in Centre open 8am - 10pm, 365 days a year.

Members of the public can walk-in as an unregistered patient and see a nurse, without an appointment for a range of minor illnesses and ailments.

There’s no need to book an appointment, just walk in and you will be seen. You may have to wait to be seen.

When should I go to the Walk in Centre?

If you are unable to get a GP appointment, or you aren't registered with a GP, but need urgent care, you can use the Walk in Centre.

The NHS Walk in Centre can help with:

• Severe sore throats
• Rashes
• Infections
• Sudden worsening of long term conditions.

They can’t help with:

• Injuries that may require X Ray
• Long standing medical conditions that are managed by your own GP
• Sick Notes/Fit For Work Notes
• Dental Problems - we cannot provide x-ray or antibiotics.
• Repeat Prescriptions
• Ear syringing

Where is the walk in centre?

Broad Lane,

Sheffield

S1 3PB

The service is open to all ages.

Same day advice and treatment for minor illness and injury. Book an appointment on 0300 123 3103 or ring NHS 111.

The Centre is open from 10am to 10pm at Cavendish Court, South Parade, DN1 2DJ. Available for appointments seven days a week, year round. Professional help from doctors, nurses and paramedics.

What is the Doncaster Same Day Health Centre?

A same day service that can give advice and treatment on minor illnesses or injuries if you are unable to see your GP.

When should I attend?

The Doncaster Same Day Health Centre can help with conditions such as: sore throats, earaches, coughs, colds, sprains and strains. Contact the Centre if you have been unable to schedule an urgent appointment with your GP practice. Remember, a well-stocked medicine cabinet can help treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries.

Can I just walk-in?

No, The Doncaster Same Day Health Centre is by appointment only. Please call ahead to book an appointment.

How do I make an appointment?

First try your GP practice, if you are unable to get an appointment, contact the Centre by calling 0300 123 3103 (local charge applies) or ring NHS 111.

999 and Accident and Emergency department, also known as the Emergency Department or Casualty, should only be used for emergencies which are life threatening. In all other cases other urgent care services should be used or if you are in any doubt please call 111 for advice.

An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation and can include someone suffering:

• loss of consciousness
• an acute confused state
• fits that aren't stopping
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that can't be stopped
• severe allergic reactions
• severe burns or scalds

Where is my nearest A&E?

Barnsley

Barnsley Hospital

Gawber Road

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 2EP

Doncaster

Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Armthorpe Road

Doncaster

DN2 5LT

Rotherham

Rotherham Hospital

Moorgate Road

Rotherham

S60 2UD

Sheffield

Northern General Hospital

Herries Rd

Sheffield

S5 7AU