Think: Right Help, Right Time, First Time

Knowing where to go when you need health advice or support can help you get the right care more quickly.

Think: Right Help, Right Time, First Time brings together simple advice to help you stay well, act early when you become unwell and choose the right NHS service for your needs.

From self-care and community pharmacy to NHS 111, GP practice teams, urgent care and mental health support, find out what help is available and where to go.

Residents are being encouraged to:

Think Self-Care – Keep vaccinations up to date if eligible, stay active, eat well, keep warm and be prepared to manage common illnesses at home.

Think NHS 111 First – If you're not sure what to do, contact NHS 111 online or by phone for advice and support 24 hours a day.

Think Pharmacy – Community pharmacists can provide expert advice and treatment for many common illnesses and minor health concerns, often without an appointment.

Think GP Practice Team – GP practices include a range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and mental health practitioners, who can provide the right support for patients' needs.

Think Urgent Care – the Walk-in Centre at Haywood, Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres can provide treatment for many urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Think Mental Health – Anyone experiencing urgent mental health distress can access support through NHS 111 by selecting the mental health option.

Think Emergency Care – Emergency Departments and 999 services should be used for serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Residents are also being encouraged to check in on family members, friends, neighbours and others who may need extra support during the colder months.

For more information about local services and advice, visit the Which Service Do I Need? - Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, ICS