Caring for yourself at home
From a grazed knee to a cough or a hangover, lots of illnesses and symptoms can be treated at home with a well-stocked first aid kit.
It’s good to have things like paracetamol or ibuprofen, rehydration sachets for diarrhoea, antacids, plasters, bandages and thermometer in your first aid kit. For more information, visit the NHS website.
If you’re struggling or feeling anxious, you can get free online support and counselling at www.qwell.io (age 24+) or www.kooth.com (age 10 – 25).
You can also download the NHS app from the App Store or Google Play, and use it to connect with your practice, book appointments and more.
Pharmacists
Your local pharmacist is highly trained and provides free, confidential advice on minor illnesses from sickness and diarrhoea to hay fever. Pharmacies also have a quiet area for consultation if you need to speak to someone in private. Find a pharmacy near you.
For many common illnesses, if the pharmacist feels you need medicine, they can provide it without you seeing your GP first. If you don’t normally pay for prescriptions, this will be free (you will need to confirm that you are entitled to free prescriptions).
NHS 111
Another good option for urgent care is to visit 111.nhs.uk (for age 5+ only) or call 111, especially when the practice is closed.
Urgent Treatment Centre
The Urgent Treatment Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital is open every day for patients with urgent, but non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. It is open 8am – 10pm daily.
