Self care
Many minor injuries and illnesses can be best treated in your home by using over-the-counter medicine from your pharmacist and getting plenty of rest. If you are still worried call NHS 111 or your GP.
Many minor injuries and illnesses can be best treated in your home by using over-the-counter medicine from your pharmacist and getting plenty of rest. If you are still worried call NHS 111 or your GP.
If you think you need help urgently during the day or night you should call NHS 111 before you go to any other health service. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is free to call, including from a mobile. You will be directed straight away to the local service that can help you best. Call NHS 111:
Your local pharmacist can provide advice on most common health issues and can suggest and dispense medicines. There are often pharmacists in supermarkets and many are open late. Visit www.nhs.uk to find the pharmacy nearest to you. Some local pharmacies operate a free minor ailments scheme (Care at the Chemist), or they can direct you to one that does. See your local pharmacist for a confidential consultation about coughs, colds, sore throats, pain and temperature, minor eye infections, head lice and lots more. This NHS scheme is available from age one and over and any medicine dispensed is free if you do not pay for your prescriptions.
You will need to register with a local GP. Your GP can advise, give you the medicines you need and point you in the right direction if you need other specialist services. You will usually need to make an appointment. All GPs will see a child quickly if you are worried.
To find a GP in your area, search on the NHS choices website
www.nhs.uk/service-search
After 6.30pm weekdays, at weekends and public holidays you can call the GP out-of-hours service on NHS 111.
New Evening and Weekend GP Service
Urgent and routine GP appointments are now available outside normal GP surgery opening times in the evenings and at weekends.
For your convenience you can now see a GP or Practice Nurse in the evenings from 18.30 to 22.00 Monday to Friday (book on the day) or 8.00am to 8.00pm on Saturday and Sundays.
Ring 0208 519 3999 to book an appointment.
For latest information see the Waltham Forest CCG website www.walthamforestccg.nhs.uk
For urgent enquiries outside these hours you can call the GP out-of-hours service on NHS 111.
Your midwife assesses yours and your baby's health and well-being at various stages throughout your pregnancy and supports you both in the two weeks after the baby is born. They will also support you if you choose a home birth.
Health visitors are there to support you until your baby is five years old. They will visit you at home for a new birth visit when the baby is about 10-14 days old, and invite you for health checks when your baby is 6-8 weeks, 1 year and 2 years old. You can also drop in to see them at a baby clinic. They will help with advice about feeding & weaning or any other worries, and then can direct you to where to get extra help if you need it.
See contacts
Family Nurse Partnership
In Waltham Forest, young women aged 19 years and under in their first pregnancy can receive extra support from specialist children’s nurses until their baby is two years old. For more information ask your GP, midwife or health visitor.
Children & Family Centres are family friendly environments which provide support and advice for your child’s health and development up until they start school. Activities include play sessions, infant feeding support groups and parenting sessions. They can also direct you to other local health and social support services. Families need to register with their local Children & Family Centre soon after birth to access services provided. Visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk/cypd to find activities happening near you.
Make sure you see a dentist on a regular basis or ask about oral health at your nearest Children and Family centre. Discuss registering your child early on with your dentist and take them with you to appointments.
Visit www.nhs.uk to find your nearest dentist.
For out-of-hours dentist information call NHS 111.
For serious and life-threatening emergencies.
A&E and 999 are emergency services that should only be used when babies and children are badly injured or show symptoms of critical illness. These include choking or breathing difficulties, unconscious or unaware of surroundings, taken poison or tablets, severe abdominal pain, fewer wet nappies suggesting dehydration.