The NHS is still here for you
During the pandemic, if you are concerned about any health condition you should still get in touch with your GP practice and continue to attend medical appointments, unless you have been told not to by your GP or healthcare professional. If you need medical help, you should contact your GP practice either online or by phone, to be assessed. If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service, or if you cannot get help online, call 111. If it’s a serious life-threatening emergency, call 999.
If you are worried about a potential cancer symptom, you should contact your GP practice. The benefits of starting or continuing any cancer treatment during the pandemic will be discussed with you.
If you think you or a family member are suffering with the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, you must seek help immediately and dial 999 immediately.
Use the FAST test to spot the symptoms of a stroke: Face – is the face drooping/ fallen on one side and can they smile? Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech – is it slurred? Time to call 999 if you see any of the above signs.
If you are pregnant you should still attend antenatal appointments and contact your midwife or maternity team if you are worried about your health or the health of your unborn baby.
Parents who are worried about the health of their baby or young child should ensure they seek help from their GP or if urgent should call 111.
The NHS continues to support people with their mental health and you should continue to access services as usual. There is an urgent 24/7 mental health service available providing telephone support and advice by calling 0300 124 0365. The NHS is still open for new referrals via your GP.
If you have learning disabilities or autism and need medical help, reasonable adjustments will be made so you get the right care and support. Your local community teams and crisis support lines are available if you are worried or anxious. There are resources about coronavirus available for people with learning disabilities at: www.mpft.nhs.uk/service-users-carers/coronavirus-information/coronavirus-information-people-learning-disabilities
Do you have experiences, good or not so good, of trying to access healthcare services during the pandemic that you would like to share with us? If so please take a moment to answer a few questions in our survey.
Health, care and wellbeing services during the Covid-19 pandemic
