NHS 111
When it’s urgent but isn’t a life threatening illness or injury, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 free from mobiles and landlines. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Trained advisors will help you get the right medical attention when you urgently need it and can put you through to healthcare professionals or direct you to an urgent treatment centre, emergency dental services, GP, pharmacy or another more appropriate local service.
Ask your pharmacist
Your local pharmacist can give you friendly, expert advice about over-the-counter medicines for common conditions, such as diarrhoea, a runny nose, or a painful cough or a headache, without the need for an appointment.
As well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide a range of services, including emergency contraception and incontinence supplies. To find a pharmacist near you, visit nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy
For life-threatening injuries or conditions such as a heart attack or stroke, go to A&E or call 999
Evening and weekend GP services
Evening and weekend GP appointments are available for adults and children at GP practices in Enfield. Anyone who is registered with an Enfield GP or lives in Enfield can request an appointment.
Appointments are available from 6.30pm to 8pm on weekdays and 8am to 8pm on weekends and bank holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Call 03000 333 666 to book an appointment.
Boost your immunity
Getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and getting a flu jab will provide protection for both yourself and those around you. Find the latest advice on vaccinations at northcentrallondonccg.nhs.uk/my-health/covid-19.
Register with a GP
Being registered with a GP practice will help you get the right care when you need it. Anyone in England can register and receive care from a GP practice – you do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number. To find out how to register, visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery
Urgent mental health support
If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you can speak to a qualified mental health professional and access information and advice about local services in Enfield, on our helpline: 0800 151 0023.
The crisis phone lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
For general mental health and wellbeing information, please visit Enfield Council’s website: https://new.enfield.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing/healthy-you/2016-2
Urgent dental care
If you need urgent dental treatment, contact your usual dental practice. They may be able to see you or direct you to an urgent dental care service.
If you do not have a regular dentist, contact NHS 111 for advice on where you can get urgent care.
Keep warm
Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you are 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition.
It is important now more than ever to keep well by keeping warm. Here are some top tips for the months ahead:
- Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), if you can. You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of hot drinks and water throughout the day
- Eat well – fill up with warm, nutritious meals
- Stay active – keep moving to ensure you generate sufficient body warmth
- Layering is key – wearing several thin layers will keep you warmer than one thick layer of clothing, as the layers trap warm air
You may be entitled to a grant from the government to help with your heating costs. For more on the government schemes, visit simpleenergyadvice.org.uk and gov.uk/browse/benefits/heating
Call Enfield Carers Centre too.
You can find out more information about keeping well this winter by visiting Enfield Council’s website: www.enfield.gov.uk/KeepWellThisWinter
Check your medicine cabinet
Be prepared this winter and restock your medicine cabinet. You can treat most common minor illnesses, such as coughs and sore throats, at home using over-the-counter remedies.
Also, you can order your repeat prescriptions without needing to go to a GP surgery or pharmacy using the NHS App, visit nhs.uk/nhs-app, or GP online services, go to https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/using-online-services/
Look out for other people
Older neighbours, friends and family members, may need a bit of extra help over the winter. Keep in touch and make sure they have enough supplies and prescription medicine, in case they can’t go out for a few days. If they need help when the GP practice or pharmacy is closed or they’re not sure what to do, NHS 111 can help.