Feeling unwell? Choose the right service

Here in Sheffield we have a range of local NHS services to choose from and it doesn’t have to be A&E. Click on the links below or on the left hand menu to find out more.

Self-care

A lot of illnesses or symptoms, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated in your home by using a well-stocked medicine cabinet and getting plenty of rest.

Help with mental health emergencies

Need Help in a Crisis?

• The Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust provide mental health and social care information here.
• The Sheffield Mental Health Guide has a lot of resources and information for crisis
• Call 0808 801 0440 to speak to someone on the Mental Health crisis helpline
• In the event of an emergency situation or if you or someone else is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury, contact the Emergency Services by dialling 999 and stating which service you require, or visit the Accident & Emergency department at the Northern General Hospital.
• If you are suicidal and want to talk in confidence, The Samaritans can be contacted on (0114) 2767277 or 08457 909090, or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
• More helplines can be found here.

NHS 111

NHS 111 is a free to call service which will help you when you need to access medical and dental help fast but it is not an emergency.

It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you access local urgent health care services. Call 111 free from a landline or mobile.

Pharmacist (Chemist)

Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional, and can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them.

Most now have a quiet area where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately and many are open during the evenings and weekends.

GP (Doctor) 

If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, make an appointment with your GP.

They provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.

For urgent GP out-of-hours just ring your GP's normal number.

To find your local GP surgery opening times and out-of-hours service go to NHS Choices www.nhs.uk.

NHS Walk-in Services

Walk-in services treat minor illnesses and injuries that do not need a visit to A&E.

Sheffield’s walk-in services are open 365 days a year. You do not need an appointment and will be seen by an experienced nurse or doctor.

Sheffield NHS Walk-in Centre (adults and children) for minor illnesses and ailments.
Broad Lane, Sheffield S1 3PB
Open 8am - 10pm.

Sheffield NHS Minor Injuries Unit (adults 16+ only) for less serious injuries, such as sprains, cuts and grazes. Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF
Open 8am - 8pm. Please note the Minor Injuries Unit is NOT OPEN on Christmas Day but is open every other day of the year.

A&E or 999

Accident and emergency departments and the 999 ambulance service are to be used in a serious or life-threatening situation. A&E provides immediate emergency care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. If you telephone 999 the telephone advisor may send a response vehicle to your location.

Emergency services are very busy. They should only be used in very serious or life-threatening situations.
In Sheffield there is an A&E for adults only (age 16+) at the Northern General Hospital and a separate A&E for children (under 16 years) at Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TH.

More information on what to do in an emergency can be found here.