Last updated: September 2026
Next review: September 2028
Your Guide to Health Services
The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare for everyone who lives in the United Kingdom.
The NHS helps people live longer and healthier lives by supporting healthier choices, preventing illness, and providing treatment for serious and emergency health conditions.
Self-Care: Looking After Yourself
Many common illnesses, such as coughs, colds and childhood illnesses, can be treated at home.
The NHS website provides trusted information about symptoms, treatments and when to seek help.
It is a good idea to keep a basic first aid kit at home. A pharmacist can advise you on suitable medicines and supplies.
Health Services on Your Smartphone
- NHS App – Book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access health information such as vaccination records.
- HANDi App – Advice and support when your child is unwell.
- ORCHA Health Apps Library – Trusted apps and websites supporting pain management, mental wellbeing, healthy weight and smoking cessation.
Finding Your NHS Number
When you use NHS services, you are given an NHS number. It helps healthcare staff identify you and access your health records.
Your NHS number appears on NHS letters, prescriptions and test results. You can find it online or ask your GP surgery.
Pharmacy or Chemist
Pharmacies are usually open Monday to Saturday and can help with a wide range of minor illnesses and health concerns.
No appointment is required.
Pharmacists can help with:
- Colds and flu
- Diarrhoea
- Urinary tract infections
- Threadworm
- Head lice
- Insect bites and stings
- General healthcare advice
Pharmacists can advise whether you need to see a GP or another healthcare professional. Prescription charges may apply, although some people are exempt.
General Practice Surgery or Medical Centre
GP surgeries are normally open Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6:30pm. Appointments can be booked by telephone, in person or online.
When booking an appointment, reception staff may ask for information about your symptoms to ensure you are directed to the most appropriate healthcare professional. All information is kept confidential.
Your GP surgery:
- Is usually the first place to contact about health concerns.
- Coordinates and manages your healthcare.
- Provides advice on health conditions, vaccinations and mental health.
- Can help you access other NHS services.
NHS 111 Service
If your symptoms are not life-threatening, contact NHS 111 online or by telephone.
NHS 111 can help you access the most appropriate healthcare service for your needs.
Walk-in Centre, Minor Injury Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre
These services provide treatment for conditions that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening.
Appointments are usually not needed.
They can help with:
- Cuts and wounds
- Sprains and strains
- Minor fractures
- Minor head injuries
- General urgent medical advice
Local Services
- South Bristol NHS Community Hospital
Hengrove Promenade, Bristol
Tel: 0300 124 6260
Open 8:00am to 8:00pm, Monday to Sunday - Yate Minor Injury Unit
21 W Walk, Yate, Bristol BS37 4AX
Tel: 0300 125 6800
Open 8:00am to 8:00pm, seven days a week - Clevedon Minor Injury Unit
Old Street, Clevedon BS21 6BS
Tel: 01275 546852
Open 8am to 8pm
Accident and Emergency (A&E)
If you or someone else has a life–threatening medical emergency, dial 999. Calls are free from any phone.
Emergency Departments operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You may attend directly if an ambulance is not required.
Only use Accident and Emergency services for life-threatening conditions. For non-life-threatening conditions, contact NHS 111 first.
Local A&E Departments
Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI)
Marlborough Street, Bristol
Open 24 hours a day
Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road, Bristol BS10 5NB
Tel: 0117 414 5100 or 0117 414 5101
Open 24 hours a day
Community Health Services
Many healthcare services are delivered in community settings, including:
• Mental health support
• Child health services
• Pregnancy and antenatal services
• Sexual health services
• Healthy weight support
• Physical activity programmes
• Smoking cessation support
Some services require referral from a healthcare professional, while others can be accessed directly.
Screening Programmes
The NHS offers screening programmes at different stages of life to identify conditions early and provide treatment before symptoms develop.
Examples include:
• Newborn screening
• Cervical screening
• Breast screening
• Prostate screening
• Bowel cancer screening
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
Dentists
Access to NHS dentistry can be limited. To register with an NHS dentist, contact practices directly and ask whether they are accepting new NHS patients. If a practice is full, ask to join its waiting list.
If you have urgent dental pain and cannot access a dentist, contact NHS 111.
Regular dental check-ups are recommended every six months. Charges may apply, although some people qualify for free NHS dental care.
For information about NHS dentistry:
Telephone: 0300 311 2233
Email: england.contactus@nhs.net
Eye Health
For eye emergencies, attend Bristol Eye Hospital’s Ophthalmic Accident and Emergency Department.
Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm, seven days a week, including public holidays.
For non-emergency eye problems such as dry eyes, itchy eyes, hay fever or cataracts, contact your pharmacist or GP.
The NHS recommends having an eye test every two years. Free NHS sight tests may be available for eligible children, older adults, people receiving certain benefits and those with qualifying medical conditions.
Eye Emergency Service
Bristol Eye Hospital
Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol
Emergency Mental Health
The NHS supports mental health as well as physical health.
If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 999 or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
For support with suicidal thoughts, contact the Samaritans:
Telephone: 116 123
