Northern Health and Social Care Trust highlights ways to access health services if needed

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is highlighting the ways in which you can stay well this winter and how to access health services if needed.

Dr George Gardiner, the Trust’s Medical Director, said: “Keeping well, making healthy choices and avoiding illness in the first place is key, and vaccination is often the best option to help achieve this. It is particularly important now, as we are seeing significantly more cases of flu than is normal for this time of year. That’s why we are advising anyone who is eligible for vaccination to get it as soon as possible. The flu can have serious complications, even for someone who is fit and healthy.

“If you or a family member becomes unwell, then it’s also important to get help and support from the most appropriate place, especially as many health concerns can be managed safely at home.

“We want everyone in our community to feel confident and supported when seeking care and have put together a list of the main options that are available for you and your family.

“Each service is designed to meet different needs, whether it’s advice on how best to look after your child when they are unwell, or what to do if you’ve got a minor injury.

“By choosing the service that best fits your situation, you’ll get the most appropriate help as quickly as possible.”

Self-care

Self-care is often the best choice to treat most minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses such as aches and pains, colds, upset stomachs and sore throats can be treated with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.

Online symptom checker

If you have a mild or minor illness, you can find information about a range of common illnesses using the NI Direct Symptom Checker.

Children’s symptom checker

If your child is unwell and does not require urgent care, then you can use the Belfast Trust Children’s symptom checker for advice and guidance.

GP practices and Out of Hours

For ongoing, non-urgent, or complex health concerns. GP teams can provide examinations, prescriptions, referrals, and continuity of care. 

Community pharmacies

Community pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for common conditions, recommend treatment and make referrals as appropriate. Through the Pharmacy First service the majority of local pharmacies can provide access to emergency contraception, assessment and treatment for Urinary Tract Infections, as well as other conditions like common colds, sore throats, earaches, stomach upsets and more.

Support for mental health

If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, then help is available through Lifeline. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7 on 0808 808 8000.

Minor Injuries Units

Broken bones, sprains, strains and minor, non-life threatening injuries can be treated at Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital and Mid Ulster Hospital.

Before attending a Minor Injuries unit, you should use the Phone First service by calling 0300 123 1 123 to get advice from a triage nurse.

Emergency Department

Hospital emergency departments treat and care for people with a serious injury or life-threatening condition. When you go for treatment, staff will assess your medical condition. They treat patients with a serious injury or life-threatening condition first. If you or someone near you has a life-threatening medical emergency, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.