HELP US HELP YOU - Cancer Campaign

NORTHERN CANCER ALLIANCE CAMPAIGN - HELP US HELP YOU - As part of ongoing work to encourage members of the public not to delay seeking help with worrying cancer symptoms, The Northern Cancer Alliance (NCA) have this week started a four-week campaign of specific themed messages.The campaign can be found here https://www.northerncanceralliance.nhs.uk/helpushelpyou/

CORONAVIRUS

DO NOT GO TO YOUR GP SURGERY, PHARMACY OR HOSPITAL - VISIT https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ OR CALL NHS 111

Care Navigation

'Care Navigation' is a new way for your local GP practice to help you get to the right support.

Across County Durham, all GP practices want to make sure their patients are seen quickly by the right healthcare professional. We know that when you are not feeling well you just want to feel better quickly.

GP practice staff have received specialist training developed by clinicians, to help them provide you with information about choices you have to see an appropriate person for your healthcare needs. Sometimes a GP isn’t the best person to see. Within your GP practice for example a Practice Nurse (for matters including dressings, immunisations or ear syringes) or a Nurse Practitioner (who can examine, diagnose and prescribe) may be better. You could also be directed to a healthcare professional in the community such as a community pharmacist, optician or sexual health nurse.

So shortly, when you contact your GP practice, receptionists may ask you a few questions to help 'navigate' you to the best person to help you quickly. They won’t try to diagnose your problem, but you may need to tell them a little bit about why you are calling. You don’t’ have to of course, the choice is yours and you can always still request to see your GP, but you may be able to be seen faster by someone who is able to provide the right care for you using ‘Care Navigation’ to help.

Urgent Care

If you are unwell during the day; Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm then please ring us at the surgery. After 6pm and at the weekend ring NHS 111 and you will be guided to the most appropriate service to meet your needs.

Tel: NHS 111 - Talk Before You Walk 

You should have received a leaflet delivered to your home with details about the range of services available and a copy can be downloaded here: Urgent Care Pocket Guide Leaflet.