Help from pharmacies, GP and dentists

Pharmacies or chemists

If you are feeling ill or worried about your health, you might not need to see a doctor. Your local pharmacy or chemist can help.

The NHS website can help you find your nearest pharmacy.

Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with smaller health worries, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Read more about how your pharmacy can help on the NHS website.

The NHS website also provides:

• a large print guide to problems a pharmacist can help with (PDF)
• an easy read guide to how a pharmacist can help (PDF)

Get help from your doctor

Your local doctor or GP can treat many problems and give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services.

Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery to get NHS services. It is free to register. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

The NHS website has more information about how to register with a GP surgery.

Dentists

It is important to have regular check-ups with a dentist. Finding problems with your teeth and gums early can mean they are easier to treat.

The NHS website can help you find a dentist near you.

Some people may not be able to get to their local dental practice because of a disability or medical condition. In this case, the dentist should refer you to a more specialised dental service. Ask your dentist or GP how you can get a referral and if it is right for you.

Thames Valley Community Dental Service provides specialist dental support to children and adults in Berkshire West.

Getting your sight (eyes) tested

You can have a free NHS sight test if you are under 18. As an adult, you may also be entitled to a free test and an optical voucher for the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

The NHS website:

• gives more information about free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
• can help you find an NHS sight test at an optician near you

When you visit an optician for a sight test, they will check whether you need glasses and if you do, they will help you to get glasses. They will also check that your eyes are healthy and will tell you if there are any problems.

If you need it, they will refer you to a doctor or a hospital eye clinic for more checks. In Berkshire West, the hospital service is provided by Ophthalmology, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Getting your hearing tested

You can get a free hearing test on the NHS. Your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist) who can do the test.

It could take a few weeks to see a specialist so it might be quicker to get tested somewhere else, like at a large pharmacy or opticians. This is often free.

You should see your doctor first if:

• you also have other symptoms, like earache or discharge, this could be something easily treatable like an earwax build-up or ear infection
• you have sudden hearing loss in one ear
• you're worried about your hearing

The NHS website has more information about hearing tests

Seasonal healthcare advice

The NHS website provides advice on staying well during different seasons.

Summer

Get advice about sunscreen and sun safety on the NHS website

Get advice about heatwaves: how to cope in hot weather on the NHS website

Winter

Find out about who should have a flu jab on the NHS website

Get advice about how to stay well in winter on the NHS website

Easy read guides

The EasyHealth website produces lots of useful easy read guides and videos on health-related subjects.

The NHS South of England Picture of Health website also has easy-read guides on a variety of health topics.