Information on health services
To find a service, such as GP practices, opticians or pharmacists in your area, use the services search on the NHS website (opens in new window).
NHS information about urgent and emergency care service (opens in new window)
The Out of Hours service is available when your GP surgery is closed and is only for urgent health problems that can't wait until your surgery reopens. The service operates at night, over the weekend and on Bank Holidays. If you call your GP surgery, the answerphone message will always include an out of ours contact number. Alternatively, if it is not an immediate emergency, you can call NHS 111.
Emergency departments treat people with critical or life-threatening problems.
Health information and advice on a vast range of conditions and treatments can be found on the NHS website (opens in new window).
There is also information available on specific conditions on our Information and Advice section of this website.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offer confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers. You can find PALS officers in your local hospital.
Useful links:
- NHS guide to staying in hospital (opens in new window)
- Age UK's guide to going into hospital (opens in new window)
- Patient rights and responsibilities NHS (opens in new window)
- Consenting to treatment (opens in new window)
- Feedback and complaint (opens in new window)