Be Prepared While Away From Home

Whether you’re on holiday, visiting friends or family, or away for work, it’s important to be prepared and know how to look after your health if you need help.

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Most health problems can be managed without visiting A&E, and choosing the right service helps you get care faster and keeps NHS services available for those who need them most.

Start With Self-Care

Many common conditions can be treated at home. Before you travel, make sure you pack basic medicines such as pain relief, antihistamines, indigestion remedies, sun cream, and treatments for hay fever or insect bites.

Self-care is often the quickest and easiest option for minor illnesses.

Light blue line drawing of two medication tablets e.g paracetamol

Think Pharmacy First

Pharmacies are a great first stop for advice and treatment. They can treat seven common conditions and help with minor illnesses such as sore throats, earache, rashes and infections – usually without an appointment.

If you forget your regular medication while away, your usual GP can arrange for a prescription to be sent electronically to a pharmacy near you.

Green outline of a circle with a green cross in the middle to represent pharmacy

Not Sure What to Do? Use NHS 111

If you’re unsure which service you need, NHS 111 can help. You can visit NHS 111 online or call 111, 24 hours a day.

They can:

  • Give advice
  • Help you decide the right service
  • Direct you to local care where you are staying
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Minor Injury or Illness

For things like cuts, burns, infections, allergic reactions or sudden illness, NHS 111 can advise you or direct you to the nearest Urgent Treatment Centre if you need to be seen.

Urgent Treatment Centres can help with problems that need prompt care but are not life-threatening.

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Check Waiting Times Before You Travel

The WaitLess app shows live waiting times, queue numbers and travel time for urgent care services.

Using WaitLess can help you choose where to go and avoid unnecessary waiting.

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GP Care While You’re Away

If you become unwell, contact your registered GP practice first – many problems can be managed by phone or video consultation.

If needed, you can also access GP care locally for up to 14 days while away from home.

Light green outline of a female general practitioner wearing a white coat and with a stethoscope round her neck

Mental Health Support

If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

You’ll be connected to a trained mental health professional who can listen, advise and help you get the right support.

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A&E and 999

A&E departments and 999 are for serious or life-threatening emergencies only, such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Severe bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Signs of a stroke

Choose the Right Care. Get Help Faster.

Being prepared, looking after yourself, and knowing where to go can help you stay well and get the right care when you need it.