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Get the right care and support

Information about NHS services helping you get the right help from the right person at the right time for your mental or physical health. This includes primary care, community, and hospital services as well as online support.

111
If you think you need medical help right now, NHS 111 can tell you what to do next.
Accident and emergency
A&E is for life and limb threatening emergencies only. These are things like heavy bleeding, choking and seizures. If you have a minor injury or illness, there are other NHS services which are more suitable for you.
Cancer support services
Having a diagnosis of cancer can be an extremely difficult and worrying time. There are many organisations and groups across Hertfordshire and west Essex to help you and those affected by cancer
Community pharmacy
Community pharmacy teams can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and conditions such as colds, tummy trouble, allergies and aches and pains. In some cases, a pharmacist will also be able to carry out medication reviews for medicine you take. 
Community respiratory services
Community respiratory services support people with conditions affecting their lungs including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis and sleep apnoea.
Support for parents and families
The Healthier Together website has advice for parents and young people as well as and clinical resources to support healthcare professionals – which means that your child is likely to receive consistently high-quality care, irrespective of which healthcare professional they see.
Community vasectomy service
We provide vasectomies on the NHS for Hertfordshire and west Essex patients aged 18 and over. These are provided in community clinics and GP surgeries, depending on where you live. 
Dentists
Dentists provide treatment to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.
Diabetes services and support
There is information and support available for people living with diabetes, and for those who are at risk of developing the condition.
Digital skills support hub
Our digital skills support hub offers a variety of support options to help residents get online. Most of these resources are free or low-cost, ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of the internet. From enhancing digital skills to accessing essential services, our directory is here to help you make the most of what the internet has to offer.
End of life care
How to get help when someone you care about is dying or has died, including advice on advance care planning, funerals, wills and grieving.
Essex Wellbeing service
The Essex Wellbeing Service is a free service that puts people in touch with organisations that can help with their problems.
Eye care services
There are a range of eye care services in Hertfordshire and west Essex providing general and specialist care depending on your needs. These services may be provided in opticians, community clinics, or hospitals.
Fertility and IVF services
Around one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving. If you think you may need help conceiving, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options.
GP practice services
Your local general practice provides a wide range of health services, including medical advice, vaccinations, examinations and treatment, prescriptions for medicines, and referrals to other health services.
Healthy Hubs
Healthy Hubs in Hertfordshire offer free health and wellbeing information, helping local people and communities to stay well. They are run by local councils.
HertsHelp
HertsHelp is a free service that puts people in touch with organisations that can help with their problems.
Looking after yourself (self-care)
Self-care is about keeping fit, healthy, and understanding how to manage minor health conditions. Often you can easily treat yourself at home, or with advice from a local pharmacist.
Musculoskeletal services
If you have a musculoskeletal condition - something affecting your bones, soft tissue, muscles, joints, or ligaments - there are specialists working in GP surgeries and community services who can help you get the treatment and support you need.
Mental health services
A quarter of us will experience problems with our mental wellbeing in our lifetime. We need to look after our mental health just as much as our physical health. There is a wide range of services and support available. If you are worried about your mental health, speak to someone as soon as possible.
NHS App
The NHS App allows you to access a range of services as well as your health record.
NHS website
The NHS website is your one-stop shop for health information.
Patient transport (non-emergency)
If you need medical support or assistance with travelling to or from a hospital or clinic you may be eligible for NHS funded patient transport on health grounds.
Personalised care
Personalised care means you have more choice and control over the way your healthcare is planned and delivered. It focuses on what matters to you, as well as your circumstances and preferences. There are different aspects to personalised care.
Sexual health
Find out about help and advice with sexual health in Hertfordshire and west Essex.
Shared Care Record
The Hertfordshire and West Essex Shared Care Record ensures that the people caring for you have up-to-date information when they need it.
Social prescribing
Social prescribing offers support alongside the usual NHS services to help people deal with issues such as loneliness, debt, stress due to financial pressures or poor housing.
Support for people with particular needs
We want to make sure that everyone can access the services that they need. We make provision for people who need additional support to access services and provide tailored support for people with particular needs such as carers, veterans and people with a learning difficulty.
Urgent treatment or minor injuries
If you are very unwell or have an injury that needs urgent attention (but is not life threatening) there are a range of urgent care services where you will be seen on the same day by a qualified healthcare professional.
Wheelchair services
Local NHS wheelchair services provide wheelchairs and related accessories for people who have a long-term condition which affects their mobility for a period of six months or more.
Your medication
How we help you get the best from your medicines, where to go if you have questions about your medication and how you can help to reduce medicine waste.