Under Health Services
NHS
Choices offering a comprehensive information service to help people find reliable information about medical treatments, conditions and healthy living. This includes a complete guide to NHS and other health care services alongside comparative data about hospitals. Most GP and dental practice information is also available from the
NHS
website.
NHS Life Check is an online health service helping people to assess and better manage their health.
The Change 4 Life campaign was launched by the Government on 2 January 2009 and offers advice and information relating to diet and lifestyle. Postcode searches are available to find local services such as cookery clubs, after school activities and sporting abilities.
NHS North East Essex
provides treatment for routine injuries and illnesses from a range of healthcare professionals, including GPs, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and opticians. You can also gain access to preventative care, such as services to stop smoking or to encourage exercise and healthy eating.
Health treatment and advice
If you want to find your local health service provider, click on the online service links on this page or call NHS direct on 0845 4647.NHS Direct is a 24-hour phone line, staffed by nurses, which offers quick access to health care advice. You can find information and advice about the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them, on
NHS direct online.
If you are a disabled teenager,
Directgov
offer advice on your transition to adult services and provide information on the choices you have to make on health issues and independent living.
If you living with a long term health condition, you can find out about support available to you from the
NHS Choices
website.
The Get Your Life Back scheme
enables GPs to recommend a high quality self-help book to those experiencing emotional or psychological problems.
Books on the scheme are available from your local library and are carefully chosen by medical professionals. A doctor can suggest an appropriate book or you can make your own choice by visiting your local library.
Mental health
Around 1 in 7 of the adult population is likely to suffer from a mental illness at some time in their lives. There are lots of organisations that can offer support and advice on mental health conditions. They can also help you access local services. The
Essex Mental Health Services
website can help you identify the services you may need. People affected by mental illness should have the same rights as everyone else. If you have experienced stigma or discrimination because of your mental health, advice and information is available from a number of sources including
Shift
and
Rethink.
When facing difficult times, it helps to talk though our problems with family and friends. If you feel it would be more appropriate to talk to an independent person, speak to your
GP
about counselling services available in your area. If you decide to approach a counsellor direct, it always best to ensure that they are qualified and experienced.
The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
holds a list of its members and their qualifications. If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to know about support available to you, contact
Cruse
or
The National Bereavement Partnership
Feel Better With a Book consists of a number of read aloud groups, in which stories and poems are read out by trained facilitator. The aim is to help boost confidence, self-esteem and combat isolation.
Cardiac and Stroke Network
The Essex Cardiac and Stroke Network
provides information and the latest news on cardiac and stroke services in Essex. It provides information on how to recognise the symptoms quickly and tells you what action to take if you suspect someone is having a
heart attack
or
stroke. Both are medical emergencies and require prompt action.
NHS charges
Most NHS treatment is free but there are charges for some services. Depending on your age or personal circumstances, you may be entitled to get help with the cost of sight tests, prescriptions, dental treatments and certain other services. The NHS have produced
a guide
which sets out who is entitled to free treatment.
Help the Aged
and
Age Concern
have produced useful information for older people on exemptions from NHS charges.
Going into hospital
If you are going to have a planned admission to hospital, check with the hospital what you should bring with you. If you claim benefits, get advice from the
Department for Work and Pensions
before your stay, as some benefits can be lost or reduced when you go into hospital.
Help the Aged
have produced a leaflet for older people on issues that may arise during a hospital stay. A consultant or other healthcare professional will decide when you are well enough to leave hospital and they will involve you in planning for your discharge. Most people will return home, possibly with some ongoing care. However, if your care needs are more complex your discharge will need more planning and may involve a number of healthcare professionals. You can find out more about the hospital discharge process from the
Help the Aged
and
Age Concern
websites.
Living will
Every adult with mental capacity has the right to agree to or refuse medical treatment. To make your advance wishes clear you can use a living will. Living wills can include general statements about your wishes, which aren't legally binding, and specific refusals of treatment called 'advanced decisions' or 'advance directives.'
Directgov
provide information on how to make a living will.
