Help from pharmacies, GP and dentists

Pharmacies or chemists

If you feel ill, your local pharmacy or chemist can help.

They can help with things like:

• coughs, colds, and sore throats
• tummy problems
• aches and pains

Many pharmacies are open late and at weekends. You don’t need an appointment.

The NHS website can help you find your nearest pharmacy.

The NHS also has an easy read guide to how a pharmacist can help (PDF)

Get help from your GP

Your local doctor can help with many health problems. They can give you advice and send you to other NHS services if needed.

Anyone living in England can register with a GP surgery. The NHS website tells you how to register with a GP surgery.

Reasonable adjustments

Ask if you need any reasonable adjustments, such as:

• using pictures, large print or simpler words to say what's happening
• booking longer appointments
• putting an appointment at a quieter time of the day, if it is hard to be in a busy waiting room

Dentists

It’s important to see a dentist regularly. The NHS website can help you find a dentist near you.

Some people may not be able to go to a local dental practice because of a disability or health condition. 

In this case, the dentist can refer you to a specialist dental service. Ask your dentist or GP how to get a referral.

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

Easy read guides

The EasyHealth website has lots of easy read guides and videos to explain health topics.