Pharmacy First
The Pharmacy First scheme allows patients to access treatment where appropriate for seven common illnesses without needing a GP appointment or referral.
The conditions covered are:
· Sore throat – age 5 years and over
· Earache – age 1-17 years
· Sinusitis – age 12 years and over
· Infected insect bites and stings – age over 1 year
· Shingles – age 18 years and over
· Impetigo – age 1 year and over
· Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women – age 16-64 years
Mid Essex Talking Therapies (IAPT)
Mid Essex Talking Therapies (IAPT) for age 17 and over.
Free and confidential talking therapy and practical support for adults with common mental health problems including anxiety and depression.
Self-refer online preferred
01376 308704
email: [email protected]
Provide Physiotherapy Service
You can self-refer to the physiotherapy service for any musculoskeletal problem, subject to the eligibility criteria.
Follow the link for more information:
Children’s and Adolescent’s Mental Health Service (SET-CAMHS)
SET-CAMHS 0800 953 0222 or 0800 995 1000 urgent/out of hours number
Provides advice and support to children, young people and families who need support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties. Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties as well as any parent or guardian can access the service for help and guidance.
The service can support young people with a range of mental health difficulties which can include:
Low mood
Anxiety
Obsessional thoughts
Sleep problems
Body image and eating difficulties
Behavioural and emotional difficulties
Trauma and loss
Parenting and family difficulties
Mental Health Crisis – Phone 111 option 2
NHS 111 option 2 provide a single point of contact for people facing a mental health crisis with access to care 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
Essex Sexual Health Service
Essex Sexual Health Services are funded by the NHS. Self-refer, appointment only. 0300 003 1212
Clinics are run and delivered by doctors, nurses and other qualified health advisors.
Services include:
- In-clinic and at-home testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Examination, diagnosis and treatment of STIs
- At-home HIV testing
- eC-Card scheme distributing free condoms to young people
- Chlamydia screening
- Pregnancy tests
- Assessment for and access to most forms of contraception
- Emergency contraception (morning after pill)
- General sexual health advice, counselling and support.
Essex Wellbeing Service – Support for Carers
The Essex Wellbeing service provides advice, information and guidance to carers living in Essex:
- information on the support that is available to you as a carer in Essex
- information on local support groups and services in your area
- advice that is specific to you and your situation
- a referral for a carers assessment, where appropriate
- Click here for more information.
Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)
The NHS Minor Eye Conditions Service can be used for red eyes and other sudden eye problems, see list below. It is paid for by the NHS and you do not need a GP referral. Please contact Simon Kleyn on 01787 223 213.
- Loss of vision
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Red eyes
- Foreign body injury
- Emergency contact lens problems
- Dry / Gritty / Itchy eye
- Watery eye
- In-growing eyelashes
- Lumps and bumps near the eye
- Double vision
- Flashes / floaters
- Loss of peripheral vision
Continence Advisory Service – Adult
CONTINENCE ADVISORY SERVICE (Provide) Adults only can self-refer 0300 1310 111
Their service is provided by a clinical nurse specialist, continence adviser, continence nurses, associate practitioner and healthcare support workers. Treat or support people for the following:
Urinary and faecal problems/incontinence.
Pelvic floor problems, including electrical stimulation treatment.
Teaching and management of intermittent self-catheterisation.
Selection and supply of continence products, in cases where specific criteria is met.
Long-term management of incontinence.
Education for carers
For referrals relating to the provision of continence products they aim to offer appointments within 2 weeks or 1 week – if the referral is received as part of a discharge from hospital. For referrals requiring a clinic appointment they aim to offer these within 6 weeks of the referral. Products can take 1-2 weeks from confirmation of order.
Stop Smoking Support
Essex Wellbeing offer free stop smoking services.
They can support you in finding the right treatment, advice and support in various locations across the County including GP surgeries, pharmacies and specialist clinics.
Complete the online assessment form: https://www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/begin-your-journey
Alternatively, you can contact them on 0300 303 9988 or email [email protected]
Weight Management
Essex Wellbeing Service
The Essex Wellbeing Service offer a range of courses to help people to manage their weight.
https://www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/services/weight-management
NHS England Better Health Apps
NHS Better Health offer a range of free apps that can be used to help people to manage and lose weight, including:
Weight Loss Plan
Food Scanner
Active10 for walking
Couch to 5k
Drink Free Days
Quit Smoking.
Maternity Services
Antenatal care is offered by Broomfield Hospital and Colchester General Hospital. You can register for antenatal care by completing the form on the hospital website, you do not need a referral from your GP.
Broomfield Hospital: https://www.mse.nhs.uk/maternity-services
Colchester General hospital: https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/service/pregnancy-and-birth-services/self-referral-to-colchester-maternity-services/