Get the right care
Get the right care, at the right time, in the right place across Bradford District and Craven
We want to help you get the right care, at the right time, in the right place. This page provides you with information on how and when you should look to access different services, depending on your healthcare need.
By using the right service at the right time, we can make sure we make the best use of our health and care professionals so that the right person can look after you. This helps ensure services, such as those you may need during an emergency, can see you sooner.
If you have appointments or have any loved ones being cared for by one of our NHS trusts you can find all you need by visiting their websites. Our local NHS providers Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bradford District Care Trust provide local updates and advice on their websites.
Self care
Minor injuries and illnesses such as flu can make you feel very poorly but can be treated at home with rest, simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and plenty of water.
A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you and your family to get the best treatment as soon as possible for a range of common illnesses.
If you are unsure, or you have questions about what you can have at home to treat you and your family, visit your local pharmacist for free, effective advice and support.
The NHS website provides health advice and guidance for numerous conditions and supports you to find the service you need.
NHS 111 online
If you are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for advice about the most appropriate care for your needs. For those unable to access online service, please encourage them to call NHS 111.
NHS 111 offers an assessment service, directing people to the best healthcare option. This can include a consultation with a pharmacist, a call back from a nurse, or an out-of-hours appointment with a primary care healthcare professional such as a GP or practice nurse.
General Practice (GP)
Your local GP surgery can support you with a range of new and ongoing health concerns.
You may initially be offered a virtual appointment – such as through video call or over the telephone. Practice staff continue to see people face-to-face where clinically needed. Appointments are also being offered outside of core hours.
You may see someone other than a GP. Find out more about the range of services offered and the specialist team members best placed to help you get the care you need.
GP practices are working hard during a time where we are experiencing the highest ever demand for health and care services. Please continue to be kind to our colleagues and other patients.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists offer expert clinical advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach upsets, aches and pains.
Most local pharmacies have private consultation rooms where your pharmacist can talk to you confidentially. Find a pharmacy near you.
If you take medicine regularly you’ll usually have a repeat prescription. This means you can order your medicine when you need it without having to see a GP until your next medicine review. Find out how to order a repeat prescription.
A&E/999
A&E and emergency departments are for life-saving emergencies only. If you have a serious or life-threatening emergency – such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties or chest pain – please dial 999 or go to your local A&E department.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
Mental health support
People looking for mental health support can visit Healthy Minds for confidential support and information.
Guide-Line is here for emotional support for all ages in Bradford, Airedale, Whartfale and Craven between 8am and midnight every day on 08001 884 884 or chat online.
For 24/7 crises support no matter your age in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, First Response is available on 0800 952 1181.
Help with minor injuries
For injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening you can use an urgent treatment centre, walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.
These services are usually overseen by doctors (sometimes GPs) working with nurses. They can diagnose and deal with many of the most common problems people go to A&E for, like broken bones and sprains and a high temperature (fever) in children and adults. Find an urgent care service near you.
Winter vaccinations
COVID-19 and flu are still circulating. If you’re aged 50 or over, pregnant, or have a weakened immune system, you are at higher risk of serious illness from these viruses.
You can book a COVID-19 and/or flu vaccination appointment. Visit www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations to find out more.
Industrial action
The NHS is asking patients to continue to seek emergency care if they need to during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most. Find out what to do during the NHS industrial action from NHS England.
If you have not been contacted, please attend hospital appointments as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
GP services are not impacted by this strike action. Please continue to attend your GP appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
Cost of living advice
We know that it is a difficult time for everybody right now and the rising cost of living from groceries to utilities may be making it hard to make ends meet.
Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, Bradford Council, Community Action Bradford & District (CABAD) and voluntary and community sector partners have launched a website which aims to support people through the cost of living crisis.
It includes information about warm spaces, government support, energy and bills, food resources, housing support, debt and gambling, savings, scams and safeguarding.