Dial 999 and ask for the ambulance service for serious emergencies. If you are injured or seriously ill you should go or be taken to the Emergency Department (A&E). When you dial 999 you may not get an emergency ambulance response. The Welsh Ambulance Service has a range of staff and volunteers that will come and treat you depending on the seriousness of the situation and how close they are to you

When and why?

Emergency services are very busy. They should only be used in very serious or life threatening situations. Choosing well means the essential treatment is given as quickly as possible. Dialling 999 or using A&E when you don't need to could delay treatment for someone else

Urgent care

e.g. shortness of breath, persistently raised temperature, abdominal pain, minor injuries

If you need urgent health care for your physical and mental health, phone your GP Surgery or the GP out of hours service. If you need treatment that cannot wait contact NHS Wales (opens in a new tab).

When and why?

You should avoid going to the Emergency Department unless it is a serious emergency. If you do, you may have to wait a long time as priority is always given to emergencies. Choosing well means that you and your family will receive the best possible treatment when you need it.

Routine care

e.g. repeat prescriptions, blood test, illness, contraception

Your local GP Surgery is the first place you should go for all health care. You can book an appointment to be see within two days, further in advance or possibly the same day. Your GP will refer you to a hospital or other services if you need further care.

When and why?

Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness or injury that isn't an emergency

Choosing well means that you get the treatment you need at a convenient time and reduces the demand on emergency services

Community support

e.g. coughs, colds, stopping smoking, support group

Your local Pharmacist can give you expert advice and support on common illnesses and any medicine you may need without booking an appointment. A local voluntary organisation may be able to provide the help that you need such as a support group or extra care.

When and why?

Visit your local pharmacy for advice and treatment. You could contact a local voluntary organisation in your area. Choosing well means that you get the treatment or help you need as quickly as possible.

Advice

e.g. what should I do? Where shall I go to get the right help for my problem?

NHS Wales (opens in a new tab) offers confidential health advice and information about services that are available 24 hours a day.

When and why?

Contact NHS Wales of you are ill and have questions about your health, or the health of your family, They can help to find health services in your local area.

Self care

e.g. sore throat, cough, sprains, hangover

Keep a first aid kit and simple medicines at home in case you or your family needs them. You can ask for further advice from NHS Wales (opens in a new tab)

In emergencies always dial 999

Useful links

Dewis Cymru (opens in a new tab) is the place to go if you want information or advice about your well-being – or want to know how you can help somebody else.

Emergency Dental Treatment

Hywel Dda University Health Board has arranged emergency dental sessions for acute dental problems.

Treatment is by appointment only and patients should visit NHS Wales for information on how to access services. Patients who receive regular care from a dental practice are advised to contact their practice if they require emergency care on normal working days.

Minor Injuries

Minor injuries care and advice on treatment is provided by your GP practice. This should be your first point of contact. For up to date information on minor injuries units please contact the Hywel Dda University Health Board (opens in a new tab).

Emergency Hospital Care

Withybush General Hospital Emergency Service (A&E) treats critically injured people and those with major illness or injury. Examples include loss of consciousness, fits, suspected strokes, severe breathing difficulties, suspected heart attacks and severe chest pain, uncontrolled severe bleeding of any cause, injuries and broken bones.

Emergency Ambulance Service

(Provided by Welsh Ambulance Trust Service)

In case of emergency dial 999. You will be put through to Ambulance control, your telephone number will be confirmed and the location of the incident will be confirmed. You will then be asked questions which you must answer while the ambulance is on its way. You may be given advice to help save a life.

If ambulance control finds that you have contacted them for a case which is not an emergency you will be referred to a service that can help you.

To help the ambulance service, make sure your house number is clearly visible and that someone is available to direct the ambulance.

ID: 10621, revised 18/08/2023