Access to Health Services

We want everyone in South Tees to know where to go when they need help with their health.

This page explains the different types of health services available in South Tees. It also helps you understand which service to use depending on the kind of health problem you have.

Quick guide

  • Unsure? Call NHS 111

  • Minor illness or injury? Head to your local pharmacy or Urgent Treatment Centre

  • Ongoing symptoms? Visit your GP practice

  • Life-threatening emergency? Go to your local accident and emergency (A&E) or call 999.

How to find services

For more information, visit the NHS website and choose the service you need (GP, pharmacy, dentist, optician, sexual health, and more). Enter your town or postcode to see nearby options.

We are here to help people in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland find the right health care at the right time.

Which service should I use?

  • Pharmacy

    Get help from your local pharmacy with common health problems

    Most pharmacies in England now offer a free NHS service called Pharmacy First. It helps you get quick advice and treatment for some common conditions, without needing to see your GP first.

    You can visit a pharmacy for help with:

    · Earache (ages 1 to 17)

    · Impetigo (ages 1 and up)

    · Infected insect bites (ages 1 and up)

    · Shingles (ages 18 and up)

    · Sinusitis (ages 12 and up)

    · Sore throats (ages 5 and up)

    · Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (ages 16 to 64)

    If you think you have one of these, just walk into a pharmacy. You’ll speak to a pharmacist in a private room, or sometimes by video call. Your GP might also send you to a pharmacy for this service.

    The pharmacist will give advice and may offer medicine if needed. If you usually pay for prescriptions, normal NHS charges apply.
    They’ll also let your GP know what treatment you’ve had.

    If the pharmacist can’t help, they’ll guide you to the right place for further care.

    Pharmacy First is a quick and easy way to get help - why not give it a try?

    Think Pharmacy First!

    Find out more by watching the Pharmacy First animation on YouTube.

    Or, visit the NHS Website for more information.

  • NHS 111 (non-emergency advice, 24/7)

    Call 111 if you are worried about a health problem and need advice now. They will tell you the best place to go and if you need hospital care. This service is open 24 hours a day, every day.

  • Your doctor

    You must be registered with a GP practice (doctor’s surgery) to get appointments.

    Find your nearest GP by visiting the NHS website.

    See your GP for symptoms that do not go away. GPs can prescribe medicines you cannot buy over the counter and refer you for tests or to other services.

    Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. They do not work for viruses like colds or flu.

  • Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs)

    UTCs are walk-in clinics, staffed by emergency nurse practitioners.

    They’re open 24 hours a day. You don’t need an appointment .

    You can visit a UTC at:

    The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW

    University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 8PE

    Redcar Primary Care Hospital, Redcar, TS10 4NW

    UTCs can treat:

    · sprains and strains

    · suspected broken bones

    · minor head injuries

    · cuts and grazes

    · bites and stings

    · minor burns and scalds

    · ear and throat infections

    · skin rashes

    · eye problems

    · coughs and colds

    · fever

    · vomiting and diarrhoea

  • Accident and emergency (A&E) or 999

    Use A&E for life-threatening injuries or illnesses only.

    You can go straight to A&E. If you cannot travel, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

    Your local A&E departments are:

    The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW

    University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 8PE

  • Other NHS services

    Dentist - yearly check-ups to keep teeth and gums healthy.

    Optician - eye test every 2 years (some also check hearing).

    Sexual health - contraception and testing/treatment for STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

    Maternity services - care during pregnancy (antenatal care).

    Mental health - support for all ages and needs.

    Visit the NHS website to find a service near you.