While the focus is understandably on coronavirus right now, it is important to remember that the NHS remains available for all who need it. This page provides advice on Coronavirus, but also what to do if you feel unwell for any reason, and how to look after our physical health and mental wellbeing.
To combat the spread of coronavirus and other infectious diseases it is essential that everyone takes simple precautions such as regularly washing hands thoroughly for over 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand wash and maintaining social distancing. This may sound basic but it really is an effective way of slowing down transmission.
Feeling unwell?
If you feel you need medical support please do not wait to seek help. Health services for all conditions continue to be available and it is important we do not put off other health needs due to the pandemic.
If you feel unwell, or need medical advice, you can contact your GP, or contact the NHS by phoning 111 or using their online service available here.
In an emergency always call 999. Please do not visit your GP in person unless for an arranged appointment.
For guidance on how to seek help, and to find your local GP, please visit www.nhs.uk/health-at-home.
Further information for if you are concerned you may have coronavirus are listed below.
Coronavirus
To help monitor and control the spread of covid everyone is urged to download the NHS app. For further details and to download the app please visit https://covid19.nhs.uk/. The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, local area alerts and venue check-in. It also uses proven technology from Apple and Google, designed to protect every user’s privacy.
Getting tested
You can get a free NHS covid test if you or someone you live with are experiencing covid symptoms, including:
- you have a high temperature
- you have a new, continuous cough
- you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
Or if you have been contacted by a local council, hospital or government pilot project.
This may be through a home testing kit or by appointment at a testing centre. You cannot get a free test if you do not meet one or more of these criteria. Full details are available here. If you are unsure please use 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.
If you have covid symptoms you and anyone you live with must self-isolate until you get your result. This also applies to anyone in your support bubble.
Mental wellbeing
Many people are facing difficult circumstances and significant changes, without access to their usual support networks. This can be very challenging, and it is important that we make sure we look after our mental wellbeing as well as our physical health.
To help at this time the NHS has produced the following tips and advice:
- 10 tips and advice if worried about Coronavirus
- Looking after children and young people
- 7 ideas to tackle working from home
- Mental wellbeing while staying at home
- Helping others with mental health problems
If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, please contact one of the organisations below to get support right away. Or see further NHS advice on dealing with a mental health crisis or emergency.
For urgent, non-emergency advice please contact the NHS by phoning 111 or using their online service available here,
In an emergency always call 999.
Other services available include:
- Samaritans: Free 24 hour listening support - call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website
- HopeLineUK: Crisis Support for Young People (under 35) - call 0800 068 41 41 or Text 07786 209697
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) - call 0800 58 58 58 or visit online for a free, anonymous webchat with trained staff
- Mind (Woking) - call 07860 340 739 or email [email protected]
- Surrey Mental Health Crisis Helpline - call 0800 915 4644