Using health services

The NHS provides a wide variety of health related services.

More information and details about the services that are available where you live and a list of local GPs can be found on the NHS Choices website (opens in a new window)

The NHS in England is undergoing some big changes. This will include the closure of primary care trusts (PCTs) and strategic health authorities (SHAs) and the introduction of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and Healthwatch (opens in a new window)

In Derbyshire the clinical commissioning groups are: Hardwick CCG (opens in a new window), North Derbyshire CCG (opens in a new window), Erewash CCG (opens in a new window) and Southern Derbyshire CCG (opens in a new window). Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public.

NHS 111 Service

This is a service that makes it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

The NHS 111 service is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced nurses. They will ask questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to local services that can help you best.

Wheelchairs and other mobility aids

For information on what equipment is available and where best to obtain it from, speak to your GP or practice nurse, your local pharmacist or social care professional.

The British Red Cross (opens in a new window) provides wheelchair hire and short-term loans of equipment to help people return to their own homes after a hospital stay.

Understanding health services

You can find out information about going into or coming out of hospital in our help to live at home section (opens in a new window)

Further information is also provided on our website about: Managing your medicine (opens in a new window), Dental care (opens in a new window), Help with health costs (opens in a new window) and Continuing Health Care (opens in a new window)

Need help with National Health Services

The NHS has its own complaints procedure, which is always the first step for any complaint. You can find detailed information about the NHS complaints procedure on NHS Choices (opens in a new window). You can also raise your concerns by getting in touch with several different regulatory bodies including: