Identifying Health Service Needs

Identify Your Symptoms

The first step is to understand and note down the symptoms you are experiencing. You may want to write them down or ask someone you trust to help you describe them clearly. Here are some common categories of symptoms:

Physical Symptoms:

• Pain (e.g., chest pain, stomach pain, joint pain).

• Difficulty breathing.

• Fatigue, dizziness, or weakness.

• Changes in weight or appetite.

• Unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Mental Health Symptoms:

• Feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed.

• Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping.

• Uncontrollable thoughts or flashbacks.

• Changes in mood (feeling low or “high”).

• Feeling disconnected from reality or other people.

Neurodevelopmental Symptoms:

• Difficulty with social interactions or communication.

• Repetitive behaviours (e.g., hand-flapping, strict routines).

• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., loud noises, bright lights).

• Difficulty with changes in routine or environment.

Determine the Severity of Your Symptoms

Some symptoms may require urgent care, while others can be managed by seeing a GP. Think about how urgent or severe the issue feels:

• Emergency symptoms (e.g., severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, serious injury): Call 999 or go to A&E (Accident & Emergency).

• Urgent but not life-threatening symptoms (e.g., high fever, severe mental health crisis): Call 111 for advice or visit Urgent Care Centres.

• Less urgent or ongoing symptoms (e.g., anxiety, physical symptoms lasting a few days): You may need to visit your GP (General Practitioner) or seek therapy services.

Choose the Right Service Based on Your Symptoms

If You Have Physical Symptoms:

If you are experiencing physical symptoms, here’s how to identify the best service for help:

GP (General Practitioner): Your first port of call for most physical health issues is your GP. They can assess your symptoms, provide treatment, and refer you to specialists if necessary.

• Examples: Stomach pain, rashes, headaches, fatigue, or general physical health concerns.

• How to See a GP: Call your GP surgery or book an appointment online via the NHS app or website. If you have specific symptoms, describe them clearly when booking the appointment.

A&E (Accident & Emergency): Go to A&E for serious, life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or breathing difficulties.

• Examples: Severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, major accidents.

• How to Access A&E: Go directly to the nearest hospital with an A&E or call 999 if the condition is an emergency.

Walk-in Centres or Urgent Care Centres: If you need urgent treatment but it’s not life-threatening (e.g., infections, minor injuries), these centres can help.

• Examples: Cuts, burns, sprains, minor infections.

• How to Access: Visit the NHS website or call 111 to find your nearest walk-in or urgent care centre.

If You Have Mental Health Symptoms:

If you're struggling with mental health issues, there are different services available:

GP: For general mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression), start with your GP. They can provide medication, counseling, or refer you to a mental health specialist.

• How to See Your GP: Book an appointment with your GP and explain your symptoms. The GP may recommend therapy, medication, or refer you to a mental health service.

NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT): For anxiety, depression, and other common mental health issues, IAPT offers free counseling and therapy.

• How to Access: You can self-refer to IAPT services online, or your GP can refer you. You may need to complete a short questionnaire to assess your symptoms.

Crisis Services: If you are in immediate danger, experiencing a mental health crisis, or having thoughts of harming yourself:

• Call 999 for urgent mental health support or go to A&E.

• Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams (CRHT): In some areas, this service provides support if you're in a crisis but don’t need to go to A&E.

• NHS 111 (Mental Health option): You can call 111 and select the mental health option to get urgent support.

Mental Health Charities and Support Groups: Organisations like Mind, Samaritans, and Rethink Mental Illness offer 24/7 helplines, peer support, and advice.

If You Have Neurodevelopmental Symptoms:

If your neurodevelopmental-related symptoms are affecting your daily life, communication, or routines, here are your options:

GP: If you are struggling with anxiety, sensory overload, or other neurodevelopmental-related challenges, speak to your GP. They may refer you to specialist services or therapies.

• How to See Your GP: Book an appointment and explain that you are looking for support, like behavioural therapy, social skills training, or a referral for a diagnosis (if you haven’t been diagnosed yet).

Autism Services: Many areas have autism-specific support services or clinics. These can provide:

• Diagnostic assessments.

• Specialist therapies (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy).

• Support with routines and sensory needs.

NHS Specialist Clinics: Some NHS services offer specific support for challenges related to neurodevelopmental conditions, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Booking Your Appointment

Once you have identified the right service, follow these steps to book an appointment:

GP Appointment:

• Call your GP surgery or use the NHS App to book an appointment.

• If you’re unsure, book a general appointment and describe your symptoms clearly.

IAPT or Therapy:

• Visit the NHS IAPT website and fill out the self-referral form or speak to your GP.

• If your GP is referring you, they may provide a referral letter.

Mental Health Support:

• Call 111 or visit your local A&E if it’s an emergency.

• For non-urgent mental health needs, talk to your GP about getting a referral to therapy or counseling services.

Services for Neurodevelopmental Conditions:

• For diagnosis or support, you may need to go through your GP for a referral.

Prepare for Your Appointment

If you're anxious about the appointment or unsure about what to expect, consider the following:

• Write down your symptoms: Make a list of symptoms, feelings, and any changes you’ve noticed. This can help you describe them more clearly.

• Bring a trusted person: If you feel overwhelmed, ask a friend, family member, or carer to attend with you for support.

• Ask for clear communication: Let the healthcare provider know if you need specific communication support (consider Communication Passport, or Reasonable Adjustment Recommendations), like visual aids or extra time to process information.

• Have a plan: If you're nervous about the appointment, practice self-care before and after, such as taking deep breaths, bringing a comfort item, or scheduling time to relax.

Follow-Up

After your appointment, there may be follow-up actions, such as:

• Follow-up appointments: Your GP or specialist may want to see you again for further tests or treatment.

• Referrals to specialists: If your GP has referred you to a mental health professional or other service, wait for your appointment letter or call.

• Medication or therapy: If prescribed medication or therapy, follow through with the treatment plan and attend sessions regularly.

Summary Checklist

• Identify your symptoms (physical, mental health, neurodevelopmental-related).

• Determine severity:

  • Emergency: Call 999 or go to A&E.

  • Urgent: Call 111 or visit an Urgent Care Centre.

  • Non-urgent: See your GP.

• Choose the right service:

  • GP for general health or mental health issues.

  • IAPT for therapy (anxiety, depression).

  • Crisis services for urgent mental health help.

• Book the appointment: Online, by phone, or through a referral.

• Prepare for your appointment: Write down symptoms, bring support if needed.

• Follow-up: Follow through with any treatments, referrals, or appointments.

Final Thoughts

This guide should help you feel more confident in identifying the right health service and how to access it. Take it step by step and don't hesitate to ask for assistance when needed.