NHS

Visit the NHS website to find local health services, book a GP appointment online and check symptoms, conditions, medicines, and treatments on the website's Health A-Z.

If you need non-urgent medical advice, telephone 111. In the event of an emergency call 999.

You should let your GP know if you are carer as GP surgeries keep a register of all patients that are caring for someone. You can find out more about this, along with a form that can be used to register, on Durham County Carers Support website.

NHS app

The NHS app gives you a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services. You can download the app on your smartphone or tablet, and you can also access the same service in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website. You must be aged 13 or over to use the NHS app and registered with a GP surgery.

As a parent, family member or carer, you may be able to add someone to your NHS app to help manage health services on their behalf. This is sometimes called a linked profile or having proxy access. It needs to be set up by a GP surgery where you and the other person are both registered.

With the NHS app, carers can:

• Book GP appointments and order repeat prescriptions for themselves and the person they care for
• View medical records, including test results and medication history
• Track hospital referrals and appointments
• Access trusted NHS health information and COVID-19 resources

This makes the NHS app an essential tool for carers – saving time, reducing stress and helping ensure continuity of care. You can find out more information of how to manage health services for others on the NHS website.

NHS vaccinations

Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting people who are often more vulnerable to illness. Staying up to date with vaccinations – such as for flu, COVID-19, RSV and shingles – helps protect you as the carer and the person you care for. It reduces the risk of serious illness and helps ensure that carers can continue providing essential support without interruption. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or the person you care for has missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.

You can find more information about why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself and information on NHS vaccinations and when to have them on the NHS website.

If you are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, you may be eligible for free annual winter vaccinations. You can find more information on winter vaccinations and winter health on the NHS website. Alternatively, speak to your GP or community pharmacy.

Carer Friendly Discount Card

To support the health and wellbeing of carers, we have a Carer Friendly Discount Card scheme that allows the card holder to access discounts on products and services. There are a range of discounts available on leisure services, days out and hospitality. Find out more information on our Carer Friendly Discount Card page or at DCCS Carers or Family Action: The Bridge Young Carers Service.

Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card

Apply for a Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card to get a complimentary ticket at participating cinemas if you visit with the disabled person you care for.

Libraries

Libraries have a huge range of services for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you are studying or simply reading for pleasure, you have access to nearly one million books within County Durham, and millions more nationwide. It's free to join. All you need to join is one proof of identity and address. You can borrow up to twelve books for three weeks at any one time and can return your books to any library in County Durham.

And as a carer, you can get special services. Don't worry if you're a little late in returning your books as we will not charge you fines if you have a carers ticket. You can also reserve books for free on your ticket and we'll let you know by telephone, letter or email when they are ready to collect. If you're already a library member make sure that you let library staff know you are a carer and they will update your membership card for you.

Carers' breaks

Having a break or taking regular time to yourself can help you to cope better with your caring role. A break can also allow you to catch up on everyday things like getting some sleep, enjoying some leisure time or visiting friends and family. You may be eligible to receive funding to help you take a break. Find out more on our Carers' breaks page.

Tourism for All

Tourism for All offers advice and information about accessible holidays and places to go.