Which service is right for YOU?
Many common illnesses do not require visiting a GP (doctor). There are often quicker and better options available.
This page lists many places you can get help, in addition to USW Health Team. For further help choosing, see Primary Choice.
If you don’t know which option to choose, contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111.
If you have a medical emergency, a critical or life threatening problem call 999.
NHS 111 Wales is "the home of health advice and information for people living in Wales".
You can call their phone number 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to speak to someone who will assess your condition and provide you with advice and information.
Their website has information on health conditions and illnesses, a symptom checker and further guidance on who you can contact for the right care.
NHS 111 also helps with urgent mental health support - call 111 & choose option 2
In Cardiff, if your health condition is urgent, but not life-threatening, then phone 111 first before attending the Emergency Unit (A&E), the Minor Injuries Unit or to access care out-of-hours.
Many pharmacies now provide a range of services, such as arranging a prescription without you seeing a doctor, emergency contraception and vaccines.
Search for a local pharmacy, to see what is available.
Contraception and sexual health clinics - Search for a local clinic to see what is available.
Emergency contraception - if you are under 25 this is available from most pharmacies for free.
Free condoms - Public Health Wales offer a free C-Card scheme to under 25s. (This scheme is also run by the Health Team at USW).
The USW Health Team can help you register with a local GP, or you can use a postcode search to find one directly.
GPs are usually responsible for providing care during normal working hours, typically Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.30pm.
If you need urgent medical care outside those times, search the GP's website for their 'out of hours' service, or contact NHS 111 Wales.
If you have a medical emergency, a critical or life threatening problem you should call 999.
If you have an open wound which may need stitching/dressing, go direct to your nearest Emergency (A&E) Department or Minor Injury Unit (MIU) (search here), or call 999.
Your dentist is able to see you for the following: preventative toothcare and oral hygeine, toothache, tooth abscess, bleeding gums etc.
If you need to register with a local NHS dentist, please make contact with the right team depending on where you are living (not studying).
Newport – 01633 744387
Treforest – 01685 351366 or email [email protected]
Cardiff – 029 2044 4500 or complete this FORM to be added onto waiting list for Dentist allocation.
Please note – the dentist is free only if you are under 19 yrs old.
Contact your normal dental practice first as most dentists offer emergency appointments on the day.
If you are not registered locally with a dentist, or are experiencing severe dental pain during the evenings, overnight or on weekends or bank holidays, phone the dental helpline on:
Newport – 01633 744387
Treforest – 0300 123 5060
Cardiff – 029 2044 4500
Alternatively, you can phone NHS 111 Wales by calling 111 or advice.
Consult a University first aider for treatment and/or advice. For any medical emergency on campus call 01443 4 33333 and ask for a first aider.
Only attend A&E if you have an acute illness, chest pain or breathing problems, or a painful injury less than 2 days old.
Treforest / Glyntaff
Your nearest hospital is:
Royal Glamorgan Hospital
Ynysmaerdy, Llantrisant, CF72 8XR.
Tel: 01443 443443
Cardiff
Call NHS 111 Wales first if you have an urgent, non-life-threatening emergency, to access the Emergency Unit or Minor Injuries Unit.
A call handler will assess your condition and advise you over the phone. If further assessment is required, a clinician will call you back. If you need to be seen in person, a clinician will arrange this for you.
If you have a medical emergency, a critical or life threatening problem call 999.
University Hospital of Wales
Heath Park Way
Cardiff
CF14 4XW
Tel: 02920 747747
Barry Community Hospital Minor Injury Unit
Colcot Road
Barry
CF62 8YH
Tel: 01446 704000
Newport
Your nearest hospital is with A&E is:
The Grange University Hospital.
Caerleon Road
Llanfrechfa
Cwmbran
NP44 8YN
Tel: 01633 493100
All Minor injuries should now go to:
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road
Newport
NP20 2UB
Tel: 01633 234234
Note - there is no Emergency Department at the Royal Gwent Hospital. Life-threatening emergencies must go to The Grange University Hospital.
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance for serious accidents or life threatening illness only. Eg severe chest pain, severe breathing problems, severe bleeding or unconsciousness.
On campus? If calling 999 on campus, and an ambulance is dispatched, please tell campus security where the incident is, so they can direct the ambulance to the right place.
An optician can help with acute eye problems such as itchy eyes, red eyes, conjunctivitis, bloodshot eyes and swollen eyelids.
If you have any concerns about your eyes, see a high street optometrist (optician) straight away. They will tell you if you are eligible for a free eye health examination.
Most opticians offer free emergency appointments under Eye Care Wales.
All adults over the age of 16 can self refer to a physiotherapist without the need to see a GP .
This is a service for adults who have a muscle or joint problem eg, neck or back pain, shoulder or knee problems, “tennis elbow” or ankle sprain.
Please click on the area below that you live in for the relevant information and access the self referral forms
See USW's Mental Wellbeing pages.