We try to keep our GP appointments for patients who can’t be helped by anyone else.
Before you book an appointment to see a doctor please consider whether an appointment with somebody else might be appropriate. Our team of clinicians can help you with a wide range of medical problems.
Our receptionists will help you decide which is the right person for you to see.
Self Care
If you have a cough, cold, headache or other minor ailment try treating yourself at home first. Find out more about treatments for common minor ailments.
Please remember that self-care for common conditions can help free up our GPs’ time, making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious condition.
Your Pharmacist
Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and can give you confidential health advice for a range of common illnesses and complaints.
Don’t wait for a GP appointment for coughs, colds, aches and pains. Just give your local pharmacy a call or drop in – there’s no need to make an appointment.
Your pharmacists can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor or nurse.
Other Health Professionals
Our receptionists are trained to help you find the best person to help you, first time. For example, if you have a GP appointment regarding a physiotherapy issue, it is likely that the GP will refer you to see a physiotherapist. However, our receptionists can book you in with a First Contact Physiotherapist, which will not only save a GP appointment, but help you more quickly.
We have a range of such professionals available including physiotherapists, physician associate, and a mental health practitioner.
Our receptionists will also signpost you to relevant local services including opticians, and other condition-specific support.
NHS 111
111 is the free NHS non-emergency number.
You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
Call 111 if:
- you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
- you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
- you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
- you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
A&E
A&E is for life-threatening accidents and emergencies only. Before you go there, ask yourself, “Is it a real emergency?”
If not, please consider using other local health services before you visit A&E.
