We try to keep our GP appointments for patients with health problems that cannot be managed by any of our other skilled specialist nursing team.
Before you book an appointment to see a doctor please consider whether an appointment with one of our practice nurses might be more appropriate. Currently we have specialist nurses who can help you with a wide range of medical problems including diabetes, COPD, asthma and cardiac conditions. They have also undergone specific training to manage a wide range of other minor medical problems such as muscle and joint pain, skin conditions, coughs / colds and minor illnesses in children.
Our receptionist or triaging doctor or nurse can 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 you avoid waiting to speak to / see a clinicians and can help free up our GPs’ time, making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious condition.
Your pharmacist can help too
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, spots, aches and pains. Just call your local pharmacy 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.
Click here for more information about how pharmacies can help you.
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 e.g. Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)
- 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
Click here for more information about how NHS 111 can help you.
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.