We try to keep our GP appointments for patients with more serious health problems.
Before you book an appointment to see a doctor please consider whether an appointment with a practice nurse might be appropriate. They can help you with a wide range of medical problems.
Our receptionists can help you decide which is the right person for you to see. There are many other roles within the practice team that might be able to help you.
Clinical Pharmacists
Clinical Pharmacists clinically assess and treat patients using their expert knowledge of medicines. They will be prescribers, or if not, working to complete an independent prescribing qualification. They work with and alongside the general practice team, taking responsibility for patients with chronic disease and undertaking structured medication reviews to proactively manage people with complex medication needs.
Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians complement the work of clinical pharmacists. They use their knowledge of medicines to support medicines reconciliation, audits, prescription management support, and can offer advice to patients and staff.
First Contact Physiotherapists
First contact practitioner physiotherapists are qualified clinical practitioners who can assess, diagnose, treat and management musculoskeletal problems. They can support patients face to face or over the telephone.
Social Prescribers
Social Prescribers can help people to connect to community groups and agencies for practical and emotional support. There’s more information about our Social Prescribing Service and a link to the self-referral form
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 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, 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.
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
- 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.