Do You Really Need to see a GP?
Many people use their GP as their first port of call whenever they have any health problems. But often they could have received the necessary care somewhere else, freeing up valuable GP appointments for those who really need to see a GP. Worse still, some patients try to make an appointment with a GP when they should really be seeking urgent emergency care, via A&E or calling 999.
Before calling the surgery, please use the NHS Health A to Z tool for up to date advice on your condition.
Can you look after yourself?
These conditions respond to self-care:
- Coughs and colds
- Diarrhoea
- Earache
- Flu
- Hangover
- Minor grazes
- Sunburn
- Viral illness
- Sore throat
Do you need to see a pharmacist?
Your pharmacist can give you advice on a range of conditions and may also be able to offer treatment without needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First).
Conditions that do not need to be seen by a GP are:
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed.
Your pharmacist can also give you advice on:
- Athlete’s foot
- Minor allergies
- Bloating and wind
- Cold sores
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Coughs & colds
- Cystitis
- Dermatitis and eczema
- Diarrhoea
- Ear wax
- Emergency contraception
- Hayfever
- Headaches
- Headlice
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel
- Mouth ulcers
- Nasal congestion
- Piles
- Runny nose
- Scabies
- Sleep problems
- Styes
- Teething troubles
- Threadworms
- Thrush
- Verrucas
- Viral infections
- Warts
Do you need a telephone appointment?
These can be dealt with by telephone:
- Simple urine infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Discussing results
- Ongoing sick notes
- Medication advice
- Viral illnesses
Do you need to see a dentist?
You must see a dentist if you have:
- Dental abscess
- Toothache
- Gum problems
