Do You Really Need to See a GP?

Below is some helpful information on services you can access to help with lots of different medical problems, without having to see a GP first.

Is your life potentially in danger?

Ring 999 if you have any of these conditions:

Anaphylactic shock Severe bleeding Severe breathlessness Severe burns Suspected heart attack

Choking Drowning incident Uncontrollable fits Hypo (low sugar) Hypothermia

Deep lacerations Suspected meningitis Suspected stroke Unconscious Looking very poorly or condition significantly deteriorating

Have you got a medical emergency?

Go straight to A+E if you have:

Severe abdominal pain Sudden blindness Breathless, can’t speak Suspected fractures Floppy unresponsive baby

Severe head injury Lethargic drowsy child Persistent nose bleed Drug overdose Swallowed foreign body

Do you need to see a nurse?

Our nurses deal with a range of conditions:

Asthma Blood pressure Blocked ears and wax Cardiovascular reviews COPD Dressings Family planning

Health checks Ring pessaries Smears and swabs Travel advice Vaccinations Weight monitoring

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 Minor illness Certain reviews

Do you need the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU)?

These conditions are dealt with by MIU:

Bites and stings Burns and scalds Cuts and grazes Eye problems Foreign bodies in skin

Minor head injuries Sprains and strains Road traffic accidents Minor wound infections

Do you need to see a dentist?

You must see a dentist if you have:

• Dental abscess
• Toothache
• Gum problems

Do you need to see a pharmacist?

Your pharmacist can 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

Sinus problems Sleep problems Sore throat Styes Teething troubles Threadworms Thrush Urine infections Verrucas Viral infections Warts

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

How to treat everyday ailments at home

Did you know you can refer yourself?

Refer yourself without seeing doctor first:

Alcohol abuse Counselling Drug abuse Mild to moderate anxiety

Mild-moderate depression Family planning Stop smoking advice Weight management