Choose the Right Service

A range of common illnesses such as cold and flu and minor injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.

Examples of the ailments best treated by yourself are:
– Upset stomach
– Grazed knee
– Common cold
– Sore throat
– Headache
– Colds & Flu

There are a wide variety of helpful Self Care information and resources available which could help you to treat your illness without the need for an appointment:
NHS A-Z of Symptoms
NHS Live Well

Visit a Pharmacy for healthcare advice without an appointment.

Your local Pharmacist is able to help with minor cuts, sprains, aches and pains, colds and flu, headaches, rashes, cystitis, emergency contraceptive (most Pharmacies now offer this service) and other common conditions.

No appointment is necessary and your local Pharmacist is usually open late, is available at weekends and many public holidays. It will also save you making an appointment with your GP.

Find your Nearest Pharmacy Here

Opticians have the professional training and necessary equipment to assess most eye problems so do consider this as a first port of call. Your local pharmacy or nearest walk-in centre can also be another quick way of accessing help and advice without an appointment.

Find an Optician in your area

If you are unsure where to go or out of normal working hours please call NHS 111. If you have an eye problem that requires immediate emergency treatment go to your nearest Accident and Emergency.

For dental emergencies, call the dentist with whom you are registered. You should receive a recorded message advising you of the arrangements that have been made for emergency cover. If you have not registered with a dentist, please try to do so as soon as possible. Dentist’s can perform an appropriate assessment and advise on necessary intervention including use of any antibiotics.

Further Help and Advice

If you require emergency treatment, you should contact NHS 111.
Dental emergencies are:
– acute dental pain
– facial or oral swelling
– bleeding from the mouth
– trauma

If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support: Social care and support guide – NHS

Call 111 when we are closed to speak to an NHS professional on any urgent health or medical issue.

Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.

If you have an emergency please call 999. Medical emergencies can include:
– loss of consciousness
– an acute confused state
– fits that aren’t stopping
– chest pain
– breathing difficulties
– severe bleeding that can’t be stopped
– severe allergic reactions
– severe burns or scalds

It’s important to use A&E only for serious injuries and major emergencies.

Use your local minor injuries unit if you need medical treatment or advice which does not need a visit to A&E or a medical appointment.

Some examples of problems they deal with:
– sprains and strains
– suspected broken limbs
– minor head injuries
– cuts and grazes
– bites and stings
– minor scalds and burns
– ear and throat infections
– skin infections and rashes
– eye problems
– coughs and colds
– feverish illness in adults
– feverish illness in children
– abdominal pain
– vomiting and diarrhoea
– emergency contraception

Find your nearest minor injuries unit

The Nurse Practitioner is usually able to assess the situation and in some cases will organise initial blood tests and other investigations prior to arranging a follow up appointment with your doctor.

The nurse practitioners complement the service that we offer to you, our patients. Please be assured that a doctor’s appointment will always be available should you prefer but you may get an earlier appointment if you opt to consult the nurse practitioners.

See a Nurse about:
– blood pressure checks
– back pain
– chest infection
– cough and cold
– rash
– sore throat
– urine infection
– cervical smears
– dressings
– family planning advice
– contraceptives
– minor injuries and ailments
– immunisations
– diabetes management
– asthma care
– COPD (heart) care
– smoking cessation
– free health checks for 40-70 year olds
– travel advice
– removal of stitches and clips etc.

Call the surgery on 0121 449 0300 to arrange an appointment with a nurse and you may be seen more quickly.