Right Care First Time
General practice is facing unprecedented pressure. Demand is exceeding capacity, patients are facing longer delays and abuse in practice is rising as a result.
A new campaign delivered by IGPM is designed to help reduce the burden on GPs by explaining why you don’t always need to see the doctor.
Each practice has their own multi-skilled team, and the below video provides a few examples for a dramatic representation of a GP surgery scenario in a short video. While we understand policy and roles vary from practice to practice, we feel the message is the same.
Who is the best Healthcare Professional to see for the following conditions:
Abdominal Pain
Who do I see?
GP
Alcohol Advice
Who do I see?
Alcoholic’s Anonymous
Advice:
Please visit alcoholics anonymous.
Athletes Foot
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Find your local community pharmacy.
Further information about athletes foot, available from NHS UK.
Blocked ears (wax)
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
A pharmacist can help with earwax build-up
Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up. They can give advice and suggest treatments.
They might recommend chemical drops to dissolve the earwax. The earwax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week.
Do not use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).
Urgent advice: Important Information
Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.
Blood Tests
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
Appointments for blood tests MUST have been requested by your doctor or other health care professional.
Boils
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Further information about boils and carbuncles from NHS UK.
Breathlessness
Who do I see?
GP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
For less serious breathing issues such as COPD or chest infections.
Burns
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ Urgent Care Centre if severe
Advice:
If severe, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
If not, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Cervical Smear
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse (female)
Advice:
Once you are invited, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse on a day that you are not bleeding or on your period.
Chest Pain
Who do I see?
GP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
If not severe and has lasted for more than a few days;
You can book an appointment with your the surgery.
Chronic Heart Disease
Who do I see?
GP/Practice Nurse
Advice:
Annual clinic appointments will be sent to all CHD patients, please ask for an earlier appointment if worried.
You can book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Cold Sores
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Constipation or Piles
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists more than 1 week
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Cough
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 3 weeks
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Dementia Screening
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Depot Injection (contraception)
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book to see the GP for an initial assessment and the nurse for repeat prescriptions once you are completed your first 3 months of medication.
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Further information about the contraceptive injection from NHS UK
Diabetes Monitoring
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/Health Care Assistant/GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the surgery.
Diet/Lifestyle Changes
Who do I see?
Health Care Assistant or Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Dressings
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Drug Addiction
Who do I see?
Talk to Frank or Alcoholic Anonymous
Advice:
Information about drugs please visit: Talk To Frank.
Please phone: 0300 1236600, for self-referral help.
For further information concerning alcohol please visit: Alcoholics Anonymous UK.
Call free: 0800 9177 650 or Email AA
Ear Care/Ear Wax
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you think you may need ear irrigation (‘syringing’ ) please book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Further information about ear wax build up available from NHS UK.
Emergency Contraception
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Family Planning Clinic/GP
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist, or for your nearest Family Planning Clinic
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about emergency contraception available from NHS UK.
Flatulence
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Find a pharmacy near you.
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Flu Vaccine
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse.
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Fungal Infections
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Genital Infections including Herpes
Who do I see?
Genitourinary (GUM) Clinic/GP
Advice:
Find a GUM clinic near you.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about sexual health available from NHS UK.
Head Injuries
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP/Urgent Care Centre if severe
Advice:
Please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre, or search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about head injury and concussion from NHS UK.
Housing – letter of support
Who do I see?
We normally do not provide this service – Advice and help is available from Shelter England
Advice:
From time to time GPs are requested to provide reports for the patients to Local Housing Authorities and Housing Associations. This is not part of our core services and therefore we may charge an appropriate fee for the work involved or we may refuse to do it. Please check with our reception team.
Further information and help is available from Shelter England
Indigestion
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about indigestion available from NHS UK.
Insect Bites
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if severely infected
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about insect bites and stings available from NHS UK.
Insurance Reports
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Medication Reviews
Missed Contraceptive/Emergency Contraception
Who do I see?
Family Planning Clinic/Community Pharmacy/Practice Nurse/GP
Advice:
For emergency contraception, please find your nearest community pharmacy. For other issues please search for your nearest family planning clinic .
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse/GP.
Mouth Problems
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Dentist/GP for Dental abscess if not emergency dentist available
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services, or you may find your nearest community pharmacy.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Neck Pain
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Panic Attacks
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about panic attacks available from NHS UK.
Period Problems
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about period problems available from NHS UK.
Pneumoccocal Vaccine
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse.
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about the pneumococcal vaccine from NHS UK.
Rectal Problems
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 7 days.
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Shingles Vaccine
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse.
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the appropriate Nurse.
Further information about the shingles vaccination available from NHS UK.
Sinusitis
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Smoking Cessation
Who do I see?
Nurses/GPs/Smokefree
Advice:
You can also visit Smokefree, or find out more from NHS UK.
Sore Penis
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinics/GP if it persists
Advice:
Find your local clinic.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information about penis problems, available from NHS UK.
Sprains
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists over 7 days/Urgent Care Centre
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If it is a suspected serious injury, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information about sprains and strains available from NHS UK.
Styes
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Optician/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest opticians or search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Termination of Pregnancy
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Services/Family Planning Clinic
Advice:
Termination of Pregnancy service is for women who are pregnant and want to discuss their pregnancy options, which might include having a termination. Your local clinic will offer advice and information, and can help you with a hospital appointment if that is what you decide to do.
Threadworms
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Further information about threadworms, available from NHS UK.
Tiredness and fatigue
Who do I see?
Self-Help/GP
Advice:
Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for “tired all the time”.
Further information and help is available from NHS UK
If you feel that you are still experience symptoms of tiredness, please book an appointment with your GP.
Urine Infections
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
Please bring a urine sample into the consultation; sterile pots available at reception.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Information about Urinary tract infections (UTIs) available from NHS UK.
Verrucae
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist who can advise on over the counter treatments available.
Further information about warts and verrucas available from NHS UK.
Vomiting
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
For babies and toddlers, or if it persists longer than 1 week in children and adults, please book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Warts
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist who can advise you on over the counter treatment options.
Acute Asthma
Who do I see?
Attend walk in centre or A&E
Advice:
For routine asthma care, please book to see the Practice Nurse.
Anxiety
Who do I see?
GP
Back Pain
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/ Physiotherapist / GP after 7 days
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Further information about back pain from NHS UK.
Alexander technique for back pain
Extensive coverage has today been given to a study that found the Alexander technique – a method of teaching improved posture – is beneficial for easing back pain. The study on the technique involved over 500 people with chronic back pain from general practices across the UK. It found that people who received one-to-one instruction in the Alexander technique, along with exercise, had reduced back pain and improved disability after one year compared to those receiving standard care.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
These can also be performed at most local pharmacies. If the results are high, a GP appointment would be needed for further evaluation.
Blue Badge Forms
Who do I see?
Contact your local Council directly or Apply online
Advice:
To apply for a Blue Badge parking permit, you need to contact your local council.
The Blue Badge Scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. Blue Badge holders are able to park close to where they need to go. The scheme is managed by local authorities who deal with applications and issue Blue Badges.
GOV.UK has more details about the Blue Badge scheme, including information about applying for a Blue Badge.
Breastfeeding Advice
Who do I see?
Health Visitor
Advice:
Visit NHS advice pages, or search for a breastfeeding support service near you.
Bruised Ribs
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacist/GP / UCC
Advice:
For pain relief, please search for your nearest community pharmacy. For difficulty breathing, please book an appointment with the surgery.
Further information about broken or bruised ribs from NHS UK.
Cellulitis
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
Please book your appointment with the surgery.
Chest Infections
Who do I see?
GP if persists for more than 1 week, or other chest issues (asthma)
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the surgery.
Coils or Implants
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/GP/Sexual Health Clinic
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Information about contraceptive implants.
Where to get an IUD
You can get the IUD for free, even if you’re under 16, from:
- contraception clinics
- sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
- GP surgeries
- some young people’s services
Colds
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist. Antibiotics are NOT needed for the common colds, as colds are caused by a virus.
Contraception and Family Planning
Who do I see?
GP/Practice Nurse
Advice:
Contraception and family planning appointments are available in any routine GP clinic.
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
Please book to see the GP for an initial assessment and the nurse for repeat prescriptions once you are completed your first 3 months of medication.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor/Practice Nurse.
Cystitis
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse/ Doctor.
Dental Problems
Who do I see?
Dentist
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services. NHS 111 can advise on an emergency dentist if needed.
Please note: The Doctors do not see dental problems.
Depression
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Diarrhoea
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacist/GP if persists longer than 7 days or in a career dealing with food or caring for others
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Dizziness
Who do I see?
See the Practice Nurse or Healthcare assistant, immediately before a GP appointment
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Nurse.
DWP: GP letters for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance
Who do I see?
We are unable to provide letters of support
Advice:
The DWP will usually contact your GP or healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence when you submit a PIP or ESA claim, the information is then sent to the DWP as part of your claim process.
We are therefore unable to provide additional letters of supports as the information we provide, will normally be included in the report requested by the DWP. We therefore regret that we cannot provide additional letters of support. However you may request your medical records if you feel this may help your case. If you wish a copy of your medical records, please contact the practice who will advise you accordingly. There is no charge for a copy of your records.
We have provided some useful contacts shown below to help you:
Useful contacts
Action for M.E.
Information and support for people with M.E. and their carers General enquiries: 0117 927 9551 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Online M.E. Centre: Action for M.E
Welfare Rights Line: 0845 122 8648 (times vary)
Citizens Advice Bureau
Offers advice on a range of issues and may complete a benefits check for you. Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL)
To find your local DIAL office, contact Scope, 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW Tel: 0808 800 3333
Disability Rights UK
Factsheets on benefits, tax credits and independent living from disability rights uk
Local councils
Some local councils employ welfare rights workers. Your local council may also have information about other services that offer welfare rights advice in your area.
Earache
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Eczema
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 4 weeks or is infected
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Eye Injuries
Who do I see?
Urgent Care Centre/A&E if severe
Advice:
Please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre. If severe, please go to your nearest A&E department.
Flu
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 7 days or difficulty breathing
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Please book an appointment with your GP.
Forms, certificates and medicals
Who do I see?
GP Receptionists
Advice:
A medical examination will be booked if necessary.
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
Please allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Please note we do not sign passport forms.
General Advice
Who do I see?
Self-Care/111/Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please visit the NHS UK information home pages. You can also telephone 111 for any non-urgent medical issues or you can search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Hay Fever
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Hay fever medications are available from the chemist without needing to see your GP.
Head Lice
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/School Nurse/Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Holiday Cancellation Certificate
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Please attend in person or post the documentation and payment.
Holiday Cancellation forms are not covered by the NHS, there will be a charge for this service.
Payment for reports must accompany the request or booking (i.e. in advance). Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Hyperventilation
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about hyperventilation available from NHS UK.
Infected Wounds
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Insomnia
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Medical Reports
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Mental Health
Who do I see?
GP/Mental Health Support Services/Samaritans
Advice:
These are helplines with specially trained volunteers who’ll listen to you, understand what you’re going through, and help you through the immediate crisis.
Samaritans operates a free service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence. Call them on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
Find out how to deal with a mental health crisis or emergency
Further information from NHS UK How to access mental health services
To see your GP
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Moles
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Nappy rash
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy or Health Visitor
Nosebleeds
Who do I see?
111/Urgent Care if severe/GP if several episodes
Advice:
Pinch nose (do not lean head back) and apply ice pack. Find out more information about nose bleeds. If concerned, you can ring 111, or search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Passport Forms
Who do I see?
We do not sign passport forms
Advice:
Passport forms are not covered by the NHS.
Accepted occupations that can countersign your passport photo.
Phobias
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Rashes
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 7 days.
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Removal of Stitches
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Sick Note (Fit Note)
Who do I see?
Self certify first 7 days, then routine GP appointment
Advice:
Employees unable to work because of coronavirus can now access a digital isolation note from 111.nhs.uk without having to go to the doctor.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
If you have been discharged from hospital, your hospital team will issue any fit notes for the entire period of your recovery. Please contact the ward staff (even after discharge). Schools should not request a GP letter to confirm absence, this can be written by a parent or guardian.
A Fit note can be backdated if required, please discuss this when you see the GP. Please do not request an emergency or urgent appointment for fit note.
Employees unable to work because of coronavirus can now access a digital isolation note
Self – Certificate.
You can obtain this form from your employer or by visiting the HMRC website. If you are unwell for more than four days you are advised to arrange an appointment to see a Doctor to assess your fitness to work.
Private Certificates
If you or your employer require further information concerning your period(s) of illness , then your Doctor may require to issue you with a letter. Please note that a charge may apply for this service. Please check with our reception desk.
Skin Conditions
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about common skin conditions available from NHS UK.
Sore Eyes
Who do I see?
Optician/Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
If severe, please go to your nearest A&E departments. Please search for your nearest opticians or search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Sore Throat
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you have a sore throat, there are a number of ways you can help yourself. Paracetamol can help with the pain, andgargling with warm, salty water may help shorten theinfection (but this isn’t recommended for children). In most cases, you only need to see your GP if your sore throat doesn’t improve after a week.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information on how to treat a sore throat yourself .
Stings
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Sunburn
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Tetanus Injection
Thrush (Vaginal)
Who do I see?
Self-Help Advice/Community Pharmacy/Sexual Health Clinic
Advice:
You find information on the NHS help page. You can also search for your nearest community pharmacist. If you are sexually active, you can also visit your local Sexual Health Clinic.
Travel Vaccinations
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book an appointment, at least 6 weeks or more before travelling.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Vaginal Discharge
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinic/Practice Nurse/GP
Advice:
You can search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you are sexually active, you can visit your local Sexual Health Clinic.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse/GP.
Further information about vaginal discharge available from NHS UK.
Vitamin B12 Injection
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Further information about Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia, available from NHS UK.
Warfarin Monitoring
Who do I see?
Referral required
Advice:
If you are taking warfarin blood thinning tablets, we can refer you for this service.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
