The GP isn’t always the fastest or best option for this – the following services can often get you seen faster for you and your medical needs:
- Local pharmacies – The initiative of Pharmacy First ensures patient with minor illnesses can be seen by a healthcare professional and bypasses the GP wait. The pharmacy can see the following – infected skin bite, Ear infection*, impetigo, shingles, coughs and colds, sore throat, UTI* (*please ask your pharmacy if you fit in these brackets to be seen). Please use the link below for more information and for other services within the pharmacy www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/
- EOS clinics – Specsavers offer a free Enhanced Optical Screening clinic where they can see a range of conditions such as water eyes, dry eyes, red eyes, blepharitis (swollen/sticky eyes) and styes. Often, the GP will signpost you to an optician near you as they are specialised within these services and can offer treatment and advice which are more personalised. Contact your local Specsavers today or use the link below for more information; www.specsavers.co.uk/community-health-care/optical-services?srsltid=AfmBOorLaQSBqcYH2qLwVPnAtbrshL0PdbXwDMs-TPizJhAn6THy7v4i
- NHS 111 – If you’re unable to see your GP, you can call 111 who can offer a range of different services. NHS 111 can assess your symptoms and book you into the most appropriate service today, such as the Urgent Treatment Centre, Out-of-Hours Clinics.
- Sexual health clinics – A self-referral patient based service, Umbrella, which offers confidential sexual help and advice to all. They can provide free STI- testing, contraception, PrEP, PEP and much more. Call you local Umbrella clinic today or use the link to find your nearest clinic: www.umbrellahealth.co.uk/service-locator/