3 alternatives if you can’t get GP appointment
We all know how hard it is get face-to-face (F2F) appointment with a GP nowadays. MyHSN is very sorry about this issue.
If you can’t get a GP appointment, consider these three alternatives:
1. Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC). Also called an Urgent Care Centre (UCC), Walk-in centre or Minor Illness/Injury Unit
Urgent treatment centres are open at least 12 hours a day (including bank holidays) and are led by GPs. These centres are there when you need rapid medical attention (e.g. think you need antibiotics) but it isn’t a life-threatening situation. They have several different names, confusingly [“sorry .. again” MyHSN Ed].
Use Google to find the nearest one in your area.
They are excellent, and as we say, underused in the UK.
2. Local pharmacist
Did you know, pharmacists are the ‘Health Professionals of the High Street’! They do way more than just prescriptions. They offer a variety of services, some of these include:
- Advise you on many health concerns
- Pregnancy testing
- Support for carers
- Emergency hormonal contraception service.
So if you need some support on losing weight, or have a mysterious rash you’d like looked at, the pharmacist may be able to help. This is only a short list of the services your pharmacy may have available.
3. NHS 111
The NHS 111 phone line is staffed by fully trained advisers 24/7 so you can always get medical support when you need it. During the phone call, they ask questions to evaluate your symptoms and decide what would be best in your situation. They have the ability to:
- Give you self-care advice
- Connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or GP
- Book you a face-to-face appointment with a GP
- Send an ambulance directly, if necessary
- Direct you to the right local service that can best help with your concern.
Other alternatives
- Many workplaces have GPs or senior nurses in their Occupational Health departments. You can walk there at work
- There are an increasing number of private GPs and telemedicine options. Again, see what is available in your area.
A&E
Should only be used for serious emergencies.
Self-treat minor ailments
The Treat Yourself Better (without antibiotics) website has information on when to self-treat minor ailments and when to see a doctor or pharmacist.
