When to See a Doctor

Who is the most appropriate professional for your care?

Please consider what the best options for your healthcare are, based on the urgency of your condition and nature of your ailment. This may save you time in getting the help you need, and avoid arranging an unnecessary appointment with your Doctor.

Have you tried self-care?

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.

Your Medicine Cabinet – What you should stock

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

Get help from your local Pharmacy

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 a Pharmacy near you

Find your Nearest Pharmacy Here

Eye Problems?

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.

Further Information about Eye Care

Dental 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 or trauma.

Do you need Social Care & Support?

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.

Further Information

What to do when the surgery is closed?

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.

Get immediate help for minor injuries

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

Arrange an appointment with a nurse practitioner

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.

How to book an appointment

How to Book an Appointment

Some patients, often those with complex and long-standing medical problems, may need an appointment with a doctor. In this case, please call the surgery on 0121 449 0300.

Know who to turn to for your healthcare

We want to help you get the right medical assistance when you’re ill, injured or have a long term condition. Going directly to the person with the appropriate skills is important. This can help you to a speedier recovery and makes sure all NHS services are run efficiently.