Health Information

Alcohol Advice

Non-urgent advice: Alcohol Units

It is recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over 3 or more days. It’s also advised to have at least 2 days each week when you don’t have a drink

If you’re drinking more and want to cut down, the NHS can offer some tips:

Non-urgent advice: Important Advice

If you are dependent on alcohol it is very important that you don’t stop drinking suddenly. This can lead to life-threatening withdrawal. If you think you might be dependent on alcohol, seek help before trying to cut down

If you’re struggling to cut down or think you might be dependent on alcohol, We Are With You can offer advice and help you to cut down safely and successfully

Athletes Foot

You should speak to your local pharmacist about athletes foot, or treat it yourself using over-the-counter anti-fungal powders or creams. Generally athletes foot does not need to be seen by a GP, but if treatments aren’t working then it’s sensible to book a review.

For more information, click below:

Blocked Ears (Earwax)

Excess earwax is a common problem that can cause discomfort, dizziness, tinnitus and hearing loss.

If you have excess earwax you should first see your community pharmacist for advice, or treat it yourself using over-the-counter drops such as sodium bicarbonate drops.

If your symptoms don’t improve after 2-3 weeks then you can arrange for earwax removal in shops such as Specsavers or Boots. Alternatively, you can book a routine appointment to see our nurse practitioner

Non-urgent advice: Important Advice

You should never put anything except ear drops into the ear to remove wax or clean the ears

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.

Further information about cervical screening from NHS UK.

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.

Further information about constipation from NHS UK.

Further information about piles (haemorrhoids) from NHS UK

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.

Further information how to treat your cough from NHS UK.

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.

Further Information about Diet from NHS UK.

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

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.

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.

Further information about the flu vaccine from NHS UK.

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.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

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.

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 and Stings

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

Who do I see?
Clinical Pharmacist

Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Pharmacist

Please ensure you have had your annual bloods in advance of the appointment and bring all your medications with you to the review.

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.

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.

Further information about sinusitis available from NHS UK.

Smoking Cessation

Who do I see?
Nurses/GPs/Smokefree

Advice:
You can also visit Smokefree, or find out more from NHS UK.

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.

Find pregnancy termination services

Further information about terminating your pregnancy 

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 and Warts

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.

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.

Further information about blood pressure from NHS UK.

Breastfeeding Advice

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.

Further information about contraception from NHS UK.

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 and Anxiety

Mental health concerns are very common – almost 1 in 10 people suffer with low mood or anxiety in the UK. It can be difficult to talk about, but there is help available.

It’s very important to focus on your lifestyle if your suffering with low mood or anxiety, because these can have a huge impact on your mental health. Making sure you’re eating well and getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day can have a significant impact. It’s also important to keep getting out and avoid shutting yourself away at home, even if sometimes this is how you feel.

There are lots of groups and charities aimed at helping people with mental health issues. Below are some that you might find helpful:

Mind – help, support and counselling for everybody

Samaritans – help and support for everybody

Kooth – online support for young people

Anna Freud – help and support for young people

ManHealth – support aimed at men

Cruse – specialist bereavement support & counselling

If you feel you need further support then the NHS offers free Talking Therapies, which are evidence based and effective. You can self-refer using the link below

Of course, if you feel you need to speak with a GP regarding your mental health then we are happy to listen and discuss other options that may be available for you.

Non-urgent advice: Mental Health Crisis

If you feel you are in a mental health crisis and need immediate help to prevent harm to yourself or others, then please call 111 and select option 2

Diarrhoea & Vomiting

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.

Earache

Who do I see?
GP

Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.

Further information about earache available from NHS UK.

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.

Further information about eczema available from NHS UK.

Eye Injuries and Illnesses

For gradual visual changes, your optician is often the best person to speak with because they have the equipment needed to thoroughly assess your eyes.

For other eye issues, such as in growing eyelashes, discharge, red or painful eye or flashes and floaters in your vision, you can self refer to the Minor Eye Clinic. Click the link below to find your nearest participating optician and book an appointment:

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.

Further information about flu from NHS UK.

Hay Fever

Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy

Advice:
Hay fever medications are available from the chemist without needing to see your GP.

Search for your nearest community pharmacist.

Further information about hay fever available from NHS UK.

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.

Further information about head lice available from NHS UK.

Insomnia

Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP

Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.

You can book an appointment with your Doctor.

Further information about insomnia available from NHS UK.

Moles

Who do I see?
GP

Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.

Further information about moles available from NHS UK.

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.

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 .

Tetanus Injection

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.

Further information about tetanus, available from NHS UK.

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.

NHS guide to Travel vaccinations

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.

Further information about warfarin, available from NHS UK.