We are facing an unprecedented workload post COVID and we need to ensure we are talking to those who really need our advice.
Unfortunately a lot of people are turning to us because other services are busy. That is overloading us.
Even before COVID, the NHS was doing a lot of work to try to educate/advise patients to go to the most appropriate place for their problem, not just to call the GP. More and more services are now available for patients to contact directly without seeing the GP first. It is part of the government's "5 year forward view" for the future of the NHS.
If you have a problem, please consider first whether or not you can resolve it WITHOUT contacting us.
If you contact us about a problem which would be more appropriately handled elsewhere, we will redirect you to the correct and appropriate place.
This is why our reception team need to ask you questions, to find out the most appropriate pathway. Please don't be offended or refuse to answer their questions. They are trying to help you get to the right person first time, so that everyone gets what they need as quickly and smoothy as possible. This is called "Navigation" and again is part of the NHS 5year Forward View.
Have you checked for advice on line?
Pharmacies
- experienced advice on minor conditions including:
Backache |
Haemorrhoids |
Athletes foot |
Insect bites and stings |
Colds |
Threadworm |
Hay fever |
Earache |
Mouth ulcers |
Eczema |
Conjunctivitis |
Allergies |
Head lice |
Rashes |
Nappy rash |
Minor Injury |
Constipation |
Indigestion |
Teething |
Sore throat |
Diarrhoea |
|
Headache and fever |
speak to 111 during COVID |
Cough |
speak to 111 during COVID |
- antibiotics for eye and ear infections (when needed)
- order your regular medication
- an emergency supply of your regular medication even without a prescription
- the "morning after" pill
- Note you are able to phone your pharmacy - find their number on their website or on your last prescription
Opticians
- minor eye complaints such as red or watering eyes
- during COVID most opticians are closed to walk-in patients but you are able to call them for advice or to book an appointment - find their number on their website
Minor eye conditions service
- Some opticians have extra training and experience and deal with more complicated "minor eye conditions" such as
- Recent sudden onset Red Eyes
- Recent sudden onset Irritated or Inflamed Eyes
- Sticky Discharge or Recent sudden onset Watery Eyes
- In-growing Eyelashes
- Foreign bodies in the Eye – urgent conditions will be redirected to A&E if treatment is required in under 24 hours
- Recently occurring flashes or floaters
All other NHS services (including hearing centres) are open and can offer advice via their website or over the telephone if not in person.
NHS Direct is available at any time of day by calling 111 or online at 111.nhs.uk They will help you know where you should go for advice.
College nurses are available throughout term for undergraduate and graduate students. We work closely with the nurses and so if the nurses feels you need to see a doctor, it can be arranged.