Do I need to see my GP?
Dr Heather Howells talks about the different healthcare services that you can use.
Dr Heather Howells talks about the different healthcare services that you can use.
44
People
Number of people in A&E department
1:07
Hours
Average wait to be seen by a clinician
1:18
Hours
Average time in the department
Choose the right service
There are a variety of different healthcare services that can help you with your condition. But to ensure that you get your condition treated as quickly as possible, you need to use the right service for your condition.
If you are unsure which service to use then contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or speak to a call handler by dialing 111. Help is available 24 hours per day from a team of highly trained experts. If it's an emergency call 999.
Visit 111.nhs.uk
Pharmacists can provide advice on a variety of different illnesses, such as colds, coughs, pains, aches and ear infections.
They can also provide guidance on medication, answering any questions about side effects and how to take your medication.
Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without the need to visit your GP. Under Pharmacy First, the conditions that they prescribe medication for are:
- Ear ache
- Impetigo
- Infest insect bite
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infections
Booking an appointment with your GP surgery to speak to a GP is usually the first point of contact if you have a health condition. The GP will be able to help treat your condition or will be able to give health advice or refer you.
Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery. It is recommended that you register with a GP service that is close to where you are living.
You can use the Find a GP service to look for a sugery
FIND A GP
And for more information about the process of registering for a GP you can visit how to register with a GP surgery on the NHS website.
NHS 111 will not be able to diagnose your condition but will be able to direct you to the best service for your care.
If you are unsure which service to use then contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or speak to a call handler by dialing 111. Help is available 24 hours per day from a team of highly trained experts. If it's an emergency call 999.
The Emergency Department (A&E) cares for patients who are acutely ill, or have life or limb threatening problems. These include:
- Signs of heart attack
- Signs of stroke
- Sudden confusion
- Suicide attempt
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Choking
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe injuries
- Seizure
- Sudden, rapid swelling of lips, mouth, throat or tongue.
The majority of people, however, who attend the Emergency Department have minor, non life-threatening or limb-threatening injuries and illnesses. For these, please use NHS 111, Reading Urgent Care Centre, your local GP or Pharmacy.
We have separate Adult, Children's and Minor Injuries Emergency Departments.
Visit our Emergency Department webpage for more information.