With the pressure on the NHS, it’s more important than ever to use services wisely.
Make sure you know how to get the right care in the right place. Whether that be advice from your GP, dental services, a pharmacy or somewhere else.
Remember to treat staff members with respect, as they do their best to deliver the care you need.
Before you phone your GP practice, dentist or optician you should:
When you phone, a staff member will talk to you to decide the best care option. This might be by phone, video, or by making an appointment to see you in person.
You should make sure you read any information given before your appointment.
The information you give to receptionists helps the GP, dentist or optometrist plan their workload for the day. Patients with urgent needs are dealt with first.
This might mean a healthcare professional will need to phone you back for a fuller discussion about your condition.
Information you give any healthcare staff is confidential and this includes receptionists.
Reception teams do not make clinical decisions, but they’re trained to help patients get to the right service.
Many GP appointments (which includes appointments with a GP or another member of the GP team) are now carried out over the phone or through NHS Near Me. NHS Near Me is a secure and easy way to video call a healthcare professional using your computer, tablet or mobile.
If you can’t attend a pharmacy in person, but they need to see you, you may also be able to use NHS Near Me. Check with your community pharmacist if this service is available.
You may need to see a healthcare professional in person for a physical examination or if tests need to be carried out. The team can help you decide which is the best option for you.
If you’re unable to use these technologies, you can let them know.
If you have a minor illness, a pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice. They can also help if you run out of a repeat prescription.
Your pharmacist can advise you about conditions such as:
If you have any oral pain or find something in or around your mouth that you’re unsure about, you should contact your dentist.
To book an appointment, you should phone your dental practice. The team will give you advice about the options available.
Priority is being given to people with urgent dental problems. You may be referred to your local urgent dental care centre.
Opticians are open for all eye care services including emergency and essential eye care routine examinations.
You should always contact an optician first if you have any eye problems such as:
The majority of eye conditions can be managed by your optometrist.
Free NHS eye examinations are available in Scotland to all UK residents. It’s important that you have your eyes regularly examined, even if you’re not worried about your vision. This helps find eye problems and signs of other health conditions before they become more serious. If necessary your optometrist can refer you for any further help you need.
If you’re unable to travel yourself, you can arrange a home visit. Contact an optometry practice about this.
Staff will ask you for some general information to help you to see or speak to the right person. This may not always be with a doctor. Pharmacists, physiotherapists, nurses or other healthcare professionals may be available to help.
You can use our mental health self-help guides.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support you can phone NHS 24 on 111, day or night.
You can also contact Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87. They’re open Monday to Thursday, 6.00pm to 2,00am and Friday from 6.00pm to Monday until 6.00am.