HEALTH TIPS
Information is also available on the NHS DIRECT WEBSITE and by the 24 hour telephone service at 0845 46 47(UK ONLY).
There are limitations to what medical treatment can achieve and also many conditions get better by themselves. Often the best "doctor" is your body's natural defences and healing powers.(See antibiotics).There is much that you can do to help your own body cope with minor injuries and self-limiting infections. On this page there are a few brief notes to guide you and there may be links (blue underlined words) to more detailed information on this site and elsewhere on the web. If you have any comments on these notes please Email us now. If you are uncertain about the importance or urgency of your symptoms and after consulting the information here and elsewhere you are still in doubt then please telephone for specific advice from the duty doctor or nurse.
Firstly, what constitutes an emergency. Below is a list of fairly common conditions that can give rise to an emergency situation - it's not a complete list but it is intended to give you an idea of what we think an emergency GP service should be dealing with, both in and out of hours. Generally speaking these are either where there is a possible risk to life, where symptoms such as pain are severe or where it is important to intervene early to prevent the patient getting a lot worse. We don't expect you to have the knowlege of a doctor or nurse and we recognise that incomplete information in the media can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety however please think and be considerate of others who may really need the doctor straight away - always be prepared to receive and accept advice in the first instance if this seems appropriate.
COMMON EMERGENCIES
Click on the BLUE underlined words to go to the relevant area.
SIMPLE PROBLEMS THAT CAN BE DEALT WITH AT HOME