Who should I See?
Please consider what the best options for your healthcare are, based on the urgency of your condition and nature of your ailment. General Practice work in conjunction with other Primary Care providers such as Opticians and Pharmacists, who can deliver advice and treatment within the Community, so make sure you get to see the right person, at the right time, in the right place.
This may save you time in getting the help you need, and avoid arranging an unnecessary appointment with your Doctor.
Have you tried self-care?
A range of common illnesses such as cold and flu and minor injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest. Many patients attend with conditions that would get better with self-care. Studies show that 25-40% of consultations with a GP are unnecessary so it would help if patients only booked an appointment with a GP if they really need to.
Examples of the ailments best treated by yourself are:
- Upset stomach
- Grazed knee
- Common cold
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Colds & Flu
There are a wide variety of helpful Self Care information and resources available which could help you to treat your illness without the need for an appointment:
Self-Referral Services – No need to see a GP or Nurse you can refer yourself!
We have provided our patients with a list of services that you can self-refer to without the need to see a GP or Nurse. You can normally self-refer by phone, attend a drop in clinic or by completing a self-referral form which you can send via email or post to the service of your choice.
Get immediate help from your local Pharmacy
Visit a Pharmacy for healthcare advice without an appointment
It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete’s foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.
Your local Pharmacist is able to help with minor cuts, sprains, aches and pains, colds and flu, headaches, rashes, cystitis, emergency contraceptive (most Pharmacies now offer this service) and other common conditions.
No appointment is necessary and your local Pharmacist is usually open late, is available at weekends and many public holidays. It will also save you making an appointment with your GP.
Over the Counter Medicines
A GP, nurse or pharmacist will generally not give you a prescription for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for a range of minor health conditions.
New Medicine Service
The New Medicine Service is available at Pharmacies to give you extra help and advice if you’re just starting on a new medicine for one of the following conditions:
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- people who have been given a new blood-thinning medicine
More about the New Medicine Service.
Treat Yourself Better
We support the campaign to encourage people to self-treat minor ailments such as colds and flu. The Treat Yourself Better Without Antibiotics website is full of information to help people understand when how long they can expect their symptoms to last for, when they need to see a doctor and when they would be better off visiting their local pharmacist for advice.
Eye Problems?
An optician or optometrist is able to assess urgent eye problems, check for eye disorders and treat eye conditions. They have the professional training and necessary equipment to assess most eye problems.
If your optician is closed and you can’t wait until it reopens call 111
If you sustain an eye injury that requires immediate emergency treatment go to your nearest Accident and Emergency.
Dental Emergency?
For dental emergencies, call the dentist with whom you are registered. You should receive a recorded message advising you of the arrangements that have been made for emergency cover. If you have not registered with a dentist, please try to do so as soon as possible. Dentist’s can perform an appropriate assessment and advise on necessary intervention including use of any antibiotics.
If you require emergency dental treatment, you should contact NHS 111
Dental emergencies are: acute dental pain, facial or oral swelling, bleeding from the mouth or trauma.
Do you need Social Care & Support?
If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support.
Need to speak with someone when the surgery is closed?
Out of Hours Emergencies
When the practice is closed, there is an out of hours emergency medical service available at all times. This service is meant for urgent and emergency problems and should not be used to avoid the inconvenience of consulting during the day. If you need out of hours help, go to NHS 111 online, or phone 111 which is a free-phone number nationwide. Fully trained advisers supported by experienced nurses and paramedics will assess your condition and advise you.
If you have a minor ailment you could visit your local pharmacy who will be able to provide you with some help or signpost you onto the next available service.
In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.
Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency. If you have concerns about your mental health, please try to contact your Usual GP who can advise you. For concerns when Redlands Primary Care is closed you have several options:
- Devon Doctors out of hours service: 0845 6710 270
- NHS 111 online, or dial 111, free from any land line or mobile phone.
- The Mooring @St Leonards GP practice (Athelstan Rd, St Leonards, Exeter EX1 1SB) offer mental health support to anyone aged 16+ . Open 6PM – Midnight every night including weekends and bank holidays. No appointment needed. 07990 790920, 07484 0161675, [email protected]
- Early crisis intervention 0300 555 5000
- Samaritans 116 123
- Saneline 0300 304 7000
If you feel you are at risk of self harm or of harming others, please attend the Emergency Department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where this a 24 hour a day Psychiatric Liaison Service.
Tiverton Urgent Care Centre
https://www.swast.nhs.uk/welcome/what-we-do/tiverton-urgent-care-centre
Opening days and times:
- 08:00 – 20:00, including bank holidays.
- Specialist treatment with no appointment necessary
- Access to diagnostics including x-ray and blood tests seven days a week
- Ability to see a GP until 8pm
Our Urgent Care Centre will see anyone that does not require an ambulance or a visit to an Emergency Department but whose complaint is too urgent for a routine appointment with their GP. You do not need an appointment to attend the Urgent Care Centre and there is no need to ring us before coming.
For less urgent problems send us an Online Consultation Form; and we will get back to you within 2 working days.
Get immediate help for Minor Injuries
Use your local minor injuries unit if you need medical treatment or advice which does not need a visit to A&E or a medical appointment.
Some examples of problems they deal with:
- sprains and strains
- suspected broken limbs
- minor head injuries
- cuts and grazes
- bites and stings
- minor scalds and burns
- ear and throat infections
- skin infections and rashes
- eye problems
- coughs and colds
- feverish illness in adults
- feverish illness in children
- abdominal pain
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- emergency contraception
Arrange an appointment with one of our Nursing team
Our Nurses are usually able to assess the situation and in some cases will organise initial blood tests and other investigations prior to arranging a follow up appointment with your doctor.
See a Nurse about: asthma and COPD, blood pressure checks, cervical smears, chest infection, cough and cold, compression stocking assessments, contraception, diabetes management, ear syringing, family planning advice, immunisations, minor injuries and ailments, NHS health checks for those aged 40-74, rashes, removal of stitches and clips, sore throat, travel advice, urine infections, wound dressings, etc.
Need medical advice or treatment from one of our doctors?
Some patients, often those with complex and long-standing medical problems, may need an appointment with a doctor.