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Are you feeling unwell and nervous about seeking medical advice?

Older woman sat in chair

Published on 08 July 2020 01:59 PM

Source: NHS Health at Home

If you’re feeling unwell, you might think you will be bothering your GP if you call them for advice or support. You won’t be. Please get in touch with your GP practice and make sure your health needs are being met. Every older person is a valuable member of our community and you deserve to be looked after when you feel poorly.

Things might be a bit different when you call up but the practice staff will be able to help you in this new-look world.

Here we outline the services that available to you and the measures that are in place to reduce the risk for yourself and the NHS workers:

Seeking medical advice from your GP

If you feel you need medical attention, call your GP practice to explain any symptoms you may be having so they can determine whether it is necessary for you to visit in person. The majority of GPs will offer telephone or video consultations, so you can still get the help you need.

If you do visit the practice, here are some of the things you might find:

  • Remember to wear a mask, and use the hand sanitiser that is available at the entrance.
  • Attend on your own where possible.
  • Wait in your car outside until your appointment time.
  • There will be markings on the floor to help you know where to stand to adhere to social distancing measures.
  • Chairs in the waiting area will be marked so you can sit safely.
  • Magazines and leaflets are removed from the waiting areas.
  • Consultation rooms only have what is necessary inside them, to make it easy for surfaces to be wiped down between patients.
  • Nurses and doctors will be wearing full PPE.
  • You may be asked to exit the surgery through a different door to maintain social distancing.

Ordering repeat prescriptions

You can order repeat prescriptions online without needing to go to the GP or Pharmacy. Some pharmacies may offer a delivery service; speak to your normal dispenser about the options they have available. They will be happy to speak to you on the phone, if that’s easier.

You can order repeat prescriptions using:

Dental Treatment

Some routine dental treatments are now available, with changes being made to keep you and the dental team safe during treatment.

If you need to speak to your dentist, contact them by phone or email; only visiting if you’ve been told to.

If you think you need urgent dental treatment:

  • Call your dentist.
  • Use NHS 111 online service if you cannot contact your dentist or do not have one. They can give you advice, and help you to contact an urgent dental service or arrange treatment if needed.

Urgent medical help

For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 for an ambulance.

Urgent Treatment Centres are available if you need urgent medical attention, but it is not a life-threatening situation.

  • Nottingham’s Urgent Care Centre is a walk-in service open between 7am and 9pm, 365 days a year, with no appointment needed.
    • 0115 883 8500
    • Seaton House, Nottingham, NG2 4LA
  • Conditions that can be treated at an urgent treatment centre include:
    • Sprains and strains; minor head injuries; bites and stings; burns; throat infections, eye problems, for example.

For medical advice use the NHS 111 online service call 111 if you need urgent help for a child under 5 or you cannot get online.

  • 111 will assess you and give you the option to speak to a nurse, doctor or paramedic if appropriate and will advise you where you need to go for treatment.