The NHS in Kirklees is reminding people that the way they access their GP practice might be different than before the Covid-19 pandemic began.
GP practices have been working hard to provide a service during lockdowns and continue to do so. The pandemic is not over and as winter approaches, it is vital that precautions are taken to help stop the spread of the virus and keep everyone safe.
Accessing your GP
Requests for GP appointments may be triaged. This means that an assessment will take place to see if you need to be seen in person, if a phone or video appointment would be more suitable, or if you could be helped by another member of practice staff such as a nurse or pharmacist.
In order to triage appointments, trained reception staff may need to ask questions about your condition so they can book the most appropriate appointment. Everything they are told will remain confidential.
When visiting a GP practice, you should wear a face covering (unless exempt) and socially distance from other patients and staff.
Before you make an appointment to see your GP, think about what other services might be able to help:
- Go to a pharmacy for advice and treatment for minor conditions that do not need a prescription. Read about services you can get from a pharmacist.
- Call NHS 111 if you have an urgent medical problem, but you’re not sure what to do.
- Visit 111.nhs.uk for urgent medical advice for people aged 5 and over only.
- Visit a sexual health service for testing for sexually transmitted infections and contraception advice.
You do not have to make an appointment or register for these services.
GP practices have an online service that you can use to request medical advice or treatment, get test results or sick notes, and find self-care advice. Using the online service could save you time and free up the phone line for people who really need to speak to us. Visit your practice website for more information.
The NHS App allows you to order repeat prescriptions, check symptoms, and book appointments. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Using the app can be more convenient for patients and reduces the number of calls to practices. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/app.
What to do in an emergency
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Emergency situations include:
- Severe bleeding
- A serious injury
- Suspected stroke
- Choking
- Chest pain
- Blackouts
For urgent help when it’s not an emergency, dial 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk to be directed to the most appropriate service.
For more information and guidance on the different services available, please visit the Together We Can website.