This guide tells you what to expect from your general practice (GP) and how you can help them, so you get the best from the National Health Service (NHS). More details can be found through the links below.
When and how can you contact your general practice?
Your general practice is open from
8.00am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday
Throughout these hours you, or your carer on your behalf, can:
-Visit the practice
-Call them
-Go online using the practice’s website or thevNHS App.
You can choose the way you contact your practice based on what is best for you.vSome practices may have longer hours or may ask that you contact them viavphone or in person for urgent queries.
What if the practice is closed?
If you need urgent help for your physical or mental health when the general practice is closed, and you cannot wait until they open, go online to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
They will tell you what to do next.
What if it’s an emergency?
If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, go straight to A&E (Accident and Emergency) or call 999
What happens when you contact your practice to request an appointment?
Whether you make your request by phone, on-line or visiting your practice, you may be asked to give your practice some details so that they can assess what is best for you based on your clinical need. The practice team will consider your request for an appointment or medical advice and tell you within one working day what will happen next.
This could be:
-An appointment that day or a subsequent day
-A phone call that day or a subsequent day
-A text message responding to your query
-Advice to go to a pharmacy or another NHS service.
Your practice will decide what is best for you based on your clinical need.
Your practice cannot tell you to just call back the next day.