Who is the best Healthcare Professional to see for the following conditions:
Abdominal Pain
Alcohol Advice
Athletes Foot
Blocked ears (wax)
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
A pharmacist can help with earwax build-up
Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up. They can give advice and suggest treatments.
They might recommend chemical drops to dissolve the earwax. The earwax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week.
Do not use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).
Non-urgent advice: Important Information
Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.
Blood Tests
Who do I see?
Phlebotomist Clinic or Practice Nurse
Advice:
Appointments for blood tests MUST have been requested by your doctor or other health care professional.
Boils
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP
Advice:
Further information about boils and carbuncles from NHS UK.
Breathlessness
Who do I see?
GP or ANP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
For less serious breathing issues such as COPD or chest infections.
Burns
Who do I see?
Community Treatment Room / Urgent Care Centre if severe
Advice:
If severe, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
If not, please book an appointment with the Community Treatment Room on 01772 644700.
Cervical Smear
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse (female)
Advice:
Once you are invited, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse on a day that you are not bleeding or on your period.
Chest Pain
Who do I see?
GP or ANP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
If not severe and has lasted for more than a few days;
You can book an appointment with your the surgery.
Chronic Heart Disease
Who do I see?
GP or ANP /Practice Nurse
Advice:
Annual clinic appointments will be sent to all CHD patients, please ask for an earlier appointment if worried.
You can book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Cold Sores
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Constipation or Piles
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if persists more than 1 week
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your GP surgery.
Cough
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if persists for more than 3 weeks
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Dementia Screening
Who do I see?
ANP / Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Depot Injection (contraception)
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book to see the Practice Nurse for an initial assessment.
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Further information about the contraceptive injection from NHS UK
Diabetes Monitoring
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Diet/Lifestyle Changes
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Dressings
Who do I see?
Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
Please phone Community Treatment Room on 01772 644700 to book an appointment.
Drug Addiction
Who do I see?
Talk to Frank or Alcoholic Anonymous
Advice:
Information about drugs please visit: Talk To Frank.
Please phone: 0300 1236600, for self-referral help.
For further information concerning alcohol please visit: Alcoholics Anonymous UK.
Call free: 0800 9177 650 or Email AA
Ear Care/Ear Wax
Who do I see?
Treatment Room Nurse
If you think you may need ear irrigation (‘syringing’ ) please book an appointment with the Community Treatment Room on 01772 644700.
Further information about ear wax build up available from NHS UK.
Emergency Contraception
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist
Further information about emergency contraception available from NHS UK.
Flatulence
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP
Advice:
Find a pharmacy near you.
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Flu Vaccine
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse. We order flu vaccines for all our eligible patients 12 months in advance and appointments are available to book from September. We would appreciate that all our eligible patients have their flu vaccine with us
Fungal Infections
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if it persists
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Genital Infections including Herpes
Who do I see?
Genitourinary (GUM) Clinic
Advice:
Find a GUM clinic near you.
Further information about sexual health available from NHS UK.
Head Injuries
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP/Urgent Care Centre if severe
Advice:
Please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre, or search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Further information about head injury and concussion from NHS UK.
Hearing Loss
Who do I see?
GP/NHS audiology
Advice:
People aged 50+ living in Lancashire who are having problems with their hearing are now being given the option to self-refer into NHS audiology provider services if they are eligible.
Patients can check whether they are eligible to self-refer by answering a few questions about their hearing problem (see below for self-referral form).
Patients should always see a GP first if:;
- They have sudden or rapid hearing loss, persistent pain or vertigo.
- They have tinnitus in one of both ears lasting for more than 5 minutes at a time, or this is in time with their heartbeat / pulse, or that it is severe enough to disturb their sleep.
Once the self-referral form has been completed, eligible patients can then contact their provider of choice by telephone to make an appointment. Patients may also contact the provider for help completing the form.
Housing – letter of support
Who do I see?
We normally do not provide this service – Advice and help is available from Shelter England
Advice:
From time to time GPs are requested to provide reports for the patients to Local Housing Authorities and Housing Associations. This is not part of our core services and therefore we may charge an appropriate fee for the work involved or we may refuse to do it. Please check with our reception team.
Further information and help is available from Shelter England
Indigestion
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if symptoms persist
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Further information about indigestion available from NHS UK.
Insect Bites
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if severely infected
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Further information about insect bites and stings available from NHS UK.
Insurance Reports
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Medication Reviews
Missed Contraceptive/Emergency Contraception
Who do I see?
Family Planning Clinic/Community Pharmacy
Advice:
For emergency contraception, please find your nearest community pharmacy. For other issues please search for your nearest family planning clinic.
Mouth Problems
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Dentist
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services, or you may find your nearest community pharmacy.
Neck Pain
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy / Physiotherapist / GP or ANP if pain persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Panic Attacks
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about panic attacks available from NHS UK.
Period Problems
Who do I see?
ANP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the ANP.
Further information about period problems available from NHS UK.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Further information about the pneumococcal vaccine from NHS UK.
Rectal Problems
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if persists for more than 7 days.
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Shingles Vaccine
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Further information about the shingles vaccination available from NHS UK.
Sinusitis
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Smoking Cessation
Who do I see?
Self-refer to Smokefree – 0808 196 2638
Advice:
You can also visit Smokefree, or Commit to Quit Smoking with Personalised Support or find out more from NHS.uk
Sore Penis
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinics/GP if it persists
Advice:
Find your local clinic.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information about penis problems, available from NHS UK.
Sprains
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy / Urgent Care Centre / GP or ANP if it persists over 7 days.
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If it is a suspected serious injury, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Further information about sprains and strains available from NHS UK.
Styes
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Optician/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest opticians or search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Termination of Pregnancy
Who do I see?
Patients can self-refer to Marie Stopes by phoning directly on 0345 300 8090.
Advice:
Termination of Pregnancy service is for women who are pregnant and want to discuss their pregnancy options, which might include having a termination. Your local clinic will offer advice and information, and can help you with a hospital appointment if that is what you decide to do.
Threadworms
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Further information about threadworms, available from NHS UK.
Tiredness and fatigue
Who do I see?
Self-Help/GP or ANP
Advice:
Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for “tired all the time”.
Further information and help is available from NHS UK
If you feel that you are still experience symptoms of tiredness, please book an appointment with your GP surgery.
Urine Infections
Who do I see?
GP or ANP
Advice:
Please bring a urine sample into the consultation; sterile pots available at reception.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Information about Urinary tract infections (UTIs) available from NHS UK.
Verrucae
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist who can advise on over the counter treatments available.
Further information about warts and verrucas available from NHS UK.
Vomiting
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
For babies and toddlers, or if it persists longer than 1 week in children and adults, please book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Warts
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist who can advise you on over the counter treatment options.
Acute Asthma
Advice:
For routine asthma care, please book to see the Practice Nurse.
Anxiety
Back Pain
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/ Physiotherapist / GP or ANP after 7 days
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Further information about back pain from NHS UK.
Alexander technique for back pain
Extensive coverage has today been given to a study that found the Alexander technique – a method of teaching improved posture – is beneficial for easing back pain. The study on the technique involved over 500 people with chronic back pain from general practices across the UK. It found that people who received one-to-one instruction in the Alexander technique, along with exercise, had reduced back pain and improved disability after one year compared to those receiving standard care.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
These can also be performed at most local pharmacies. If the results are high, a GP or ANP appointment would be needed for further evaluation.
Blue Badge Forms
Who do I see?
Contact your local Council directly or Apply online
Advice:
To apply for a Blue Badge parking permit, you need to contact your local council.
The Blue Badge Scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. Blue Badge holders are able to park close to where they need to go. The scheme is managed by local authorities who deal with applications and issue Blue Badges.
GOV.UK has more details about the Blue Badge scheme, including information about applying for a Blue Badge.
Breastfeeding Advice
Who do I see?
Health Visitor
Advice:
Visit NHS advice pages, or search for a breastfeeding support service near you.
Further information about breastfeeding.
Lancashire Infant Feeding Support (lancsyoungpeoplefamilyservice.co.uk)
Bruised Ribs
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacist / UCC / GP or ANP
Advice:
For pain relief, please search for your nearest community pharmacy. For difficulty breathing, please book an appointment with the surgery.
Further information about broken or bruised ribs from NHS UK.
Cellulitis
Who do I see?
GP or ANP
Advice:
Please book your appointment with the surgery.
Chest Infections
Who do I see?
GP or ANP if persists for more than 1 week, or other chest issues (asthma)
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the surgery.
Coils or Implants
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinic
Advice:
Information about contraceptive implants.
Where to get an IUD
You can get the IUD for free, even if you’re under 16, from:
- contraception clinics
- sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
- some young people’s services
Colds
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist. Antibiotics are NOT needed for the common colds, as colds are caused by a virus.
Contraception and Family Planning
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse / Family Planning Clinic
Advice:
Contraception and family planning appointments are available in any routine GP clinic.
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
Please book to see the GP for an initial assessment.
Cystitis
Who do I see?
GP or ANP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse/ Doctor.
Dental Problems
Who do I see?
Dentist
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services. NHS 111 can advise on an emergency dentist if needed.
Please note: The Doctors do not see dental problems.
Depression
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Diarrhoea
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacist/GP or ANP if persists longer than 7 days or in a career dealing with food or caring for others
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your GP surgery.
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Domestic Violence and Abuse
Who do I see?
GP or ANP
Advice:
Men can call Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or visit the website Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk) for non-judgemental information and support
Men can also call ManKind on 0182 3334 244 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm)
Women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 241 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support.
If you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support
Anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 (Monday – Friday 9am – pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes. You can also call 020 7008 0151 to speak to the GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit
In an emergency call 999
For further information visit:
Getting help for domestic violence and abuse – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Dizziness
Who do I see?
See the GP or ANP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
DWP: GP letters for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance
Who do I see?
We are unable to provide letters of support
Advice:
The DWP will usually contact your GP or healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence when you submit a PIP or ESA claim, the information is then sent to the DWP as part of your claim process.
We are therefore unable to provide additional letters of supports as the information we provide, will normally be included in the report requested by the DWP. We therefore regret that we cannot provide additional letters of support. However you may request your medical records if you feel this may help your case. If you wish a copy of your medical records, please contact the practice who will advise you accordingly. There is no charge for a copy of your records.
We have provided some useful contacts shown below to help you:
Useful contacts
Action for M.E.
Information and support for people with M.E. and their carers General enquiries: 0117 927 9551 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Online M.E. Centre: Action for M.E
Welfare Rights Line: 0845 122 8648 (times vary)
Citizens Advice Bureau
Offers advice on a range of issues and may complete a benefits check for you. Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL)
To find your local DIAL office, contact Scope, 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW Tel: 0808 800 3333
Disability Rights UK
Factsheets on benefits, tax credits and independent living from disability rights uk
Local councils
Some local councils employ welfare rights workers. Your local council may also have information about other services that offer welfare rights advice in your area.
Earache
Who do I see?
GP or ANP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Eczema
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if persists for more than 4 weeks or is infected
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Eye Injuries
Who do I see?
Urgent Care Centre/A&E if severe
Advice:
Please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre. If severe, please go to your nearest A&E department.
Flu
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Please book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Forms, certificates and medicals
Who do I see?
GP Receptionists
Advice:
A medical examination will be booked if necessary.
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
Please allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Please note we do not sign passport forms.
General Advice
Who do I see?
Self-Care/111/Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please visit the NHS UK information home pages. You can also telephone 111 for any non-urgent medical issues or you can search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Hay Fever
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Hay fever medications are available from the chemist without needing to see your GP.
Head Lice
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/School Nurse
Holiday Cancellation Certificate
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Please attend in person.
Holiday Cancellation forms are not covered by the NHS, there will be a charge for this service.
Payment for reports must accompany the request or booking (i.e. in advance). Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Hyperventilation
Who do I see?
GP or ANP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Further information about hyperventilation available from NHS UK.
Infected Wounds
Who do I see?
GP or ANP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Insomnia
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Medical Reports
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Mental Health
Who do I see?
GP/Mental Health Support Services/Samaritans
Advice:
These are helplines with specially trained volunteers who’ll listen to you, understand what you’re going through, and help you through the immediate crisis.
Samaritans operates a free service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence. Call them on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
Find out how to deal with a mental health crisis or emergency
Further information from NHS UK How to access mental health services
Mental Health Crisis Line – 0800 953 0110
Mental Health Helpline – 0800 915 4640
To see your GP
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Moles
Who do I see?
GP receptionist for referral to the Community Skin Hub.
Advice:
In our area we have a Community Skin Hub that quickly sees patients with moles and skin lesions.
Nappy rash
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy or Health Visitor
Nosebleeds
Who do I see?
111/Urgent Care if severe/GP or ANP if several episodes
Advice:
Pinch nose (do not lean head back) and apply ice pack. Find out more information about nose bleeds. If concerned, you can ring 111, or search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
You can book an appointment with thr GP Surgery.
Passport Forms
Who do I see?
We do not sign passport forms
Advice:
Passport forms are not covered by the NHS.
Accepted occupations that can countersign your passport photo.
Phobias
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Rashes
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if persists for more than 7 days.
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with GP Surgery.
Removal of Stitches
Who do I see?
Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
Please phone Community Treatment Room on 01772 644700 to book an appointment.
Sick Note (Fit Note)
Who do I see?
Self certify first 7 days, then routine GP appointment
Advice:
Employees unable to work because of coronavirus can now access a digital isolation note from 111.nhs.uk without having to go to the doctor.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
If you have been discharged from hospital, your hospital team will issue any fit notes for the entire period of your recovery. Please contact the ward staff (even after discharge). Schools should not request a GP letter to confirm absence, this can be written by a parent or guardian.
A Fit note can be backdated if required, please discuss this when you see the GP. Please do not request an emergency or urgent appointment for fit note.
Employees unable to work because of coronavirus can now access a digital isolation note
Self – Certificate.
You can obtain this form from your employer or by visiting the HMRC website. If you are unwell for more than four days you are advised to arrange an appointment to see a Doctor to assess your fitness to work.
Private Certificates
If you or your employer require further information concerning your period(s) of illness , then your Doctor may require to issue you with a letter. Please note that a charge may apply for this service. Please check with our reception desk.
Skin Conditions
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Further information about common skin conditions available from NHS UK.
Skin Lesions
Who do I see?
GP receptionist for referral to the Community Skin Hub.
Advice:
In our area we have a Community Skin Hub that quickly sees patients with moles and skin lesions.
Sore Eyes
Who do I see?
Optician/Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
If severe, please go to your nearest A&E departments. Please search for your nearest opticians or search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Sore Throat
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP or ANP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you have a sore throat, there are a number of ways you can help yourself. Paracetamol can help with the pain, andgargling with warm, salty water may help shorten theinfection (but this isn’t recommended for children). In most cases, you only need to see your GP if your sore throat doesn’t improve after a week.
You can book an appointment with the GP Surgery.
Further information on how to treat a sore throat yourself .
Stings
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Sunburn
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Tetanus Injection
Thrush (Vaginal)
Who do I see?
Self-Help Advice/Community Pharmacy/Sexual Health Clinic
Advice:
You find information on the NHS help page. You can also search for your nearest community pharmacist. If you are sexually active, you can also visit your local Sexual Health Clinic.
Travel Vaccinations
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book an appointment, at least 6 weeks or more before travelling.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Vaginal Discharge
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinic/GP or ANP
Advice:
You can search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you are sexually active, you can visit your local Sexual Health Clinic.
You can book an appointment with the GP surgery.
Further information about vaginal discharge available from NHS UK.
Vitamin B12 Injection
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Further information about Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia, available from NHS UK.
Warfarin Monitoring
Who do I see?
Referral required
Advice:
If you are taking warfarin blood thinning tablets, we can refer you for this service.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.