There are other services you can use as well as or instead of a GP practice if you are unwell or have an injury.
It is important to make the right choice to make sure you get the right care, and also to make sure other people can get appointments if they need them.
NHS Choices
NHS Choices is the national NHS website with lots of useful information on using health services in England and on health conditions.
It includes information on healthy eating, mental health, children’s health and more.
111
111 is a free telephone number you can call if you have concerns about an illness or injury that is not serious or life-threatening.
It is run by trained advisers and is available 24 hours a day, every day. You can get advice about finding the right service, including out of hours doctor’s appointments at the evening or weekend and emergency dentists.
You can ask for an interpreter when you call.
You can find out more about 111, including translated leaflets in different languages on the NHS Choices website:
Pharmacy
The pharmacy is where you take your prescription if you have been given one by the GP or nurse. They will usually tell you to wait 10 – 20 minutes while they find the medicine. Sometimes they will tell you to collect it on another day. You will have to fill out part of the prescription form to tell them whether you have to pay or you can get the medicine for free. You can find out more about whether you have to pay for medications or you can get them for free here.
Pharmacists also sell ‘over the counter’ medication which you can buy without a prescription, for example painkillers like paracetamol, or cold remedies.
They are also qualified to give you expert advice on common health conditions, such as treating colds, coughs, vomiting and diarrhoea, cuts and bruises. Using a pharmacy first could mean you do not need to see a GP, because you can treat the problem at home. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekend.
Dentist
You can see a dentist for regular check up on your teeth but also if you have any problems.
You do not need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP.
You can contact any that are convenient for you and phone them to see if there are appointments available.
Find an NHS dentist near you on the NHS Choices website:
Not all dentists are always able to take on new NHS patients, so you may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist, or you can choose to use a private dentist, where the costs for treatment will be a bit higher.
In England, you are required to pay for NHS dentist treatment, unless you are entitled to free treatment.
People who can get free dental treatment include:
- Children under 16, or aged under 19 and in full time education
- Women who are pregnant or have a baby under 12 months old
Find out more about charges for NHS dental treatment and who can get free treatment on the NHS website:
Who Can Get Free NHS Dental Treatment?
Opticians
The NHS recommends that you should get your eyes tested every two years.
The opticians can carry out eye tests, check the health of your eyes and can sell you glasses and contact lenses. The quickest and easiest way to find an optician is using Google Maps.
In England, you are required to pay for optician treatment, unless you are entitled to NHS funded-treatment which means you can get free eye tests and vouchers towards the cost of glasses.
Find out more about who can get free eye tests and vouchers on the NHS website:
Who Can Get Free Eye Tests and Vouchers?
Minor Injuries Units
You can use Minor Injuries Units instead of A&E to treat less serious injuries and illnesses such as sprains, broken bones, minor burns, minor head and eye injuries.
There are Minor Injuries Units at:
Otley (North Leeds)
Wharfedale Hospital, Newall Carr Road, Otley, LS21 2LY
0113 392 1647
Middleton (South Leeds)
St. George’s Centre, St. George’s Road, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4UZ
0330 311 5106
They are open 8am – 11pm.
You don’t need an appointment but it is a good idea to phone first because opening hours can sometimes change. Find out more about Minor Injury Units on the NHS Choices website:
Find Out About Minor Injury Units
Walk-in Centre
You can use the walk-in centre if you need an urgent medical appointment on the sameday and you cannot get one at your own GP practice.
Staff can treat minor illnesses, cuts and grazes, minor scalds and burns, bites, ear and throat infections and other common health problems.
It is open 8am – 8pm every day (including all bank holidays) and you don’t to be registered or have an appointment.
Shakespeare Medical Centre, Burmantofts Health Centre, Cromwell Mt, Leeds LS9 7TA in Burmantofts, East Leeds (LS9)
0113 2951132
Shakespeare Medical Centre
