Is there an alternative to a GP?
Yes, there are several alternatives to traditional GP services, depending on your needs.
Some options include:
- Urgent treatment centre (UTC) = this is a facility (often at a hopsital) where you can go to if you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not a life-threatening situation
- Note. There are other similar facilities with different names: walk-in centres, urgent care centres (UCC), minor injury units (MIUs) – all with slightly different different levels of service
- All are open 7 days a week, usually 8am-8pm (at least). You don’t need an appointment. You just turn up
- There are doctors there, and you can be examined
- Most are able to do xrays as well
- Call NHS111 – good when GPs are closed. You can speak to an NHS professional on any urgent health or medical issue. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles
- Pharmacist – they have many advantages: simple being local; no wait; do not need appointment; open late and weekends; experienced; a good place to start
- Online GP services or telemedicine platforms for virtual consultations
- Specialist clinics – for specific health concerns (e.g. sexual health)
- Nurse-led clinics. Many run at your GPs. They are useful for longterm follow-up of chronic conditions
- Private GPs or hospitals – for self-funded care.
