The NHS is asking the public to still come forward as usual for care during collective action by GP services which starts today (Thursday 1 August).
GP services across England will begin collective action on Thursday 1 August for an indefinite period of time, and while there may be some disruption to services practices will remain open as usual and patients can make requests by phone, on-line or by walking in.
During collective action, practices are still required to be open between 08:00 and 18:30 Monday to Friday.
It is vital that patients still attend their appointments unless they are told otherwise, and practices should inform you of any changes to services.
Patients should continue to use 111 for urgent medical help when their GP practice is unavailable and if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency call 999. More information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the NHS website.
You can find a full statement from NHS England here.
Remember that your local pharmacist may also be able to offer treatment and prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP.
Conditions that pharmacists can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed.
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