When to contact your GP surgery

Knowing whether to contact your GP surgery, NHS 111, or your local pharmacy can sometimes feel confusing, especially when you or your child are unwell.

Choosing the right service helps you get the right care more quickly and also helps NHS services remain available for those who need urgent support.

When to contact your GP surgery

Your GP surgery should usually be your first point of contact for ongoing health concerns, symptoms that are not improving, or medical conditions that require assessment and follow up.

Examples include:

• Symptoms lasting longer than expected
• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Ongoing coughs or infections
• Mental health concerns such as anxiety or low mood
• Medication reviews
• Long term condition management
• Concerns about children that are not urgent but still need medical advice
• Skin conditions, rashes, or recurring symptoms

At Horizon Healthcare, we offer same day appointments where clinically appropriate and encourage patients to use our online booking and triage system where possible.

When to contact NHS 111

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day for urgent medical advice when the situation is not life threatening and you are unsure what to do next.

You should contact NHS 111 if:

• You need urgent medical advice outside surgery hours
• You are unsure whether symptoms require medical attention
• Your child becomes suddenly unwell and you need guidance
• You feel too unwell to wait for a routine appointment
• You are unsure whether to attend urgent care or A&E
• You need help finding the right local service

NHS 111 can advise you on the next steps and arrange further care if needed.

For children under 5 years old, NHS 111 can often provide important guidance quickly, particularly during evenings, weekends, or when symptoms change suddenly.

When to speak to a pharmacist

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals and can help with many common minor illnesses without the need for a GP appointment.

Your local pharmacy may be able to advise on:

• Coughs, colds, and sore throats
• Hay fever and allergies
• Minor skin conditions
• Headaches and temperature management
• Diarrhoea and vomiting
• Earache
• Minor infections
• Insect bites
• Simple medication advice

Many pharmacies can now provide treatment for some conditions directly through the NHS Pharmacy First service.

When to call 999

Always call 999 or attend A&E in a medical emergency.

This includes:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Stroke symptoms
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Serious injuries
• Severe allergic reactions

If you are ever unsure and symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly, seek urgent medical help immediately.

At Horizon Healthcare, we are committed to helping patients access the right care at the right time. Using services appropriately helps reduce waiting times and ensures patients receive the support they need as quickly as possible.