Many people use their GP as their first port of call whenever they have any health problems. But often they could have received the necessary care somewhere else, freeing up valuable GP appointments for those who really need to see a GP. Worse still, some patients try to make an appointment with a GP when they should really be seeking urgent emergency care, via A&E or calling 999.
Below is some helpful information on services you can access to help with lots of different medical problems, without having to see a GP first.
Is your life potentially in danger?
Ring 999 if you have any of these conditions:
- Anaphylactic shock
- Severe bleeding
- Severe breathlessness
- Severe burns
- Suspected heart attack
- Choking
- Drowning incident
- Uncontrollable fits
- Hypo (low sugar)
- Hypothermia
- Deep lacerations
- Suspected meningitis
- Suspected stroke
- Unconscious
- Looking very poorly or condition significantly deteriorating
Have you got a medical emergency?
Go straight to A+E if you have:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden blindness
- Breathless, can’t speak
- Suspected fractures
- Floppy unresponsive baby
- Severe head injury
- Lethargic drowsy child
- Persistent nose bleed
- Drug overdose
- Swallowed foreign body
Do you need to see a nurse?
Our nurses deal with a range of conditions:
- Asthma
- Blood pressure
- Blocked ears and wax
- Cardiovascular reviews
- COPD
- Dressings
- Family planning
- Health checks
- Ring pessaries
- Smears and swabs
- Travel advice
- Vaccinations
- Weight monitoring
Do you need a telephone appointment?
These can be dealt with by telephone:
- Simple urine infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Discussing results
- Ongoing sick notes
- Medication advice
- Viral illnesses
- Minor illness
- Certain reviews
Do you need the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU)?
These conditions are dealt with by MIU:
- Bites and stings
- Burns and scalds
- Cuts and grazes
- Eye problems
- Foreign bodies in skin
- Minor head injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Road traffic accidents
- Minor wound infections
Do you need to see a dentist?
You must see a dentist if you have:
- Dental abscess
- Toothache
- Gum problems
Do you need to see a pharmacist?
Your pharmacist can give you advice on:
- Athlete’s foot
- Minor allergies
- Bloating and wind
- Cold sores
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Coughs & colds
- Cystitis
- Dermatitis and eczema
- Diarrhoea
- Ear wax
- Emergency contraception
- Hayfever
- Headaches
- Headlice
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel
- Mouth ulcers
- Nasal congestion
- Piles
- Runny nose
- Scabies
- Sinus problems
- Sleep problems
- Sore throat
- Styes
- Teething troubles
- Threadworms
- Thrush
- Urine infections
- Verrucas
- Viral infections
- Warts
Can you look after yourself?
These conditions respond to self-care:
- Coughs and colds
- Diarrhoea
- Earache
- Flu
- Hangover
- Minor grazes
- Sunburn
- Viral illness
- Sore throat
Did you know you can refer yourself?
Refer yourself without seeing doctor first:
- Alcohol abuse
- Counselling
- Drug abuse
- Mild to moderate anxiety
- Mild-moderate depression
- Family planning
- Stop smoking advice
- Weight management
Click here to find services where you can self-refer.
Forward Leeds Alcohol & Drug Service
Call us for support today: 
0113 887 2477
(open 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday, late appointments are available, please contact us for more details).
Community detox is offered for opiate, alcohol and benzodiazepines, harm reduction and needle exchange www.forwardleeds.co.uk/contact
Social prescribing – Linking Leeds
Linking Leeds Hub: 0113 336 7612
This service aims to connect people to services and activities in their community in order to benefit overall health and wellbeing.
CASH Clinics/Services
- Contraception/ Family Planning
- Emergency contraception
- Coils, implants, Pill
- STI screening & treatment
- Pregnancy Testing & advice
Mindwell
Mental Health Information for everyone in Leeds:
MindMate
If you’re a young person, MindMate can help you understand the way you’re feeling and find the right advice and support. Their website also has resources for parents or carers of young people. www.mindmate.org.uk
IaPT: Our self-referral telephone number is: 0113 843 4388
(for those aged 17 or older and registered with a Leeds GP)
We can offer you help with the following conditions:
| Depression Anxiety & Stress Panic Disorder Simple Phobia Health Anxiety Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Generalised Anxiety Disorder | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (including trichotillomania & skin picking) Bulimia (mild) Binge Eating Disorder Social Phobia Body Dysmorphic Disorder |
www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/iapt/is-this-for-me
Cruse Bereavement Support Tel: 0113 234 4150
Promote the well-being of bereaved people to enable them to understand their grief and cope with their loss. They provide support, and offers information, advice, education and training services.
(National phone line: 0808 808 1677) www.cruse.org.uk/Leeds-area
Leeds Bereavement forum: Can signpost people to appropriate services:
One You (Lifestyle) Call 0800 169 4219
Smoking cessation, weight management, exercise advice, healthy eating