3 Before GP

Important Advice On How To Manage Your Own Health And Choose The Right Service

Bay Medical Group are asking all our patients to consider the 3 important steps below when managing minor illness before contacting the Practice for an appointment. As you may be aware Bay Medical Group, like many Practices, are experiencing significant workforce pressures meaning we have very limited GP availability. We would really appreciate your support in ensuring that we use our appointments for those patients who need to see us the most. So please think #3beforeGP or 3before BMG before you call us and make sure you have done as much as possible to manage your own health and the health of your family.

#BMGforhealthierhappierpeople

GPs and their wider team need time to give patients the best care they possibly can. You can help free up time for those who really need expert advice by considering three alternatives before booking an appointment: 

1. Self Care

For minor ailments you could safely treat your symptoms at home, for example through rest or with appropriate over the counter medicines

If you’re suffering from a minor illness such as sunburn or a hangover, treating it at home is the best option. By making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cupboard filled with essentials like painkillers, allergy tablets, plasters, thermometers, and antiseptics, you will have a speedy recovery!

What does Self Care involve?

• Taking painkillers
• Keeping hydrated
• Staying warm and wrapped up
• Treating any injuries with plasters or antiseptic
• Taking allergy tablets
• Taking any relevant prescription drugs, such as inhalers, when required

Click here for the NHS Health A-Z of Conditions and Treatments and advice on how to live well

There is also more self help advice available by clicking here

2. Use Trusted NHS Online Services

Online NHS Services offer sensible advice on a range of health issues and are a useful place to turn for initial guidance.

Click here for the NHS Health A-Z of Conditions and Treatments

3. Seek Advice From A Pharmacist

Pharmacists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who can offer valuable advice.

Your local pharmacy is the best place to go if you’re suffering from common illnesses for example : coughs, colds, hayfever, eczema and period pain

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can help you without an appointment. Most have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call. Your pharmacist will tell you if you need further medical attention.

Consulting with a Pharmacist first can ensure that you get the treatment you need in the shortest possible time, reducing the pressure on GP appointments.

Click here to find your nearest pharmacy 

You should always seek urgent medical attention in an emergency 

Still need to book an appointment?  Please click here for a variety of options 

Urgent Treatment Centre Minor Illness and Injury Service (UTC)

Based next to Morecambe Health Centre, the service is run by highly qualified Nurse Practitioners and a GP on a daily basis. You may book these appointments yourself (Dial 111) or the Practice may refer you to the service

Minor Ilness Service

The minor illness service at the UTC is bookable only via 111 or the Practice. Patients cannot walk in to the service for minor illness issues

Minor Injuries Service

Patients can walk into the Urgent Treatment Centre for the following :

• Slips/trips and falls
• Minor cuts and bruises
• Minor burns

If you are unsure you should always call 111 first for advice

999 or Visit A&E

999 or A& E should be used if you are suffering from one of more of the followins:

• Severe Bleeding
• Choking
• Breathing Difficulties
• Uncontrolled Seizures
• Severe Chest Pain
• Suspected Stroke
• Severe Burns or Scalds
• Severe Allergic Reactions

Self-presentation to an emergency department may still be appropriate if your ailment is not life threatening but still requires emergency treatment.

A&E departments assess and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, such as:

• Loss of consciousness
• Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• Persistent, severe chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

If you are unsure if your medical condition is urgent or not then please contact 111 in the first instance for advice