Minor Ailments

If you are suffering from muscle, back or joint problems, there is a new service called the Muskuloskeletal Advice & Triage Service (MATS) which may be able to help.  MATS is a helpline phone triage service with fully trained call operators supported by clinicians to give advice about what to do to treat and manage your condition.  If required, they can refer you to a local NHS Healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or podiatrist.  The helpline contact number is 0800 917 9390.

Women aged between 16 and 65 with symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection can contact any local Pharmacy direct seeking advice and treatment.  The pharmacist will ask some questions to ensure that the treatment they can offer is appropriate and that there are no contra-indications to prescription.  You may find that this is a faster route to treatment than through the practice.

Adults and children over 2 years old with evidence of minor skin infection (Impetigo) can contact their local pharmacy direct seeking advice and treatment.  The pharmacist will see the patient face-to-face so that they can examine the skin and ask some questions to ensure that the treatment they offer is appropriate and that there are no contra-indications to prescription.  You may find that this is a faster route to treatment than through the Practice.

Sometimes, particularly in the case of minor conditions, an appointment to see the doctor may not be necessary. Many of the local chemists offer a Minor Ailment Service. In this scheme the pharmacist has been trained to provide consultations and prescribe medication for some minor conditions such as Constipation, pain, diarrhoea, hayfever, warts and verucae, thrush, head lice, indigestion, coldsores.