Really don’t know what to do if unwell

[Reallydontknow22]

If you’re really pretty unwell and google (I know, never google) indicates that you should be seen by someone ASAP, but there’s just no one available - what the hell do you actually do?

There isn’t a functioning healthcare system and it’s scary

Call 111?

Ime if you are very unwell you will get seen.

Go through online 111 - it will assess urgency and suggest ways of getting help.

Come and live where I live, where the two gp surgeries are functioning amazingly well, I have a minor injuries 15 mins away available 6 days a week in daytime, a walk in half an hour away 7 days a week, and the choice of two A&E within a 20 minute drive. Last night a first responder reached a friend with a suspected heart attack within 10 mins and the ambulance was there within 20.

although for mental health I would agree with you.

111 or A&E

If you are unwell in that you need to see/speak to a GP you should request an appointment asap, and/or go to your nearest walk in/urgent care. You can also get next day digital GP visits for about £40 via various services including Superdrug. If you're unwell to the point you think even a GP cannot help you should take yourself to A&E. I would not rely on 111 or an ambulance, always have money for a taxi to a&e, and if you're really ill try to have someone on stand by to help you out. I've had terrible health problems this year&eventually took myself to my local very busy city a&e where I was seen within 10 minutes & then immediately treated & admitted.

Everyone suggesting 111 clearly hasn't attempted calling it recently. 3 hours on hold on two differnt phones yesterday yesterday. Finally got through whilst parking up at local hospital and automated message played and cut out.

The problem is when you’re not an emergency - death isn’t imminent but you’re really not well. 111 have too many callers and anyway they can’t come out and see you.

111 just isn't functional at the moment. Couldn't get through last night at all and online is only for the over 5s.

If you're that unwell, go to A&E and wait it out.

Where do you live @LadyGardenersQuestionTime

Where do you live? That sounds very effective.

111 is a functioning service. It doesn’t need to be an emergency.
Call them, go through your symptoms and they will give you the best options available to you.
They 100% can arrange appointments for you to be seen.

Pharmacies can advise too. If you cannot get a gp appointment try asking to see nurse or nurse practitioner. They can involve gp if needs be.

I’ve rang 111 and someone is supposed to be calling me back but it will be hours (they said this.)

What have you tried so far. Have you explained to the receptionist your symptoms?
Have you phoned a pharmacy?

Ok so then wait hours or if you think it is an emergancy call 999

If it is the sort of unwell that a gp could help with then you can request an urgent call back from from the GP receptionist or if it's out of hours you can be seen by an out of hours gp via 111. Obviously these are as accessible as they used to be but worth a try before sitting in a and e for hours. Obviously go straight to a and e if it is life threatening or you aren't sure.

I’ve explained the symptoms and I guess it just doesn’t meet the criteria for an actual emergency which I do understand as I’m not actually dying but something isn’t right. I’ve tried pharmacy who said call 111!

So you just wait. And phone them back if symptoms get worse. Or 999 if it becomes an emergency.

You have my sympathies. I was no5 in queue for gp this morning. After 30 minutes told all appointments gone. Apparently they are reserved for suspected strep cases. Told to try a prescrbing pharmacy or a&e. I'd been holding off calling for days as thought I'd get better but finally gave in and called today. I actually cried when i got off the phone. Feel so run down and a baby to look after who was ill last week and still recovering.

Really hope i can find a pharmacy that can actually help as they usually just tell me to see GP!

Well if it’s not an emergency surely that’s fine?

You were making it seem like there was no way for you to access any sort of medical care.

Really don’t feel fine @luxxlisbon … I suppose you’re right though. I’m not sure they would send someone out even if it was an emergency though, because they really just don’t have the capacity and that’s a worry.

Gp?

I have been trying to get through. But I don’t think that I can physically get there for an appointment.