The quickest way to get non-urgent medical attention

[theprincessthepea]

A few years ago I could walk into my GP for a drop in or call up in the morning. We’ve established that getting hold of a doctor under the NHS is a nightmare and takes forever - but what is the quickest way to get non urgent medical assistance?

Im asking as over the holidays (whilst my GP was closed) I think I’ve developed a UTI whilst pregnant. Not life threatening but needs to be treated and my GP asks me to fill a form - during certain opening hours - to then wait for a call in 2-3 days where they will decide if they will see me.

So my alternative is to wait for 111 to find me a GP that’s open. Or text/call midwife.

This became a conversation with the ladies over Christmas and my question is what is the quickest way to get quick medical help for you?

Midwife in these circs. They'll likely call you bsck tomorrow, offer to drop a urine sample off somewhere and they will sort antibiotics from the gp by the end of the week i would think.

Many pharmacies can now also prescribe antibiotics for UTIs - my friend had one recently. Hope you get sorted soon OP, UTIs are awful and getting medical help these days seems impossible!

tell your Gp receptionist it’s urgent and ask for nurse / PA call back

otherwise A private GP online appt - doctap is about 59 quid I think.

If you can’t afford that then your nearest small injuries unit / call 111 for advice

True, but they won't do so in pregnancy

Uti in pregnancy is very common and the midwifery team will be able to help sort it, you don't actually need to see the gp unless feeling unwell with it

1. You can ring 111 who will do things in the background to get a locum doctor prescribe an antibiotic filled by a local pharmacy. I'll be done within a couple of hours.

2. You can present at A&E who may take some time to triage will eventually give you an antibiotic to take home.

3. You could take an emergency paid for consultation with one of the many GP services advertising online

Did you check that your GP isn't operating any form of out of hours service or on call doctor ?

Pregnant women are more susceptible to UTI's, but they are classed as urgent as untreated UTI's in pregnancy can cause complications. I wouldn't wait, I'd probably call 111.

Pharmacy have strict criteria under which they can treat a uti and pregnancy is not covered. In your case messaging your midwife would be quicker. I use e consult to see a gp or nurse at the practice. I called 111 on xmas day (7.30am) got an appointment at the outpatients department at local A&E for 10am.

If you are pregnant, does your midwife team have a maternity assessment line? Mine did - someone would be available to answer your call at any time and they could advise on whether you needed to go into them, go to A and E or if you don't need to do anything. Otherwise I'd go with 111.