Instead of booking a GP appointment, you can visit your local pharmacy instead, saving you time and with no appointment needed, you can just walk in.
All pharmacists can give advice and medicine if you need it that will help clear up the problem.
If your condition is more serious they will then refer you to your GP.
What’s more, many pharmacies are open in the evenings and on the weekends. Click here to find your nearest pharmacy.
Pharmacists
Your local pharmacist is highly trained and provides free, confidential advice on minor illnesses from sickness and diarrhoea to hay fever. Pharmacies also have a quiet area for consultation if you need to speak to someone in private. Find a pharmacy near you.
For many common illnesses, if the pharmacist feels you need medicine, they can provide it without you seeing your GP first. If you don’t normally pay for prescriptions, this will be free (you will need to confirm that you are entitled to free prescriptions).
NHS 111
Another good option for urgent care is to visit 111.nhs.uk (for age 5+ only) or call 111, especially when the practice is closed.
Urgent Treatment Centre
The Urgent Treatment Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital is open every day for patients with urgent, but non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. It is open 8am – 10pm daily.
