When to Visit the Pharmacy, GP, or A&E? 

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We understand that when you or someone you care about isn’t feeling well, deciding where to go for help can feel confusing. Should you pop into the pharmacy, make a GP appointment, or head straight to A&E? Knowing the difference can save you time, get you treated faster, and ensure emergency services are available for those who truly need them.

Your Local Pharmacy – Quick, Convenient Advice 

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can offer expert advice for many common conditions without needing an appointment. They can recommend the right over-the-counter treatments and, in many cases, prescribe medication for certain minor illnesses.

Local pharmacies can help you with: 

  • Coughs, colds, sore throats 
  • Skin rashes and allergies 
  • Mild stomach upsets 
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) 
  • Minor aches and pains 
  • Advice on medication you’re already taking 

Visiting a pharmacy often means you can speak to someone within minutes, at times that may fit better around your day, and get the right treatment without waiting for a GP appointment. This not only helps you feel better sooner but also keeps GP appointments free for people with more complex needs. 

Your GP – Personalised, Ongoing Care 

Your GP knows your medical history and can help when your symptoms are more complex or have been ongoing. They can examine you, arrange tests, and refer you to specialists if needed. 

See your GP for: 

  • Ongoing or recurring symptoms 
  • Conditions that haven’t improved after pharmacy advice 
  • Concerns about long-term health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease) 
  • Mental health concerns 
  • Non-urgent referrals or investigations 

Choosing your GP for these issues means you’re getting care from someone who understands your health in the context of your history. This continuity can make a real difference in spotting patterns, managing long-term conditions, and supporting both your physical and emotional wellbeing.  

A&E – For serious or life-threatening emergencies ONLY 

Accident & Emergency departments are designed to treat urgent, life-threatening situations only.

Go to A&E or call 999 if you or someone your care for have: 

  • Severe chest pain or suspected heart attack 
  • Sudden difficulty breathing 
  • Severe bleeding 
  • Suspected stroke (Check F.A.S.T)
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    Serious head injury 
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness 
  • Severe burns or scalds 

In these situations, getting to A&E quickly gives you access to life-saving treatment and the most advanced emergency care teams available 24/7. These services are equipped to act fast when every minute matters. 

If You’re Unsure – Please call NHS 111 

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They’ll ask you a few questions and guide you to the right care for your symptoms – whether that’s self-care advice, a pharmacy, a GP, or A&E. 

Choosing the right service means you get the right help, at the right time, from the right clinicians – whether that’s your local pharmacist, your GP team, or emergency specialists. This not only benefits you but also helps keep the NHS and our GP practice running smoothly for urgent needs and most vulnerable patients.