But in the UK, there are several other ways to access medical advice and treatment without having to wait for a doctor’s appointment.
These services are designed to ease pressure on GP surgeries while giving patients fast, reliable care. Here are the main options available:
1. NHS 111 – Round-the-Clock Advice
NHS 111 is a free helpline available 24/7, every day of the year. You can either call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service for advice.
What it offers:
Symptom checks and guidance on what to do next.
Direct referrals to out-of-hours GPs, urgent treatment centres, or even A&E if needed.
Prescriptions sent directly to your local pharmacy in certain cases.
This is an excellent first step if you’re unsure how serious your problem is or where to go.
2. Pharmacy First – Expert Help Close to Home
Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals who can help with more than just prescriptions. Under the Pharmacy First service (recently expanded across England), many pharmacies can now diagnose and treat minor conditions without you needing to see a GP.
Common conditions treated include:
Ear infections (in children and adults).
Impetigo (skin infection).
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
Shingles, sinusitis, sore throats, and more.
Pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines under this scheme, meaning you can often walk out with the treatment you need the same day.
3. NHS Walk-In Centres
NHS walk-in clinics (sometimes called urgent treatment centres) provide care for minor injuries and illnesses, usually without an appointment.
Typical conditions they deal with include:
Sprains and strains.
Cuts, wounds, and minor burns.
Rashes and infections.
Stomach upsets and vomiting.
These centres are especially useful if you can’t get a same-day GP appointment but need help quickly.
4. Emergency Medical Units (EMUs)
Emergency Medical Units are often found within hospitals but separate from A&E. They provide urgent care for patients who are unwell and need assessment but may not require admission to hospital.
Why use them?
You may be referred here by your GP or NHS 111.
They are staffed by specialist doctors and nurses.
They can carry out tests such as blood work, ECGs, and X-rays on-site.
They act as a bridge between GP care and full hospital admission, ensuring patients get the right level of care without unnecessary delays.
When to Go to A&E
While these alternatives are great for most everyday illnesses and injuries, A&E is still the place for life-threatening emergencies such as:
Chest pain or suspected heart attack.
Stroke symptoms.
Severe bleeding or head injuries.
Breathing difficulties.
Knowing your options means you don’t always have to wait for a GP appointment to get the treatment you need. Whether it’s calling NHS 111, using Pharmacy First, visiting a walk-in clinic, or being referred to an Emergency Medical Unit, the NHS has made it easier than ever to access the right care, at the right time.
