Many health concerns can be managed quickly without needing to contact the GP practice. NHS Grampian and local community services offer a wide range of support, advice and self-referral options.
Below is a guide to help you access the right service quickly and confidently.
Your Local Pharmacy – First Place to Go
Community pharmacies in Scotland offer the Pharmacy First service. This means pharmacists can assess and treat many common conditions without you seeing a GP.
Pharmacists can help with:
- Sore throats
- Earache
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin conditions such as impetigo
- Hay fever and allergies
- Minor infections
- Emergency contraception
- Advice on medicines
Find your nearest pharmacy via NHS Inform – Find a Pharmacy.
Physiotherapy
For muscle, joint or back problems, you can access guidance and referral information through NHS Grampian Physiotherapy Services.
If you are struggling with back pain, joint pain, or muscle strains, NHS Inform provides excellent advice and exercises to help you manage your symptoms safely at home.
Explore muscle, bone and joint advice on NHS Inform
Podiatry (Foot Health)
Foot problems and specialist podiatry services are available via NHS Grampian Podiatry Services. Access arrangements vary depending on clinical need.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you are feeling anxious, low or overwhelmed, support is available through NHS Inform – Mental Wellbeing. For urgent mental health support, contact NHS 24 on 111.
You can also contact Breathing Space for a free, confidential chat by calling 0800 83 85 87. Visit Breathing Space
Sexual Health
Confidential testing, contraception and advice are available via NHS Grampian Sexual Health Services.
Maternity Services
If you think you may be pregnant, contact the practice as soon as possible to arrange an appointment with a midwife. Early care helps give you and your baby the best possible start.
Contact your local maternity team directly via NHS Grampian Maternity Services for further information and guidance.
Travel Vaccinations
The NHS Grampian Travel Health Service helps you travel safely with advice on vaccines, sun, and food/water safety. Check your destination’s requirements immediately after booking. If travelling within 8 weeks, please contact a private travel clinic. Travel vaccinations are no longer provided by the Practice.
Routine Vaccinations
Most routine vaccinations (including childhood immunisations) are delivered by the NHS Grampian Community Vaccination Team, not by GP practices. Patients are contacted directly when vaccinations are due.
For queries, contact the NHS Grampian – Let’s get vaccinated, or visit NHS Grampian Vaccinations.
GP practices are unable to book, cancel or rearrange vaccination appointments.
Dental Problems
If you have toothache, dental swelling or mouth pain, contact your dentist directly. For urgent dental care, call NHS 24 on 111. Find out more about dental emergencies
Find a dentist via NHS Inform – Find a Dentist.
Eye Problems
For red, painful or irritated eyes, contact your local optician. Many opticians provide NHS eye care services.
Find a local optician via NHS Inform – Find an Optician.
When to Call 999 or Attend A&E
Call 999 or attend Accident & Emergency immediately for:
- Chest pain
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Signs of stroke
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe bleeding that will not stop
- Serious injuries
If you have a sick child and you are very worried about them, especially if they are struggling to breathe, are unresponsive, or have a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, dial 999 immediately.
For urgent advice when the practice is closed, call NHS 24 on 111.
Still Need the Practice?
If you have ongoing, complex or worsening symptoms, please contact the surgery. Our reception team may ask a few questions to ensure you are directed to the most appropriate healthcare professional as quickly as possible.
We are here to help and kindly ask that you treat our staff with courtesy and respect when calling or visiting the practice.