Seeing a doctor in the UK

There are three ways: calling the surgery (often between eight and half past eight in the morning for same-day appointments), or requesting online using an online consultation form on the surgery's website, or via the NHS App after logging in. Describe your problem briefly and clearly, since the receptionist may ask you the reason to direct you to the right person (doctor, nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist).

• The ordinary appointment is about ten minutes, so arrange your symptoms beforehand and mention the most important.
• You can ask for an appointment with a female doctor if you wish.
• And if you need an interpreter ask at booking.
• And if you cannot attend inform the surgery to cancel the appointment so someone else benefits, since repeated absence may cause a problem.

If you are ill and cannot wait for a GP but the case is not life-threatening call 111 (or visit 111.nhs.uk) and a specialist will assess you and direct you: a GP appointment, a visit to an urgent treatment centre, a pharmacy or a dentist.

• The Urgent Treatment Centres and Walk-in Centres in many cities accept patients without appointment for injuries and non-serious illnesses.
• As for the emergency department (A&E) it is for cases such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, stroke, serious fractures, large burns, and for babies with very high fever.
• Call 999 for an ambulance in serious cases.
• And in A&E they look first at the most serious, so you may wait hours for a less serious case.

On arrival check in at reception or on the screen.

• The doctor asks about your symptoms and their duration, your medical history, the medicines you take and any allergy.
• Mention everything even if it seems small, and tell him any worries.
• He may examine you or measure your pressure and temperature or request blood tests, scans or samples, and decide the treatment: advice, a prescription or referral to a specialist.
• Ask about the meaning if you do not understand, and repeat what you understood to be sure, and write notes.
• Prescriptions are sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
• And if he requests sick leave ask for a fit note.
• And you have a right to someone accompanying you, and to a free interpreter.
• And speak frankly, since the information is confidential under privacy laws and is not usually shared with immigration.

To reach a specialist in a hospital you usually need a referral from the GP, who sends you to the appropriate clinic, and you may wait weeks or months depending on the case and area, so follow up and ask about the time.

• You can choose the hospital via NHS e-Referral in some cases.
• Tests such as blood tests are done at the surgery or a hospital, and results reach you via the NHS App or by phone.
• For chronic diseases (diabetes, blood pressure and asthma) surgeries offer periodic reviews.
• And free preventive checks are offered such as cervical screening for women, breast and bowel cancer and vaccinations.
• And if the condition worsens during waiting inform the surgery at once.
• And for teeth register with a dentist who accepts the NHS.

You have the right to safe and respectful care, clear information about your treatment, to consent or refuse after understanding, to confidentiality, to a free interpreter, to a male or female doctor where possible, and to disabled facilities.

• If you are not satisfied with care speak first to the surgery, and you can submit a formal complaint to the practice manager or to the Integrated Care Board in your area, then to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in England.
• Healthwatch and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) help you free of charge.
• And in serious cases you inform the General Medical Council (GMC).
• And if discrimination is practised this is against the Equality Act.
• And remember that doctors are responsible for your safety, so do not hesitate to ask about anything.

Whom do you call for urgent non-emergency advice?