See a GP or other healthcare professional

A range of common illnesses such as cold and flu and minor injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest. Many patients attend with conditions that would get better with self-care. Studies show that 25-40% of consultations with a GP are unnecessary so it would help if patients only booked an appointment with a GP if they really need to.

Examples of the ailments best treated by yourself are:

• Upset stomach
• Grazed knee
• Common cold
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Colds & Flu

There are a wide variety of helpful Self Care information and resources available which could help you to treat your illness without the need for an appointment:

We have a list of services that patients can self-refer to without the need to see a GP. You can normally self-refer by phone, by attending a drop-in session or by completing a self-referral form which you can send via email or post to the service of your choice.

You can visit your local community pharmacy for healthcare advice without an appointment

It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete’s foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.

Your local pharmacist is able to help with minor cuts, sprains, aches and pains, colds and flu, headaches, rashes, cystitis, emergency contraception and other common conditions.

No appointment is necessary and many pharmacies are open late and are available at weekends and many public holidays.

Breathing Space was launched in 2002 to address serious concerns about the mental well-being of people in Scotland. The service became a national phone line in 2004.

Breathing Space complements the work of other phone lines and agencies which are endeavouring to reduce suicide rates in Scotland.

Our advisors come from a range of mental health, counselling and social work backgrounds. There is an equal ratio of male to female advisors.

Need help now? Call free on 0800 83 85 87.

Whatever your eye problem your first port of call should be an Optometrist. An Optometrist is the best person to assess urgent eye problems, check for eye disorders and treat eye conditions. They have expertise and specialist equipment to assess most eye problems.

Opticians can also refer patients to hospital eye specialists (ophthalmologists) if and when appropriate.

Self-help guide: Eye problems

Find out more about eye problems, when you can use self-care, and what to do if your condition worsens and you need medical help.

If you meet a set of criteria you may be entitled to a number of benefits when using NHS ophthalmic services. These could include free NHS eye examinations, NHS optical vouchers and refunds. This guide will explain these entitlements and who is eligible.

If you sustain an eye injury that requires immediate emergency treatment go to your nearest Accident and Emergency.

For dental emergencies, call the dentist where you are registered. If they are closed, you should receive a recorded message advising you of their out-of-hours arrangements. Dentists can perform an appropriate assessment and advise on necessary interventions including the use of antibiotics.

Dental emergencies are: acute dental pain, facial or oral swelling, bleeding from the mouth or trauma.

Please remember that GPs are not trained in dentistry and are not able to treat dental problems.

If you are not currently registered with a dentist and you require emergency treatment, you should call the Grampian Dental Information and Advice Line on 0345 4565 990 (Open Monday to Friday, 8.15am to 5.45pm) or 111.

Further information about dental emergencies is available at NHS Inform.

There are lots of services which offer help and support to improve your quality of life and allow you to continue to live in your own home. For example, if you are elderly or disabled, have a long-term health condition or are unwell. However, it can sometimes be confusing to try to work out what help is available and who offers what services.

Moray Council Access Care Team are a single point of contact for all initial enquiries about care and support in Moray. Please call them on 01343 563999. You do not need a referral from a GP and you are the best person to describe your needs (or those of your friend or relative).

Call 111

Call 111 when we are closed to speak to an NHS professional on any urgent health or medical issue.

Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.

You should call 111 if:

• it’s not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service
• you don’t think it can wait for an appointment with your GP
• you don’t know who to call for medical help.

If you have an emergency, please call 999

Medical emergencies can include:

• loss of consciousness
• an acute confused state
• fits that aren’t stopping
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that can’t be stopped
• severe allergic reactions
• severe burns or scalds

Mental Health Crisis?

You should call 999 or go to A&E if you, or someone you know, experiences a life-threatening medical or mental health emergency. These are cases where there is immediate danger to life or physical injury. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency. If you feel like you may be close to acting on suicidal thoughts or have seriously harmed yourself, you should call 999 or go to A&E directly if you need immediate help and are worried about your safety.

Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call Samaritans free on 116 123.

Textphone and BSL users

If you use a textphone you can call NHS 24’s 111 services (18001 111).

If you’re deaf but want to use the phone service you can use the ContactSCOTLAND-BSL interpreting video relay service, available 24/7.

Find out more about the 111 service

Access your local Minor Injuries Unit if you need treatment or advice for a minor injury

Some examples of problems they deal with:

• sprains and strains
• suspected broken limbs
• minor head injuries
• cuts and grazes
• minor scalds and burns

To access the Minor Injury Unit at Dr Gray’s Hospital, call 111 and state that you have a minor injury.

We do not have a Minor Injury Unit at Forres Health and Care Centre. Please do not attend with a minor injury as you will not be able to be seen and will need to be redirected.

Some patients, often those with complex and long-standing medical problems, may need an appointment with a doctor.