Contact your GP Surgery

Your local GP practice provides a wide range of health services, including medical advice, vaccinations, examinations and treatment, prescriptions for medicines, referrals to other health services and social services.

There are a range of professionals who can look after you.

You may be offered an appointment with one of the new roles in general practice such as an advanced nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, or clinical pharmacist rather than a GP.

This appointment may take place face-to-face in your practice, on the telephone, via video call, or sometimes in another local community setting.

Before you make an appointment to see your GP, think about what other services might be able to help.

• If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next.
• go to a pharmacy for advice and treatment for minor conditions.
• go to your local minor injury unit or urgent care centre for treatment of strains, sprains and flesh wounds.
• visit a sexual health service for testing for sexually transmitted infections and contraception advice

Outside of opening hours or during public holidays

Most GP surgeries are closed on public holidays and weekends. If you need to see a GP outside of normal opening hours, contact NHS 111 online or call NHS 111.

Tip: Please remember to take enough of your prescribed medication with you if you’re planning a holiday or visiting family or friends.

Did you know? If you forget your prescription, you can contact your nearest pharmacy.

Are you on holiday in Cornwall and need to see a doctor?

Please contact your own GP practice. They are used to helping by phone, video and email. If you need a prescription, your surgery can send it to any pharmacy you choose, for you to collect close to where you are staying.

GP online services

You can usually contact your GP surgery using a secure and confidential online form on their website.

You can use the form to let a GP know about any symptoms you’re having, ask a question or follow up about something. This could be either about your own health or on behalf of someone you care for. Your GP surgery will use the information you give them to make sure you get the right help.

You can access the form via your GP surgery’s website. Do not use an online form if your medical problem is urgent.

You can find out more on the NHS England website.