Many health concerns can be managed without needing to contact the GP practice. NHS Tayside and local community services provide a wide range of support, advice and self-referral options. This guide will help you find the right service quickly and confidently.
Your Local Pharmacy – First Place to Go
Community pharmacies in Scotland provide the Pharmacy First service. Pharmacists can assess and treat many common conditions without you seeing a GP.
Pharmacists can help with colds, sore throats, earache, urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16 to 65, skin infections such as impetigo, hay fever and allergies, minor infections, emergency contraception and advice about medicines.
Find your nearest pharmacy via NHS Inform – Find a Pharmacy.
Physiotherapy
For muscle, joint or back problems, information and access routes are available via NHS Tayside Physiotherapy Services. Some services may require referral, but guidance and self-management advice are available online.
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 health services are provided by NHS Tayside Podiatry. Patient can self-refer to this service by completing a self referral form. A podiatrist reviews all referrals to prioritise appointments: Urgent (seen within 5 working days), Soon (1-8 weeks), or Routine.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you are feeling anxious, low or overwhelmed, support is available through NHS Tayside Mental Health Services.
If you are in crisis or need urgent emotional help, you can also call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (open 24 hours in Scotland). Self-help resources are available via NHS Inform – Mental Wellbeing.
For urgent mental health support, call NHS 24 on 111. If you feel unsafe or in immediate danger, call 999.
Sexual Health
Confidential testing, contraception and advice are available through NHS Tayside Sexual Health Services. Please call 01382 425542 to make an appointment Monday to Friday between 9 am and 12 noon.
Maternity Services
If you think you are pregnant, contact NHS Tayside Maternity Services directly to arrange your booking appointment.
Travel Health
If you’re planning to travel abroad, for expert advice on required and recommended vaccinations arrange your travel consultation with NHS Tayside Travel Health Service. Please submit your travel plans 8 to 12 weeks in advance. Last-minute travel requests may not be accommodated. To make the most of your appointment, please read through the helpful travel health information on the Travel Health Pro website prior to booking your consultation.
Please be advised that GP practices no longer offer travel advice or travel vaccinations.
General Health Advice and Minor Injuries
If you have a minor injury like a cut, burn, or suspected broken bone, or if you need urgent medical advice when the practice is closed, please call NHS 24. They can give you advice or book you an appointment at a minor injuries unit if needed.
Dental Problems
For toothache, dental swelling or mouth pain, contact your dentist directly. For urgent dental care when your dentist is closed, call NHS 24 on 111.
Find a dentist via NHS Inform – Find a Dentist.
Eye Problems
For red, painful or irritated eyes, contact your local optician. Opticians provide NHS eye care services and can assess urgent eye conditions.
Find an optician via NHS Inform – Find an Optician.
Routine Vaccinations
Most routine vaccinations, including childhood immunisations, are delivered by NHS Tayside community vaccination teams rather than GP practices. Patients are contacted directly when vaccinations are due.
For any queries about COVID or flu vaccines which are not answered by the information above please call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013. For queries about any other vaccines please contact [email protected] or call 01382 423108.
Further information is available from NHS Tayside Vaccination Programme.
Please note: GP practices cannot book, cancel or rearrange vaccination appointments.
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.
Remember
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.