We want to help you find the right care, in the right place, at the right time. By going straight to the best service for your needs, you can often be seen sooner and save yourself a phone call to the practice.
When you feel unwell, you might think you need to call the GP surgery right away. However, many health problems can be treated much faster by other healthcare professionals in our community.
NHS Lanarkshire provides health and care services to communities in North and South Lanarkshire, ensuring access to hospitals, GP practices, community health support and public health programmes.
Below is a guide to the NHS Lanarkshire services you can use directly without needing to see a GP first.
Your Local Pharmacy
Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can help with many common illnesses. Under the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland scheme, anyone registered with a GP can go to a pharmacy for advice and free treatment for minor conditions.
You should visit a pharmacy for help with:
- Colds, coughs, and sore throats
- Indigestion and upset stomachs
- Skin conditions like mild acne and eczema
- Urine infections for women aged 16 to 65
- Impetigo and other minor skin infections
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Problems
If you have pain in your back, muscles, or joints, you can refer yourself directly to the NHS Lanarkshire physiotherapy service. You do not need a GP to do this for you. Physiotherapists can assess your pain and give you exercises and advice to help you recover.
You should contact physiotherapy for:
- Back and neck pain
- Sprains and strains
- Joint pain, including arthritis
Access NHS Lanarkshire Physiotherapy
Foot and Ankle Care
For problems with your feet, you can self-refer to the NHS Lanarkshire podiatry service. They can help with conditions that affect how you walk or cause pain in your lower legs and feet.
You should contact podiatry for:
- Severe foot pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Foot problems related to diabetes
Self-refer to NHS Lanarkshire Podiatry
Mental Health Support
If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or low, there is help available. You can access support directly without needing to speak to a doctor first. NHS Lanarkshire has dedicated resources to support your mental wellbeing.
Explore Lanarkshire Mind Matters
Sexual Health
Lanarkshire Sexual Health offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental support. You can self-refer to these services without a GP recommendation for:
- Contraception: Including emergency contraception (the “morning after” pill), implants, and coils.
- STI Testing & Treatment: Confidential screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
- PrEP & HIV Care: Access to preventative medication and ongoing support.
- Pregnancy Advice: Support with unplanned pregnancies and reproductive health choices.
- Counselling: Specialist support for sexual health-related concerns.
How to access: Visit Lanarkshire Sexual Health or call the central appointment line at 0300 303 0251.
Your Local Optician
Opticians have the right equipment to look at the back of your eyes and check for problems. If you have an eye issue, an optician is much better equipped to help you than a GP.
You should contact your optician for:
- Sudden changes in your vision
- Red, sore, or watery eyes
- Eye pain or flashes of light
- Things floating in your vision
Find out about LENS (Lanarkshire Eye-health Network Service)
Your Local Dentist
If you have a problem with your mouth, teeth, or gums, your dentist is the person to see. GPs and nurses are not trained to treat dental problems and cannot prescribe antibiotics for toothache.
You should contact your dentist for:
- Tooth pain or swelling in your mouth
- Bleeding or sore gums
- Mouth ulcers that will not heal
- Injuries to your teeth
Planning a trip abroad?
If you are travelling and think you might need vaccinations, you no longer need to see your GP. In Lanarkshire, you can now self-refer directly to the local Travel Health Service.
It is best to start this process at least eight weeks before you travel, as some vaccines take time to work.
Here is what you need to do:
- Check what vaccines you need for your destination on Travel Health Pro
- Visit the NHS Lanarkshire Travel Vaccinations page to start your risk assessment
If you do not have internet access to arrange your travel vaccines, you can call the central NHS Lanarkshire Travel Health Service directly on 01698 687 456.
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.
When to Seek Emergency Help
For serious or life-threatening emergencies, always call 999 or attend A&E immediately, especially for:
- Chest pain
- Severe bleeding
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Signs of stroke (face dropping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
We are still here for you
If you have a complex health concern, a long-term condition, or symptoms that are not improving, please contact the surgery. Our team is here to help. When you call, our reception staff may ask a few questions to ensure you are directed to the right healthcare professional.
We kindly ask that you treat our team with courtesy and respect when you contact or visit the practice.