General advice

Do I need to see the doctor or nurse?

There are many conditions, which do not require a doctor's appointment, and our nurses can treat them both effectively and efficiently. Amongst these conditions are:

• All aspects of family planning, including emergency contraception (the morning after pill)
• Blood pressure measurement
• Blocked ears and wax
• Advice on minor injuries
• Dressings and removal of stitches
• Health and well person checks
• Diet and weight monitoring
• Asthma and chronic bronchitis care
• Travel advice and injections
• Routine vaccinations (excluding TB)
• Ring pessary fittings and changes
• Cervical smears and vaginal swabs
• Cautery procedures

If you need to see the nurse, the receptionist will ask the reason, so that enough time can be booked with the appropriate nurse and any necessary forms or equipment can be prepared.

Where can I find out about my symptoms?

On our medical advice pages, you can find out general health advice, the self-treatment of common conditions seen in general practice and also more serious conditions. Please also visit our links page to discover sites giving useful health information.

Did you know there are alternatives to booking an appointment with the doctor?

It may be frustrating to ring up and find that all of today’s appointments have been taken up, but did you know that there are other ways to access medical help, that may be more appropriate to your needs.

Here are a few alternatives to booking an appointment with the doctor.

• If your condition relates to back, neck or muscular problems, you can book an appointment with the free NHS Physio Direct Service without seeing a doctor first. The number to ring is 01335 230079.
• If you require simple medical advice, you can ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (link opens in a new window). For self help advice and treatment of minor illness, you may wish to speak to your local pharmacist. Our website also gives some information on common conditions.
• If you have a dental problem you must see your dentist. GPs are advised not to treat patients with dental conditions. If you are not registered with a dentist, you can ring NHS Direct for more information on your nearest facility.
• If you have had an accident or injury, or feel you need an X-ray for such an incident, you should attend the minor injuries unit at Ripley Hospital.
• For life threatening emergencies – for example, chest pain, suspected stroke, bleeding, please do not ring for an appointment, even a same day one. Please ring 999 or attend the nearest major casualty department. In this area, this is the Royal Derby Hospital.
• For other conditions, the walk-in centre at Ilkeston Family Practice, Ilkeston Community Hospital, Heanor Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8LN is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday. You can ring them on 0115 9512496.

For more detailed general advice and information on the treatment of common ailments and more serious illnesses please see our page on medical conditions.

Useful numbers and contacts

Any of the links provided here will open in a new window. You can visit our links page for more external website links to helpful sites. If you cannot find the information you need, or would like a contact including here, please contact us.