Non-urgent advice: Please Note
Below is a selection of common problems and suggestions for the appropriate healthcare professional to see.
This is meant for general guidance only and is not comprehensive.
If the Practice is not open please call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
In case of a life threatening emergency, please dial 999
Self Referral Information
Minor Illness & Injury Units
Minor Illness and Injury Units can treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings.
Ely Minor Injury Unit
Princess of Wales Hospital
Lynn Road
Ely
CB6 1DN
Open 8.30am-6pm seven days a week excluding Christmas Day, when this location is closed. X-ray services offered 1pm-5pm on weekends and 9am-5pm on weekdays.
Wisbech Minor Injury Unit
North Cambs Hospital
Wisbech
PE13 3AB
Open 8.30am-6pm Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and Bank Holidays (including Christmas Day). X-rays offered 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
Doddington Minor Injury Unit
Doddington hospital
Benwick Road
PE15 0UG
Open 8.30am-6pm Monday through Friday. Closed on Christmas Day, but open on other weekend days and Bank Holidays between 9am-5pm. X-rays offered 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. No x-rays at weekends.
Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre
Peterborough City Hospital
Edith Cavell Campus
Bretton Gate
Peterborough
PE3 9GZ
Open 8am-8pm seven days a week, including Bank Holidays.
Emergency Dentist
The Doctors do not see dental problems.
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services.
For urgent dental care please visit Cambridgeshire Community Services.
Emergency Eye Problems
For minor eye conditions including things like watery eye, dry eye, red eye and blepharitis.
Speak to your local opticians about how they can help.
Click here for more information.
Abdominal Pain
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner or GP for severe symptoms
Acute Asthma
Advice:
For routine asthma care please book an appointment with our specialist practice nurse (Anastasia).
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner or A&E if urgent care required
Alcohol Advice
Who do I see?
Self Refer to Healthy You or Change Grow Live
Advice:
For more information please visit alcoholics anonymous.
Anxiety
Who do I see?
Self refer to Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Athletes Foot
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about athletes foot, available from NHS UK.
Back Pain
Who do I see?
Physiotherapist / ANP / GP
Advice:
Further information about back pain from NHS UK.
Alexander technique for back pain
Extensive coverage has today been given to a study that found the Alexander technique – a method of teaching improved posture – is beneficial for easing back pain. The study on the technique involved over 500 people with chronic back pain from general practices across the UK. It found that people who received one-to-one instruction in the Alexander technique, along with exercise, had reduced back pain and improved disability after one year compared to those receiving standard care.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Who do I see?
Phlebotomist / HCA
Advice:
These can also be performed at most local pharmacies. If the results are high, a GP appointment would be needed for further evaluation.
Blue Badge Forms
Who do I see?
Contact your local Council directly or Apply online
Advice:
To apply for a Blue Badge parking permit, you need to contact your local council.
The Blue Badge Scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. Blue Badge holders are able to park close to where they need to go. The scheme is managed by local authorities who deal with applications and issue Blue Badges.
GOV.UK has more details about the Blue Badge scheme, including information about applying for a Blue Badge.
Blocked ears (wax)
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant / Community Pharmacist
Advice:
A pharmacist can help with earwax build-up
Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up. They can give advice and suggest treatments.
They might recommend chemical drops to dissolve the earwax. The earwax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week.
Do not use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).
Non-urgent advice: Important Information
Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.
Blood Tests
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant / Phlebotomist
Advice:
Appointments for blood tests MUST have been requested by your doctor or other health care professional.
Boils
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about boils and carbuncles from NHS UK.
Breathlessness
Who do I see?
Specialised nurse (Anastasia) / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
For less serious breathing issues such as COPD or chest infections.
Breastfeeding Advice
Who do I see?
Midwife / Health Visitor
Advice:
Visit NHS advice pages, or search for a breastfeeding support service near you.
Bruised Ribs
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
For pain relief, please search for your nearest community pharmacy.
Further information about broken or bruised ribs from NHS UK.
Burns
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse / HCA / A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
If severe, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
If not, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Cellulitis
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner or GP for severe symptoms
Advice:
Please book your appointment with the surgery.
Cervical Smear
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Once you are invited, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse on a day that you are not bleeding or on your period.
Chest Infections
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy / Minor Illness Nurse / Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the surgery.
Chest Pain
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
If not severe and has lasted for more than a few days;
You can book an appointment with your the surgery.
Chronic Heart Disease
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant
Advice:
Annual clinic appointments will be sent to all CHD patients, please ask for an earlier appointment if worried.
You can book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Coils or Implants
Who do I see?
GP or Women’s Health Specialist (Anastasia)
Advice:
Information about contraceptive implants.
Where to get an IUD
You can get the IUD for free, even if you’re under 16, from:
- contraception clinics
- sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
- GP surgeries
- some young people’s services
Colds & Coughs
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Antibiotics are NOT needed for the common colds, as colds are caused by a virus.
Cold Sores
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Constipation or Piles
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Contraception and Family Planning
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / Women’s Health Specialist (Anastasia)
Advice:
Contraception and family planning appointments are available in any routine GP clinic.
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
Please book to see the ANP for an initial assessment and the nurse for repeat prescriptions once you are completed your first 3 months of medication.
Cystitis
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Dementia Screening
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Dental Problems
Who do I see?
Dentist
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services.
For urgent dental care please visit Cambridgeshire Community Services.
Please note: The Doctors do not see dental problems.
Depot Injection (contraception)
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or Women’s Health Specialist (Anastasia)
Advice:
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
Further information about the contraceptive injection from NHS UK
Depression / Mental Health
Who do I see?
Self refer to Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
These are helplines with specially trained volunteers who’ll listen to you, understand what you’re going through, and help you through the immediate crisis.
Samaritans operates a free service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence. Call them on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
Click here for further information on Mental Health from NHS
To see your GP
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Diabetes Monitoring
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant followed by Diabetic Nurse review
Diarrhoea
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Diet/Lifestyle Changes
Who do I see?
Self Refer to Healthy You
Dizziness
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner or GP for severe symptoms
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Nurse.
Dressings
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant or Practice Nurse for severe symptoms
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the nurse.
Drug Addiction
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP or self referral to Change Grow Live
Advice:
Information about drugs please visit: Talk To Frank.
For further information concerning alcohol please visit: Alcoholics Anonymous UK.
Call free: 0800 9177 650 or Email AA
DWP Forms
Who do I see?
We are unable to provide letters of support
Advice:
The DWP will usually contact your GP or healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence when you submit a PIP or ESA claim, the information is then sent to the DWP as part of your claim process.
We are therefore unable to provide additional letters of supports as the information we provide, will normally be included in the report requested by the DWP. We therefore regret that we cannot provide additional letters of support. However you may request your medical records if you feel this may help your case. If you wish a copy of your medical records, please contact the practice who will advise you accordingly. There is no charge for a copy of your records.
We have provided some useful contacts shown below to help you:
Useful contacts
Action for M.E.
Information and support for people with M.E. and their carers General enquiries: 0117 927 9551 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Online M.E. Centre: Action for M.E
Welfare Rights Line: 0845 122 8648 (times vary)
Citizens Advice Bureau
Offers advice on a range of issues and may complete a benefits check for you. Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL)
To find your local DIAL office, contact Scope, 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW Tel: 0808 800 3333
Disability Rights UK
Factsheets on benefits, tax credits and independent living from disability rights uk
Local councils
Some local councils employ welfare rights workers. Your local council may also have information about other services that offer welfare rights advice in your area.
Ear Care/Ear Wax
Who do I see?
Minor Illness Nurse or Advanced Nurse Practitioner for severe symptoms
Advice:
Further information about ear wax build up available from NHS UK.
Earache
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy / Minor Illness Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Eczema
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about eczema available from NHS UK.
Emergency Contraception
Who do I see?
Pharmacy for the Morning After Pill
Advice:
Search for your nearest pharmacist
Further information about emergency contraception available from NHS UK.
Eye Injuries
Who do I see?
Minor Eye Conditions Service
Advice:
More details on the Minor Eye Conditions Service.
If severe, please go to your nearest A&E department.
Flatulence
Who do I see?
Pharmacy
Advice:
Find a pharmacy near you.
Flu
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Flu Vaccine
Who do I see?
Flu Clinic or Pharmacy if clinic is unavailable
Advice:
Further information about the flu vaccine from NHS UK.
Forms, certificates and medicals
Who do I see?
GP Receptionists
Advice:
A medical examination will be booked if necessary.
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
Please allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Please note we do not sign passport forms.
Fungal Infections
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice.
General Advice
Who do I see?
Self Care / 111
Advice:
Please visit our Self Care page or call 111 for any non-urgent medical issues.
Genital Infections including Herpes
Who do I see?
Please visit the Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health (iCaSH) service.
Advice:
Find your nearest iCaSH centre.
Further information about sexual health available from NHS UK.
Hay Fever
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Hay fever medications are available from the chemist without needing to see your GP.
Head Injuries
Who do I see?
Minor Illness Nurse or 111.
In case of a life threatening emergency, please dial 999.
Advice:
Further information about head injury and concussion from NHS UK.
Head Lice
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about head lice available from NHS UK.
Headaches
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about headaches available from NHS UK.
Hyperventilation
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about hyperventilation available from NHS UK.
Indigestion
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about indigestion available from NHS UK.
Infected Wounds
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Insect Bites & Stings
Who do I see?
Minor Illness Nurse / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about insect bites and stings available from NHS UK.
Insomnia
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about insomnia available from NHS UK.
Medication Reviews
Missed Contraceptive
Who do I see?
Family Planning Clinic / Pharmacy
Advice:
For emergency contraception, please find your nearest community pharmacy.
For other issues please search for your nearest family planning clinic .
Moles
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Mouth Problems – Ulcers, Thrush
Who do I see?
Dentist / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services.
Nappy rash
Who do I see?
Health Visitor / Referral to Clinical Pharmacy
Neck Pain
Who do I see?
Self referral to Dynamic Health in the first instance or book an appointment with our first contact physio or Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP for severe symptoms
Advice:
Further information about neck pain available from NHS UK.
Nosebleeds
Who do I see?
111 / Urgent Care if severe / GP if several episodes
Advice:
Pinch nose (do not lean head back) and apply ice pack. Find out more information about nose bleeds. If concerned, you can ring 111, or search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Panic Attacks
Who do I see?
Self refer to Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about panic attacks available from NHS UK.
Passport Forms
Who do I see?
We do not sign passport forms
Advice:
Passport forms are not covered by the NHS.
Accepted occupations that can countersign your passport photo.
Period Problems
Who do I see?
Women’s Health Specialist (Anastasia) / Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Advice:
Further information about period problems available from NHS UK.
Phobias
Who do I see?
Self refer to Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
Further information about phobias available from NHS UK.
Pneumoccocal Vaccine
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant (HCA) / Nurse
Advice:
Further information about the pneumococcal vaccine from NHS UK.
Pregnancy
Who do I see?
Self refer new pregnancy / Midwife
Advice:
You can self refer a new pregnancy on this site.
Rashes
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy / Minor Illness Nurse / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP if persists for more than 7 days.
Rectal Problems
Removal of Stitches
Who do I see?
Health Care Assistant (HCA) / Nurse
Advice:
Further information about stitches available from NHS UK.
Shingles Vaccine
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Further information about the shingles vaccination available from NHS UK.
Sick Note (Fit Note)
Who do I see?
Self certify first 7 days, then routine Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointment
Advice:
Employees unable to work because of coronavirus can now access a digital isolation note from 111.nhs.uk without having to go to the doctor.
If you have been discharged from hospital, your hospital team will issue any fit notes for the entire period of your recovery. Please contact the ward staff (even after discharge). Schools should not request a GP letter to confirm absence, this can be written by a parent or guardian.
Self – Certificate.
You can obtain this form from your employer or by visiting the HMRC website. If you are unwell for more than four days you are advised to arrange an appointment to see a Doctor to assess your fitness to work.
Private Certificates
If you or your employer require further information concerning your period(s) of illness , then your Doctor may require to issue you with a letter. Please note that a charge may apply for this service. Please check with our reception desk.
Sinusitis
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP if it persists / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about sinusitis available from NHS UK.
Skin Conditions
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP if it persists / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about common skin conditions available from NHS UK.
Smoking Cessation
Who do I see?
Self Refer to Healthy You / Healthcare Assistant / Nurse
Advice:
You can also visit Smokefree, or find out more from NHS UK.
Sore Penis
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinics / Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Advice:
Find your local clinic.
Further information about penis problems, available from NHS UK.
Sore Throat
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP if it persists / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
If you have a sore throat, there are a number of ways you can help yourself. Paracetamol can help with the pain, and gargling with warm, salty water may help shorten the infection (but this isn’t recommended for children). In most cases, you only need to see your GP if your sore throat doesn’t improve after a week.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information on how to treat a sore throat yourself .
Sprains
Who do I see?
Urgent Care Centre / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
If it is a suspected serious injury, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
Further information about sprains and strains available from NHS UK.
Styes
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Sunburn
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about sunburn available from NHS UK.
Termination of Pregnancy
Who do I see?
British Pregnancy Advisory Service / Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
Termination of Pregnancy service is for women who are pregnant and want to discuss their pregnancy options, which might include having a termination.
Your local clinic will offer advice and information, and can help you with a hospital appointment if that is what you decide to do.
Local NHS Abortion Clinic (Peterborough)
Tetanus Injection
Threadworms
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about threadworms, available from NHS UK.
Thrush (Vaginal)
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
You find information on the NHS help page.
If you are sexually active, you can also visit your local Sexual Health Clinic.
Travel Vaccinations
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book an appointment, at least 6 weeks or more before travelling.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Urine Infections
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP
Advice:
Please bring a urine sample into the consultation; sterile pots available at reception.
Information about Urinary tract infections (UTIs) available from NHS UK.
Vitamin B12 Injection
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant (HCA) / Practice Nurse
Advice:
Further information about Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia, available from NHS UK.
Vomiting
Who do I see?
Advanced Nurse Practitioner / GP if it persists / Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
For babies and toddlers, or if it persists longer than 1 week in children and adults, please book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Warfarin Monitoring
Who do I see?
Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
Advice:
Further information about warfarin available from NHS UK.
Warts and Verrucas
Who do I see?
Referral to Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Further information about warts and verrucas from NHS UK.