What is primary care?
Primary care is your first point of contact with the NHS. This includes contact with services provided by GP practice teams, dental practices, optometrists and opticians, and pharmacists. It can also be with allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, school nurses, community nurses and midwives.
Choose the right service
It’s important to choose the right primary care service – that way you will receive the advice, help and treatment you need, as quickly as possible.
GP practices are staffed by teams of medical professionals – including general practitioners (GPs), nurses, mental health nurses, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and more. You’ll be given an appointment with whichever team member is best suited to help you. GP practices can treat some injuries and illnesses, give advice and prescriptions, deliver vaccinations, and refer you for specialist treatment – or to a hospital’s Emergency Department – if you need it.
Dental practices include dentists, dental nurses and hygienists. They can provide regular dental checkups, and treat conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and injuries to the teeth.
Pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. Some pharmacists can also prescribe medication.
Opticians can perform routine eye tests and issue prescriptions for corrective glasses or contact lenses. They can also diagnose and advise on diseases affecting eyesight.
If you have a life-threatening injury or illness that requires immediate medical attention, go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department. For more information, see the “Urgent and Emergency Care” box below.
General practice. What it is. When to use it and when to use other services.
Link
About dentists
About pharmacists
What opticians do
Urgent and Emergency Care
Find your local services
Visit the NHS Dumfries and Galloway website to find GP practices, dentists, pharmacists and opticians near you. https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/find-services-near-me/
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