Think GP

Most coughs, colds, and sore throats will improve with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies, antibiotics won’t help, and your GP usually isn’t needed.

However, you should contact your GP if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience:

• Unexplained and sudden weight loss
• Constant fatigue and unexplained tiredness
• Persistent cough
• Yellowing skin
• Sudden, blinding headaches or migraines
• A new or growing mole
• A persistent high fever
• Changes in bowel movements

Your GP Practice is here for you - and it's more than just GPs

Meet Your Extended Healthcare Team

Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, GP practices now include a wider team of professionals to help meet growing demand and offer more appointments.

These teams include:

• General practice nurses
• Advanced nurse practitioners
• Healthcare assistants (HCAs)
• Clinical pharmacists (practice based)
• Paramedic Practitioners
• Social prescriber
• Physiotherapists
• Physician associates
• GP registrars
• Health and wellbeing coaches
• Mental health practitioners.

Each member brings specialist skills to support your health and wellbeing. You can find out a bit more about these different roles and how they can help you here.

How to contact your GP practice

There are three ways you can get in touch with your GP practice:

1. Online – Use the form on your GP practice’s website to book appointments, request sick notes, ask questions, or access self-help guides.
2. Phone – Call during opening hours (usually Monday to Friday, 8am–6.30pm).
3. In person – Visit your practice during its opening hours.

No matter how you contact your practice, your request will be assessed and directed to the right healthcare professional for your needs.

What is Triage?

Triage is a process used by GP practices to assess your needs and decide the most appropriate type of care. This might include:

• A face-to-face appointment
• A phone or video consultation
• Advice for self-care
• Referral to a pharmacist, optician, or another service

Use the NHS App

The NHS App gives you quick and easy access to healthcare services, including:

• Booking GP appointments
• Ordering repeat prescriptions
• Viewing your health records
• Accessing trusted health advice

Download the app today to manage your health at a time that suits you.

To find out more abut the NHS App services.