We are all familiar with the services provided by our GP’s but are we all aware of the many alternative options available to us ?
It is understandable when we are unwell that our first port of call would be our GP. There are many more options available to us however which may be quicker and more suitable for some problems.
For example, did you know you can use your local Pharmacist as the first point of contact for minor ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats, rashes and eye infections etc? They are medically qualified to deal with minor ailments leaving the GP to deal with more serious conditions. It also reduces the number of telephone calls coming into the Practice making connection quicker.
There are many other choices for a range of conditions not needing a GP such as:

• PHYSIOTHERAPY
• SOCIAL PRESCRIBING
• 111 
• HUB
• URGENT TREATMENT CENTRE
• PARAMEDIC
• CARERS SUPPORT
• COMMUNITY PHARMACY CONSULTATION SERVICE

Our Administration Team have been trained to “signpost” these alternative services to avoid delay in you getting the appropriate treatment for your condition. Please be reassured that we work within strict guidelines and you will be directed to a medically trained professional to deal with your particular problem.
We will not refuse an appointment if available but will be suggesting alternative options for you. This is working very effectively in other Practices.
Please be aware that when answering your calls, the series of questions asked are in the interest of offering the best options available at that time for your condition. We are endeavouring to improve our patient experience so that everyone gets the treatment they require within an appropriate time frame.

PHARMACY    

If you require over the counter medication, minor illness advice or have a medication question, you can always speak to a local Pharmacist.  Pharmacists have a minimum of 5 years medical training and are experts in medicines and managing minor illnesses.

Pharmacists are able to deal with minor illnesses such as acne, spots & pimples, allergic reactions, ankle / foot pain or swelling, athletes foot, bites / stings,  blisters, constipation, cough cold and flu, diarrhoea, ear discharge or ear wax, ear ache, red /  irritable / sticky / watery eyes, eyelid problems, hair loss, headache, hearing problems or blocked ears, hip / thigh or buttock pain, swelling or itching, knee or lower leg pain, lower limb pain or swelling, lower back pain, mouth ulcers, nasal congestion,  rectal pain, scabies, shoulder pain, skin rash, sleep difficulties, sore throat, tiredness, toe pain or swelling, vaginal discharge, vaginal itch or soreness, vomiting, wound problems, management of dressing, wrist / hand / finger pain or swelling.

NHS 111   

You can telephone 111, which is a 24 hour service.  NHS 111 is designed to make it easier for people to access healthcare services when they need medical advice fast.  Experienced clinical advisors are fully trained and use a clinical assessment system (NHS Pathways) which enables them to assess caller’s needs safely and effectively and direct them to the right NHS service.

TELEPHONE 119   

You can phone 119 from your telephone for Coronavirus advice and guidance.

eCONSULT   

This is our practice online GP consultation service.  You can access this service via our website, by logging onto www.bridgemedicalcentre.co.uk.  On the main screen you will encounter 10 boxes, click on the GREEN box, marked eConsult.  You will be taken directly to the “Contact your doctors to get advice for your problem now” page.  Here you will find 4 BLUE boxes, click on one that best describes your need and follow the prompts.  The surgery will receive your information. A member of the team will respond to you within 2 working days.

Please note our eConsult service is only available Monday to Friday during opening times and will be unavailable due to heavy workload on some afternoons.

GP SURGERY 

You can contact Bridge Medical Centre on 01293 526025 to book a telephone call with the doctor, if the doctor needs to see you, a face-2-face appointment will be arranged on the same day.  Face-2-Face appointments can be booked with one of the Practice Nurses, Monday to Friday.  You can also book a face-2-face appointment with a Physiotherapist, Dietician, Audiologist or the Midwife who comes into the surgery once a week.  Our telephone lines open from 08:30 Monday to Friday and close at 18:00.

URGENT TREATMENT CENTRE

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital treat most injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening.  You don’t need to book an appointment, you can just turn up.  They are open 24 hours, 7 days a week and are situated at Crawley Hospital, West Green Drive, Crawley.

A&E 

If you have a medical emergency and need immediate medical care, you can attend the Emergency Department at East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill, RH1 5RH and this is a 24 hour service.

PHONE 999   

Phone 999 in a medical emergency when you, or someone with you, is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.  This will include loss of consciousness, acute confused state, fits that are not stopping, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe allergic reactions, severe burns or scalds, if you, or someone is having a heart attack or stroke.  You should also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma, such as after a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting or a fall from height or any serious head injury.