Right Clinician, Right Time, Right Place – Who Should I See?
See the A-Z topics below for how to best access help for common medical problems including useful phone numbers and websites.
Please have a look at this advice before contacting the practice as you may not require an appointment to get the help you need.
Please also make use of the NHS website and local pharmacies for self care advice for treatment for minor illness and ailments.
Abdominal Pain
Who Do I See?
Attend A&E if the pain is very sudden and/or severe.
For new and worsening abdominal pain, submit an urgent medical request via Anima
For longer standing symptoms or ongoing concerns, submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
Abdominal pain is common and there are a variety of causes. The nature of the pain, the location, duration and when it occurs help to give us an idea of what the cause may be.
A pharmacist can help with common simple problems such as mild indigestion, IBS and constipation but if you are worried about your symptoms or they are not resolved by simple measures then please get in touch.
Other useful information:
Stomach ache – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children: Abdominal pain (tummy ache) | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
Abortion (see also Termination of Pregnancy)
Who do I see?
Self-referral: British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)
Advice:
If you discover that you have a pregnancy that you feel you’re unable to continue with, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) is able to support you to make a decision that is right for you.
You can book an appointment for a consultation and medical assessment for abortion treatment by calling 03457 30 40 30 or by visiting their website
Other useful information:
Acne
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
Acne is a common skin condition that causes black, white or red spots, most commonly on the face, but may also affect the back, neck and chest. Most patients with acne are aged between 12 and 25 but it can affect older adults also.
Other useful information:
Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) Urine Test
Who do I see?
GP or practice nurse
Advice:
Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) urine testing is an important annual check-up for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure and checks the health of kidneys.
If you have been asked to provide an ACR urine test as part of your annual long-term condition review, please drop this off to reception and ensure you have labelled your sample.
This needs to be an early morning urine sample, in a white specimen tube and be clearly labelled with your name, DOB, time and date of collection.
Other useful information:
Alcohol Advice
Who do I see?
Self Referral: Inclusion Recovery Hampshire
Advice:
You can self-refer to Inclusion Recovery Hampshire for support with drug and alcohol problems affecting you or a family member.
Inclusion Recovery Hampshire want to enable those affected by drugs and alcohol to make the changes they want to make, whether that is to reduce or completely stop use. They can provide a team of Doctors, Nurses, Recovery Workers, Community Connectors, Peer Mentors and Recovery Coaches to help achieve this.
Other useful information:
Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition of non-scarring (no scarring to the scalp) hair loss that can occur at any age which can understandably be very distressing. Typically it will present as bald patches on the scalp but can affect other parts of the body.
Other useful information:
Anger Problems
Who do I see?
Aged 16+: Self Referral: NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire
Children: Self Referral: The Moving On Project Counselling
Advice:
Anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at certain times. We can feel angry for lots of different reasons (road rage for example) but sometimes you may not know why or can’t explain why you feel the way you do.
Learning to identify and manage anger in a safe and controlled way will help to ensure you don’t hurt yourself or others and enable you to be able to manage your symptoms.
Tips for when you start to feel angry:
- Talking to someone to help to put things in perspective
- Listening to music
- Taking slow, deep breaths
- Going for a walk
- Having a bath
- Try meditation or yoga
- Playing a high energy sport like football, cycling or running
- Playing a computer game
- Drawing, painting or writing in your diary to try and express how you feel
It is impossible to never get angry. Remember that the way you act when you are angry can make what happens afterwards better or worse. Uncontrolled anger can be harmful, but you can learn to manage it.
Other useful information:
Treatment and support for anger issues – Mind
Anxiety (see also Panic Attacks)
Who do I see?
Aged 16+: Self Referral: NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire
Children: Self Referral: The Moving On Project Counselling
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if in crisis (for urgent help out of hours or if you find yourself in crisis you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential, emotional support. You can text SHOUT to 85258 or you can use NHS 111 who have a mental health service)
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if you wish to discuss medication.
Advice:
Anxiety is a feeling of stress, panic or fear that can affect your everyday life physically and psychologically.
All the local schools should be offering a young person’s mental health/support and wellbeing service, please contact the school directly.
Other useful information:
Anxiety and panic attacks – NHS
How to cope with anxiety – NHS
Athlete’s Foot
Who do I see?
Advice:
Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection caused by overgrowth of fungus that lives on our skin. Treatment with a simple antifungal cream usually works well and is available from the Community Pharmacist without the need for a prescription.
Other useful information:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Who do I see?
Children: Speak to your child’s school first, they are best placed to advise and support, and they can make any necessary referrals for assessment, GP input is not required. Alternatively you can self-refer to the Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Adults: Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. Symptoms may involve a person’s ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).
Private Assessments
In recent years, more patients seek private treatment and ask GPs to prescribe specialist medications recommended by private specialists. In line with other GP practices, we do not participate in Shared Care Agreements with private providers or issue new prescriptions for specialist medications initiated by private providers, patients must obtain these prescriptions directly from their private specialist.
Right to Choose
Some patients/parents choose to use the ‘Right to Choose’ scheme to obtain an earlier assessment than may be offered on the NHS. Shared Care Agreements with private specialists is only possible when this service is being provided for the patient on behalf of the NHS (e.g. Right to Choose with ADHD360, Psicon, Clinical Partners or Psychiatry UK. We do not participate in Shared Care Agreements with other ‘Right to Choose’ providers, nor will we do so if you have paid privately to see one of these providers).
Other useful information:
ADHD in children and young people – NHS
Adults: NHS ADHD Service (PHL)
Children: ADHD | Common Health Issues – Young Person | Healthier Together
Children: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – CAMHS
Autism
Who do I see?
Children: Speak to your child’s school first, they are best placed to advise and support, and they can make any necessary referrals for assessment to Hampshire IOW Children Autism Assessments – The Owl Centre, GP input is not required.
Adults: Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. Being autistic means you may feel things and react to them differently to non-autistic people. You may find socialising confusing or tiring, and you may become overwhelmed in loud or busy places. You may have intense interests, prefer order and routine, and use repeated movements or actions to calm yourself or express joy.
Right to Choose
Some patients/parents choose to use the ‘Right to Choose’ scheme to obtain an earlier assessment than may be offered on the NHS.
Other useful information:
NHS Autism Assessment Service – The Owl Centre
Children: Autism | Common Health Issues – Young Person | Healthier Together
B12 Deficiency and B12 Injections
Who do I see?
Submit a medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if you think you have a B12 deficiency.
Healthcare Assistant (HCA) for B12 injection (once B12 deficiency confirmed and B12 injections prescribed by GP).
Advice:
Vitamin B12 is an essential part of making new cells in the body, such as new red blood cells which are made every day. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs and milk and a normal balanced diet usually contains enough vitamin B12. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia and a number of other problems.
Causes can include poor dietary intake (mostly seen with vegan diets), certain medications and a condition called pernicious anaemia.
Symptoms of B12 deficiency can included tiredness, a sore mouth and tongue and pins and needles. Some patients with low B12 do not have any symptoms.
B12 deficiency can be detected by a blood test, depending on your levels you may be recommended B12 injections or tablets.
Other useful information:
Back Pain
Who do I see?
Self care / Community Pharmacy (for pain relief)
Minor Injuries Unit (if you have recently injured your back)
Age 18+: Self Referral: NHS Physiotherapy
Age 16+: Submit a medical request via Anima to request an appointment with one of our Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practitioners
Children: Self Referral: Children’s Therapy Service if you have an ongoing issue
If you ever develop urinary incontinence, loss of sensation around your bottom or lose control of your bowels you must attend A&E immediately as your spinal cord may be compromised.
Advice:
Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Home exercises are an important part of ongoing management and can be found online.
Other useful information:
Back pain | Causes, exercises, treatments | Versus Arthritis
Bedwetting
Who do I see?
Health Visitor / School Nurse/ ERIC website
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if persisting problems despite trying the above.
Advice:
Bedwetting is common and often runs in families. It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it. Many children under the age of 5 wet the bed and it is considered normal until this age.
It can help to keep a diary and try to understand the pattern. Constipation can also cause bedwetting in younger children. It is recommended to encourage your child to empty their bladder during the day and before bed and avoid caffeine-based drinks. It is important never to punish a child for bedwetting but to use positive reinforcement when things go well.
For children over the age of 5 an ‘enuresis alarm’ is usually the first thing to try next. These cannot be prescribed on the NHS but can be bought online.
Other useful information:
Bedwetting | Common Health Issues – Child 5 to 11 years | Healthier Together
Behavioural Concerns in Children
Who do I see?
Health Visitor / School Nurse
Advice:
There is plenty of help and support available for children with behavioural difficulties, but it can be hard to know how to access it. The Health Visitors and School Nurses are able to help with behavioural concerns.
Other useful information:
Your Health Visiting Service – Hampshire | Health for Under5s
Primary Behaviour Service (hants.gov.uk)
Parenting and Family Support – Family Lives (Parentline Plus)
Successful kids, happier families | Online Parenting Programme | Triple P (triplep-parenting.uk.net)
Parents & Carers – CAMHS (hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk) (for any concerns over mental health problems in children and how to self-refer)
Bereavement Support
Who do I see?
Online Support Services (see links below)
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if requiring further support.
Advice:
Most people will experience bereavement/grief at some point. The loss of something important or death of someone important to us can be one of the most difficult and painful life events that we experience.
Grief affects everyone differently, but many people may find that they experience a mixture of:
- Shock or disbelief
- Numbness/emptiness
- Guilt
- Despair, depression and intense sadness
- Fear, anxiety and worry about what happens next
- Relief (particularly after a long illness)
- Anger
Our reactions to the loss of a loved one particularly in the first few days and weeks following, are likely to be overwhelming and intense, but gradually over time these feelings usually start to reduce.
Other useful information:
Get help with grief after bereavement or loss – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Home – Cruse Bereavement Support
Coping with bereavement – Macmillan Cancer Support
Hope Again (specifically for young people)
Sands | Stillbirth and neonatal death charity
Together, for every baby – Charity for Babies | Tommy’s (tommys.org)
Blocked Ears (Ear Wax)
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
A pharmacist can help with ear wax build-up.
They might recommend drops to dissolve the ear wax or a bulb syringe device. The ear wax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week. If you have persisting problems, you can arrange to have the ear wax removed privately.
Do not use drops or a bulb if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).
Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.
Other useful information:
Blood Pressure (BP) Monitoring
Who do I see?
GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist
Advice:
Checking your blood pressure regularly helps us spot any problems early and keep your heart healthy. It’s quick, simple, and an important part of looking after your wellbeing.
We may ask you to monitor your own blood pressure over a number of days and send your readings to us to review. You can do this either online via Anima or by using our SurgeryPod machines.
If your blood pressure is too high or too low, speak to your GP, nurse, or local pharmacist for advice and support.
Other useful information:
Blue Badge Forms
Who do I see?
Contact Hampshire County Council directly or apply online
Advice:
The Blue Badge Scheme is for people with severe mobility problems to allow them to park closer to where they need to go. The scheme is managed by local authorities who deal with applications and issue the badges.
Other useful information:
Boils
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
If you are worried about a significant infection, submit an urgent medical request via Anima
if you routinely get them, you may require further tests to investigate the cause. Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
A boil is a hard and painful lump that fills with pus. Most boils will go away on their own.
Other useful information:
Bowel Cancer Screening
Who do I see?
Bowel Cancer Screening Programme – 0800 707 6060
For concerns outside of the screening programme please Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
Bowel cancer screening is offered every 2 years to men and women aged 50 to 74 via a home postal kit. People older than this can ask for a screening kit every 2 years by calling the free helpline on 0800 707 6060.
You can also call this number if you have missed your test and need to order a new kit.
Other useful information:
Bowel cancer screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
NHS bowel cancer screening: FIT kit instructions (English) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Breast Cancer Screening
Who do I see?
Breast Screening Service – 02392 283613 or 02392 283614.
Advice:
Female patients aged between 50 and 71 will be invited for breast screening every 3 years. If you think you have been missed or you are over 71 you can request breast screening by contacting the service directly.
Self-examination
Checking your breasts at home for any changes should be undertaken regularly. There is lots of advice online about how to perform this.
Other useful information:
How should I check my breasts? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Breast Lumps
Who do I see?
If you become aware of a new breast lump then please submit an urgent medical request via Anima
Advice:
There are various causes for breast lumps but our primary goal is always to act quickly to exclude cancer as a diagnosis. This is more common as we become older or for those with a strong family history.
Self-examination
Regularly checking your breasts on your own can be an important way to find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated successfully. Although no single test can detect all breast cancers early, many people report that performing a breast self-examination in combination with other screening methods can increase the odds of early detection.
Other useful information:
Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
Who do I see?
If you are worried about an infection (e.g. mastitis or an abscess), submit an urgent medical request via Anima
If you have ongoing breast pain with no infection, submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
Breast pain is common and thankfully on its own, is not usually a sign of breast cancer. Pains can be cyclical or non-cyclical but are often hormonal driven.
Other useful information:
Breast pain – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Breast pain: Causes, types and treatments | Breast Cancer Now
Breastfeeding Advice
Who do I see?
Health Visitor / Midwife
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if you are worried about an infection (e.g. mastitis).
Advice:
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby’s feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days.
If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor, or join a local breastfeeding support group.
Other useful information:
All about breastfeeding | Baby | Health for Under 5s
Breastfeeding help and support – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
National Breastfeeding Helpline – Helpline
Breathlessness
Who do I see?
Call 999 or attend A&E for sudden or severe symptoms.
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if you have an acute problem.
Submit a medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment to discuss longer-term problems.
Advice:
Shortness of breath might not be anything to worry about, but sometimes it can be serious and you’ll need to get medical help.
If you’re feeling breathless, your GP or nurse can help find out the cause and give you the right support. Seek urgent help if it comes on suddenly, is severe, or happens with chest pain.
Other useful information:
Bruised Ribs
Who do I see?
Minor Injuries Unit
Community Pharmacy (for pain relief)
Advice:
Broken or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall, a blow to the chest or severe coughing. Ribs cannot be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they’re usually left to heal naturally. Having an x-ray for a broken rib is not routinely recommended unless there are other complications.
Other useful information:
Burns
Who do I see?
Minor Injuries Unit / A&E
Advice:
If the burn is severe or deep, caused by a chemical or electrical burn or the burn is larger than the patient’s hand please attend A&E right away.
Minor Injuries Unit can assist with minor burns.
If you require ongoing dressing of a wound / care of your burn, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Other useful information:
Can My Child Go To School / Nursery?
Who do I see?
Speak with the school or nursery team.
Advice:
Individual schools and nurseries may have their own policies but we follow the NHS advice as below.
If you have an unwell child, please contact us via Anima.
Other useful information:
Do I need to keep my child off school – Public Health Agency
Should your child go to school/nursery today? :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Cancer (Diagnosis, Support, and Treatment)
Who do I see?
GP, practice nurse, or our Wellbeing Team (for non-medical support).
Advice:
If you have any symptoms or concerns, please contact us via Anima. We will assess your needs and arrange testing or make onward referrals where needed to help you.
Our Wellbeing Team run a monthly drop-in session at our Highlands Surgery usually on the last Saturday of the month. This is open to cancer patients and their family and carers.
Other useful information:
Carers Support
Who do I see?
Online Support Services
Wellbeing Team – Meon Health Practice
Adult Social Care – Hampshire County Council
Advice:
Caring for someone can be rewarding but also challenging. If you’re a carer, your GP or practice team can offer support, advice, and signpost you to local services that can help you look after your own health and wellbeing.
Other useful information:
Register someone as your carer – Meon Health Practice
Support and benefits for carers – Social care and support guide – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Where to find support for carers – Mind
Carers: help and support – Citizens Advice
For those who think they may need to set up social care for a relative/loved one:
The Care Needs Assessment Explained | Age UK
Adult social care | Health and social care | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)
Cellulitis (Skin Infection)
Who do I see?
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima
Advice:
Cellulitis is a skin infection that’s treated with antibiotics. It makes your skin painful, hot and swollen. The area usually looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. It can be serious if it’s not treated quickly.
Other useful information:
Cervical Screening (Smear Test)
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Once you are invited, please book an appointment with the nurse on a day that you are not bleeding or on your period. If you have recently had a baby, you need to wait until your baby is 12 weeks old. Appointments can be made via the NHS App.
Cervical screening is very important and helps to pick up any potential problems at an early stage so please make sure you come along for your appointment when you are called. We are not able to carry out cervical screening unless you have an appointment letter or are overdue your test.
Other useful information:
Cervical screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Cervical screening (smear test) | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk)
Chest Infections
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if persisting or you have underlying health problems.
Advice:
Chest infections often follow colds or flu. It is not uncommon for a cough to last for 3 – 4 weeks.
Chest infections can be viral or bacterial, antibiotics are not helpful for viral chest infections and will therefore not always be recommended at your appointment.
Coughs and colds are extremely common in young children. Over the first few years of life, your child might have these every month, take a look at the Healthier Together website for more information.
Other useful information:
Chest infection – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children: Cough and Cold | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
Chest Pain
Who do I see?
Attend A&E / call 999 if severe symptoms or with any symptoms that may suggest a heart attack (sudden central chest pain, pain the left arm/jaw/neck, nausea, anxiety, breathlessness or sweating).
Submit a medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if the chest pain is not severe, does not have the above features and is persisting.
Advice:
There are numerous other causes for chest pains including indigestion, costochondritis, chest infections, muscular pains and more. The location, duration and nature of the pain can help us to determine the cause.
Other useful information:
Child Development Concerns
Who do I see?
Health Visitor
Advice:
Health visitors are qualified nurses or midwives who have undergone further specialist training. They can support with a variety of issues from birth up to 5 years of age. If you are worried about your child’s development, they are the best people to speak to initially.
Other useful information:
Your Health Visiting Service – Hampshire | Health for Under5s
Cold Sores
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. There are things you can do to help ease the pain, and treatments that can be tried, a pharmacist will be able to guide you.
Other useful information:
Cold Symptoms
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Antibiotics are NOT needed for the common cold, as colds are caused by a virus. A pharmacist will be able to help with cold and flu remedies.
Other useful information:
Common cold – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children: Cough and Cold | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
Conjunctivitis (also see Eye Problems)
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if the patient is under 28 days old.
Advice:
Conjunctivitis is common and usually will resolve without any treatment. The pharmacist can help with advice and provide antibiotic drops if needed for anyone over the age of 2.
Other useful information:
Adults: Conjunctivitis – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children: Conjunctivitis | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
Constipation
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if associated with abdominal pain or bloating.
Submit a medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if longer term problem.
Advice:
Constipation is common and can be caused by a variety of reasons including diet, dehydration and some medications. A pharmacist can help, and simple laxative medication can be obtained over the counter (without a prescription).
Constipation is also very common in children, especially aged 2-3. The ERIC website has lots of information and a helpline on 0808 169 9949 for more specialist advice. Keeping well hydrated and active is important.
Other useful information:
Constipation – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children: Bowel problems | ERIC
Children: Constipation :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Contraception (also see Emergency Contraception)
Who do I see?
NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
In line with new national guidance, you do not need to see a doctor or nurse for oral contraception prescriptions, and getting the contraceptive pill is free, with or without a prescription. Therefore, patients are now being asked to obtain oral contraception from their local community pharmacy, rather than their GP surgery.
From 29 October 2025, the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service has been expanded to include emergency contraception. The Emergency Contraception Service is free to access under the national NHS service and supports patients seeking urgent or same-day appointments.
To find your nearest participating pharmacy, click here: Find a pharmacy – NHS
Other useful information:
Emergency contraception – Let’s Talk about It (letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk)
Cystitis
Who do I see?
Pharmacy First Scheme (for females aged 16 – 64 years)
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if you don’t meet the criteria for Pharmacy First Scheme.
Advice:
A pharmacist can often help with simple or mild cases of cystitis.
Other useful information:
Delaying Periods
Who do I see?
Advice:
We no longer issue prescriptions for medication to delay periods for non-medical reasons e.g. holidays or special events.
Patients wishing to delay their period can now access this service directly through many local pharmacies or can be purchased online, where a clinician can provide advice, & if appropriate issue the necessary medication.
Please note Norethisterone is not licensed in children.
Other useful information:
Dental Problems
Who do I see?
Dentist
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist. If you do not have one, you can find one via:
Find a dentist – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
NHS 111 can advise on an emergency dentist if needed.
Please note: our team are not qualified or insured to be able to help with dental problems. Dental problems should always be seen by the dentist. This includes pain relief requests and antibiotic prescriptions, your dentist is able to prescribe for you.
Sometimes we are asked to advise on medications for dental problems or ahead of dental procedures. As above, this should be all be dealt with by the dentist. They can access the SDCEP guidelines which are available here:
Published guidance | Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness (sdcep.org.uk)
Other useful information:
Depression (also see Mental Health Crisis)
Who do I see?
Aged 16+: Self Referral: NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire
Children: Self Referral: The Moving On Project Counselling
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if in crisis (for urgent help out of hours or if you find yourself in crisis you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential, emotional support. You can text SHOUT to 85258 or you can use NHS 111 who have a mental health service)
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if you wish to discuss medication.
Advice:
Depression is a low mood that can last a long time or keep returning, affecting your everyday life.
All the local schools should be offering a young person’s mental health/support and wellbeing service, please contact the school directly.
Other useful information:
How to cope with depression – NHS
Diarrhoea
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if persisting.
Advice:
Diarrhoea is passing looser or more frequent stools than is normal for you. It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. Most cases of diarrhoea clear up after a few days without treatment, and if so, you do not need to seek medical advice.
However, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration so you should drink plenty of fluids – small, frequent sips of water – until it passes. It’s very important that babies, small children and elderly patients do not become dehydrated.
Other useful information:
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Children: Diarrhoea and vomiting :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Domestic Abuse Support
Who do I see?
Online Support Services
Police – 999 if you are in danger or in an emergency
Police – 101
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Advice:
Domestic violence/abuse can be defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence.
All forms of domestic abuse are not acceptable in any situation. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.
Other useful information:
Domestic abuse: how to get help – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk)
I need help – information and support on domestic abuse (womensaid.org.uk)
Dressings
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant (HCA)
Advice:
Please contact the surgery to arrange your appointment if you require a dressing.
Other useful information:
Driving
Who do I see?
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Online Support Services
Advice:
Common queries we are approached about are stopping driving when getting older and the impact of certain health conditions on the ability to drive.
There’s no set age when a person must legally stop driving. You can continue to drive into your later years if you do so safely and don’t have any medical conditions that affect driving.
However, you’re required to renew your licence when you turn 70, and every 3 years after that.
Mobility centres have been set up to offer information and advice about mobility and driving. They also have trained staff who can assess someone’s driving and look at what could help them stay driving for longer. The aim of these assessments is to help older drivers continue driving for as long as they can do so safely.
If you’re seriously concerned about an older person’s driving, but they’re refusing to consider alternative options, you should write in confidence to the DVLA who may then follow up with the local police.
Southampton – Driving Mobility
How to keep driving after 70 | Age UK
Worried about someone’s driving? | Elderly drivers | Age UK
You need to tell the DVLA about some medical conditions as they can affect your driving/safety. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.
If you have a car or motorcycle licence, you can check online if your condition needs to be reported.
You’ll then be told how to report your condition – this will either be in the online service or by printing off and sending a paper form.
Notable conditions include diabetes, strokes, epilepsy and the insertion of pacemakers.
Other useful information:
Reapply for a driving licence following a medical condition: How to reapply – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Drug Addiction
Who do I see?
Self Referral: Inclusion Recovery Hampshire
Advice:
You can self-refer to Inclusion Recovery Hampshire for support with drug and alcohol problems affecting you or a family member.
Inclusion Recovery Hampshire want to enable those affected by drugs and alcohol to make the changes they want to make, whether that is to reduce or completely stop use. They can provide a team of Doctors, Nurses, Recovery Workers, Community Connectors, Peer Mentors and Recovery Coaches to help achieve this.
Other useful information:
Dizziness
Who do I see?
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if acute episode
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if persistent problem
Advice:
Dizziness includes feeling off-balance, giddy, lightheaded or faint, like you or things around you are spinning (vertigo)
Other useful information:
DWP Benefits, PIP Claims and Other Support Allowance
Who do I see?
We are unable to provide letters of support for the DWP.
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 regret we are unable to provide additional letters of support as the information we provide will be included in the report requested by the DWP.
However you may request your medical records if you feel this may help your case. If you wish to have a copy of your medical records, further information can be found here.
Our social prescribing and wellbeing team may be able to help, and we have provided some other useful contacts below:
Other useful information:
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
The ME Association: www.meassociation.org.uk/information-and-support-line/
Welfare Rights Line: You can call the Welfare Rights & Money Advice team on 023 8083 2339 (9am to 1pm Monday to Friday) or by Email: welfarerights.advice@southampton.gov.uk or visit Welfare Rights & Money Advice.
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.
Gov UK Website
Contact the Disability Service Centre – GOV.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.
Dyslexia
Who do I see?
School / British Dyslexia Association
Advice:
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling.
It’s a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading and writing.
Unlike a learning disability, intelligence isn’t affected.
It’s estimated up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia.
If you are concerned about your child, then speak to their teacher or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). For adults you will need to arrange a private assessment.
Other useful information:
Assessments – British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
Ear Wax
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
A pharmacist can help with ear wax build-up.
They might recommend drops to dissolve the ear wax or a bulb syringe device. The ear wax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week. If you have persisting problems, you can arrange to have the ear wax removed privately.
Do not use drops or a bulb if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).
Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.
Other useful information:
Earache (also see Blocked Ears)
Who do I see?
Self Care / Pharmacy First Scheme (if aged 1-17 years).
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if you don’t meet the criteria for Pharmacy First Scheme or for ongoing symptoms.
Advice:
Earache and ear infections are very common, particularly in children.
Other useful information:
Ear infections – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children: Earache | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
Early Pregnancy Referrals
Who do I see?
Self-refer to Midwife for new pregnancies
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.
Advice:
If you are having abdominal pain or bleeding in early pregnancy please speak to the same day triage team or 111 out of hours.
Other useful information:
Eating Disorders
Who do I see?
Children: Self Referral: Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Adults: Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.
Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.
Anyone can get an eating disorder, but teenagers between 13 and 17 are mostly commonly affected.
Other useful information:
Overview – Eating disorders – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Eating Disorders Service :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust
Eating Difficulties – CAMHS (hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk)
The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity – Beat (beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
Eczema
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima for any concerns over severe or infected eczema.
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment for ongoing problems.
Advice:
Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or have a rash-like appearance.
It can begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and it can range from mild to severe. In the UK, one in five children and one in ten adults have eczema.
The most important part of eczema management is keeping the skin well moisturised. Steroid creams may be required for flare ups, low strength steroid creams can be purchased over the counter for adults.
Other useful information:
Atopic eczema – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Our skin and eczema | National Eczema Society
Children: Eczema | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
Emergency Contraception
Who do I see?
NHS Pharmacy Emergency Contraception Service / Community Pharmacy / Contraception & Sexual Health Clinic
Advice:
Emergency contraception is commonly referred to as “the morning after pill”. If you have had sex without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed, you can use emergency contraception.
From 29 October 2025, the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service has been expanded to include emergency contraception.
The Emergency Contraception Service is free to access under the national NHS service and supports patients seeking urgent or same-day appointments. Across NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight (HIOW), 96% of pharmacies provide this service.
If you feel you need to, you should access emergency contraception as soon as possible.
Other useful information:
Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription – NHS
Emergency contraception – Let’s Talk about It (letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk)
Flu Symptoms
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if difficulty breathing or symptoms persisting for more than 7 days
Advice:
Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re advised to.
Other useful information:
Flu Vaccines
Who do I see?
Vaccination team or practice nurse
Advice:
We will invite you for your annual flu vaccine if you are eligible.
Other useful information:
Flying Problems (e.g. Fear of Flying)
Who do I see?
Self help
NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire
Advice:
Patients sometimes ask us to prescribe Diazepam for fear of flying. There are a number of reasons why prescribing this drug is not recommended.
1) Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed. If there is an emergency during the flight it may impact your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and respond to the situation. This could have serious safety consequences for you and those around you.
2) Sedative drugs can make you fall asleep, however when you do sleep it is an unnatural non-REM sleep. This means you won’t move around as much as during natural sleep. This can cause you to be at increased risk of developing a blood clot (DVT) in the leg or even the lung. Blood clots are very dangerous and can prove fatal. This risk is even greater if your flight is greater than 4 hours.
3) Whilst most people find medications like Diazepam sedating, a small number of people report agitation and increased aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally. This could impact on your safety as well as that of other passengers and could also get you into trouble with the airline/law.
4) According to the prescribing guidelines doctors follow, medications such as Diazepam are contraindicated (not allowed) in treating phobias. Your doctor would be taking a significant legal risk by prescribing against the guidelines. They are only licensed short term for a crisis in generalised anxiety. If this is the case, you should be getting proper care and support for your mental health and not going on a flight.
5) Diazepam and similar drugs are illegal in several countries. They may be confiscated, or you may find yourself in trouble with the police on arrival if you are carrying them.
6) Diazepam stays in your system for quite a while. If your job requires you to submit to random drug testing, you may fail this having taken Diazepam.
We appreciate that fear of flying is very real and very frightening. Some airlines run courses designed to try and help with this issue.
Other useful information:
Forms, Certificates, and Medicals
Who do I see?
Our Administration team or submit an online request via Anima
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS but are provided privately. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please visit Medical forms and private non-NHS queries – Meon Health Practice for more information.
Please allow up to 90 working days for the process of any non-NHS work to be completed. We will keep you updated with the progress for all non-NHS requests, and will contact you when your form is ready for collection.
Other useful information:
Fungal Nail Infections
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if persisting problem
Advice:
If your nail symptoms do not respond to over-the-counter treatment you may be able to take anti-fungal tablets to clear the infection. You may need to take anti-fungal tablets for up to six months and they can affect your liver function and disturb your sense of taste.
Other useful information:
A GP can prescribe anti-fungal tablets, but you should take a sample of your nail tested, to find out what type of infection you have and also a blood test to check your liver function:
Gender Incongruence
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment
Advice:
Please see our LGBTQ+ Support page on our website: LGBTQ+ Support – Meon Health Practice
Other useful information:
How to find an NHS gender dysphoria clinic – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Haemorrhoids (Piles)
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if not responding to treatment or they keep coming back
Advice:
Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus). They often get better on their own after a few days. A pharmacist can help with treatment in the first instance.
Other useful information:
Hay Fever
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Almost all hay fever medications are now available from the chemist without needing to see the GP. This includes oral anti-histamines such as Fexofenadine, Piriton and Loratadine, steroid nasal sprays and eye drops.
We do not steroid injections for hay fever as this is not recommended practice.
- Avoid walking in grassy, open spaces, particularly during the early morning, early evening, and during mowing, when the pollen count is high.
- Avoid drying washing outdoors when the pollen count is high.
- Keep windows shut in cars and buildings.
- Plan holidays to avoid the pollen season, where possible.
- Shower or wash hair following high pollen exposures.
Other useful information:
Hay Fever | Allergy UK | National Charity
Hay fever tablets: cheap hay fever remedies – MSE (moneysavingexpert.com)
Head Lice / Nits
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Head lice can be treated at home without the need for medical assistance.
Other useful information:
Head lice and nits – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Holiday Cancellations (also see Forms, Certificates, and Medicals)
Who do I see?
Our Administration team or submit an online request via Anima
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals, including holiday cancellation letters, are not covered under the NHS but are provided privately. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please visit Medical forms and private non-NHS queries – Meon Health Practice for more information.
Please allow up to 90 working days for the process of any non-NHS work to be completed. We will keep you updated with the progress for all non-NHS requests and will contact you when your form is ready for collection.
Other useful information:
Hormone Replacement Therapy – HRT (see also Menopause)
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine appointment if you are struggling with symptoms or would like to discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Advice:
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life, including relationships, social life, family life and work. It can feel different for everyone, you may have several symptoms or none.
The main medicine treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the hormones that are at low levels. There are lots of different types of HRT.
Other useful information:
Hospital Appointments and Results (Outpatients)
Who do I see?
The hospital Medical Secretary
Advice:
Once you have been referred to a hospital specialist by the surgery, your information will be reviewed by their team and an appointment will be allocated to you. You will be contacted directly by the hospital department.
We do not have any control over the time scale of this, it is at their discretion, and will be based on the information provided in your referral, and the availability within the hospital department.
We cannot influence their decision or request this is expedited unless there is a significant change in your symptoms. Please contact the department you have been referred to if you have any queries around your referral.
If you are waiting for tests, scans, or for follow up appointments to be arranged by the hospital, please contact the Consultant’s Medical Secretary as we are not kept informed on when these will take place, nor do we have any control over the time scales for these.
Results for scans and tests:
Please be aware that we are not able to give you the results of blood tests or scan results that have been organised for you by the hospital team. Please contact the hospital department or Consultant’s Medical Secretary for your results from the hospital.
Other useful information:
Outpatients and day patients – NHS
Waiting times for hospital appointments are published here:
Hospital Transport
Who do I see?
SCAS Patient Transport Service
Advice:
Following a review of non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) it has been decided to move over to a patient-led booking process for all out-patient journeys from 1 November 2023.
Certain patient groups are eligible for assistance with non emergency hospital transport.
How to organise transport to and from hospital – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Patient Transport Service | South Central Ambulance Service (scas.nhs.uk)
Hampshire patients accessing transport for the first time need to call 0300 123 9833 to create a master record and book your initial appointment. Their telephone lines are open from 06:30 until 23:00, 7 days a week.
You can then use the PTS Patient Zone to book subsequent journeys, manage your bookings and check your journey status online.
Other telephone numbers:
Contact Centre 0300 123 9833
Cancellation line 0300 790 0143
Estimated Time of Arrival line for patients 0300 013 5003
Housing Letters (also see Forms, Certificates, and Medicals)
Who do I see?
Our Administration team or submit an online request via Anima
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS but are provided privately. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
From time to time, GPs are requested to provide reports for patients to Local Housing Authorities and Housing Associations.
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please visit Medical forms and private non-NHS queries – Meon Health Practice for more information.
Please allow up to 90 working days for the process of any non-NHS work to be completed. We will keep you updated with the progress for all non-NHS requests and will contact you when your form is ready for collection.
Other useful information:
Further information and help is available from Shelter England
Our social prescribing and wellbeing team may also be able to help.
Infected Wounds
Who do I see?
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima
Advice:
Keep the wound clean, cover it with a fresh dressing, and go to A&E if you develop a spreading redness, severe pain, fever or feel very unwell.
Other useful information:
Infected Wounds: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Children: Cuts and wounds | Accidents and Injuries | Healthier Together
Insect Bites (also see Stings)
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Most bites and stings will get better within a few days. A pharmacist can help with antihistamine medication and medicated creams. Insect bites and stings do not usually require antibiotics. Skin redness and itching are common and may last for up to 10 days.
Other useful information:
Insurance Reports (also see Forms, Certificates, and Medicals)
Who do I see?
Our Administration team or submit an online request via Anima
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS but are provided privately. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please visit Medical forms and private non-NHS queries – Meon Health Practice for more information. You can send us your request online: via Anima
Please allow up to 90 working days for the process of any non-NHS work to be completed. We will keep you updated with the progress for all non-NHS requests and will contact you when your form is ready for collection.
Other useful information:
Long COVID
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
For some people, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or “long COVID”.
If you are struggling with symptoms suggestive of long COVID then speak to the GP routinely. There is no cure or medication, treatment is supportive and based on symptom management.
Other useful information:
Long-term effects of coronavirus (long COVID) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Your COVID Recovery | Supporting your recovery after COVID-19
Lyme Disease / Tick Bites
Who do I see?
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if you are worried about an acute Lyme Disease infection
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment for longer term symptoms or concerns
Advice:
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks. It can give a characteristic ‘bullseye’ rash and may be associated with other symptoms such as headache, muscle pains and fever.
Other useful information:
Medical Reports (also see Forms, Certificates, and Medicals)
Who do I see?
Our Administration team or submit an online request via Anima
Advice:
You can request a copy of all or part of your medical records, but they’re mainly used by healthcare teams to give you the best possible care. A medical report is more like a health summary or a letter written for a specific reason, such as when:
An insurance company, employer, or solicitor asks for medical information.
You need a summary for travel or specialist care.
You’re applying for benefits.
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS but are provided privately. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please visit Medical forms and private non-NHS queries – Meon Health Practice for more information. You can send us your request online: via Anima
Please allow up to 90 working days for the process of any non-NHS work to be completed. We will keep you updated with the progress for all non-NHS requests and will contact you when your form is ready for collection.
Other useful information:
British Medical Association guidance: Why does my doctor charge fees?
Medication Queries and Reviews
Who do I see?
A GP, Practice Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, or Specialist Nurse
Advice:
If you have a repeat prescription, we may need to carry out regular medication reviews and/or blood tests. We will be in touch when you need this so that you can arrange the appropriate review.
Some medication requires periodic monitoring (e.g. blood tests, blood pressure) to ensure it’s safe for us to prescribe it to you. It is important to take responsibility for your own treatment and care.
Failure to complete your review or monitoring may mean we will have to prescribe you a reduced quantity of your medication.
If you think your medication review is overdue, or if you are unsure how to take your current medication, please contact our Pharmacy and Prescribing Teams via Anima.
Alternatively, you can call 01329 845777 or visit the surgery during opening hours.
Other useful information:
For more information, please visit Prescriptions – Meon Health Practice
Menopause (see also Hormone Replacement Therapy – HRT)
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine appointment if you are struggling with symptoms or would like to discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Advice:
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life, including relationships, social life, family life and work. It can feel different for everyone, you may have several symptoms or none.
Symptoms usually start months or years before your periods stop. This is called the perimenopause.
Other useful information:
Mental Health Crisis (also see Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings)
Who do I see?
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now
If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111
Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential support
Text SHOUT to 85258
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima
Advice:
If you’re feeling like you want to end your life, it’s important to tell someone. There are many places you can get support from if you are in crisis, please do reach out if you are struggling.
If you are a patient already known to the Crisis Team, you can call them directly in a crisis on 02382 311900.
Other useful information:
Help in a crisis :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust
Where to get urgent help for mental health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
Minor Injuries
Who do I see?
Minor Injuries Unit
Advice:
Treatment at the Minor Injuries Unit includes:
- Treating minor head injuries
- Facial and eye injuries
- Foreign body removal
- Limb injuries and concerns over fractures
- Animal and insect bites
- Minor burns
- Wound assessment and closure
- Gosport Minor Injuries Unit is open 8.00am – 10.00pm, and they have x-ray facilities 8.30am – 9.00pm. This is a walk-in service and no appointment is necessary.
Other useful information:
Moles
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
If you are worried about changes to any moles or skin lesions please arrange a routine appointment with the GP. Please be aware that we are unable to offer any treatment for cosmetic issues related to skin lesions. This would need to be obtained privately.
Other useful information:
Mouth Problems (also see Dental Problems)
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy / Dentist
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist in the first instance for any mouth related problems. If you are not registered with a dentist then 111 can assist with this.
Find a dentist – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Please be aware, our team are not trained or insured to assist with dental issues.
Other useful information:
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Problems
Who do I see?
Self care / Community Pharmacy (for pain relief)
Minor Injuries Unit (if you have recently injured yourself)
Age 18+: Self Referral: NHS Physiotherapy
Age 16+: Submit a medical request via Anima to request an appointment with one of our Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practitioners
Children: Self Referral: Children’s Therapy Service if you have an ongoing issue
Advice:
Joint pain is common, especially as you get older. There are things you can do to ease the pain but seek medical attention if it’s very painful or you have an ongoing issue.
Other useful information:
Nappy Rash
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Nappy rash is common and often doesn’t require any prescription treatment. A pharmacist can help with suitable creams to use in the first instance.
Other useful information:
Neck Pain
Who do I see?
Self care / Community Pharmacy (for pain relief)
Minor Injuries Unit (if you have recently injured your neck)
Age 18+: Self Referral: NHS Physiotherapy
Age 16+: Submit a medical request via Anima to request an appointment with one of our Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practitioners
Children: Self Referral: Children’s Therapy Service if you have an ongoing issue
Advice:
Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. There are things you can do yourself to ease it, but seek medical attention if you have ongoing symptoms.
Other useful information:
Neck pain | Causes, exercises, treatments | Versus Arthritis
NHS App (also see Online Services)
Who do I see?
The NHS App: Log in – NHS App Online
Advice:
You must be aged 13 or over, with a smart phone or tablet, to use the NHS App. You also need to be registered with a GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man.
The NHS App allows you to access a wide range of NHS services. You can download the NHS App on your smart phone or tablet. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
With full access you can:
- Request and manage repeat prescriptions
- Check and manage GP surgery and Hospital appointments
- Contact your GP via online consultation (Anima is coming soon!)
- Book flu and Covid vaccinations
- View test results
- Register with a GP practice
- Setup proxy care for family members and carers with the same practice
- Use 111 online
- Browse NHS health information using the health A to Z
- Browse medical information using the medicines A to Z
- View your GP health records
- Get GP notifications instead of emails or text messages
- Manage your referrals
- Free up our administration time to help patients who are unable to obtain healthcare via the NHS App
- Make things smoother and faster for all the practices patients and help take off the pressure on practice staff
- Save money for the NHS by reducing communication costs (such as emails or texts)
- Improve your access to test results and repeat prescriptions
Other useful information:
Nosebleeds
Who do I see?
Self Care
Attend A&E straight away if your nosebleed lasts longer than 15 minutes or the bleeding is heavy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment to discuss recurrent nosebleeds
Advice:
Try to stop your nosebleed by sitting down and leaning forward and pinching your nose just above your nostrils. Do not lean head back or apply pressure to the bridge of your nose. You can apply an ice pack if you wish.
To avoid another nose bleed please follow the advice below for at least three days:
- All food and drink should be cool.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
- Avoid constipation and straining.
- Do NOT sunbathe or take hot baths.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Avoid scratching or blowing your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open if needed.
Other useful information:
Online Services (also see NHS App)
Who do I see?
Reception Team for any assistance needed
Advice:
If you are registered with the surgery, you can access some health services online.
Other useful information:
Using Anima
Anima is available for online medical and admin requests from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, subject to availability.
You will need to sign up or login to your Anima account in order to contact us with medical or admin requests.
You can use your NHS log in to create an account (the same way you sign in to the NHS app).
Using the NHS App
You are able to:
- order repeat prescriptions
- see parts of your health record, including information about medicines, vaccinations and test results
- see communications between your GP surgery and other services, such as hospital letters
- book, check or cancel some types of appointments
Most patients will automatically be given access to more information added to their GP record from November 2023 onwards. This includes letters, test results and appointment notes.
Log in – NHS App Online (service.nhs.uk)
Using Patient Access
Some patients choose to use Patient Access in a similar way to the NHS app. Patient Access connects you to local health services when you need them. You can use Patient Access to request GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and discover local health services for you or your family via your mobile or home computer.
If you already use Patient Access you can continue to use it but you can use the NHS app as well.
Patient Access – GP appointments & prescriptions online
There are a number of other sites/apps that are also available and offer other functions such as the ordering of medications:
Free NHS prescription delivery – LloydsDirect
Pharmacy2U – Leading Online Pharmacy Chemist and Online Pharmacy
Panic Attacks
Who do I see?
Adults: Self Referral: NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire
Children: Self Referral: The Moving On Project Counselling
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if symptoms persist despite having therapy through NHS Talking Therapies or The Moving on Project.
Advice:
During a panic attack you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason. A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.
Talking therapies are likely to be beneficial in helping you understand the triggers and how to manage the attacks.
Other useful information:
What is a panic attack? – Mind
Panic disorder – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Passport Forms
Who do I see?
We are not able to assist with signing passport forms.
Advice:
Passport forms are not covered by the NHS, and are not included in our non-NHS services.
Other useful information:
Please visit the Gov UK website for more information: Accepted occupations that can countersign your passport photo.
Period Problems (also see Delaying Periods)
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
You can get oral contraception (repeat supply or starting on contraceptives) from your local community pharmacy without needing a consultation with a GP.
NHS community pharmacies are an accessible and convenient place for people to receive advice and support for contraception management.
Advice:
Periods can cause lots of problems. The most commonly encountered are heavy, painful or irregular periods. Problems are often worse for young women just starting their periods or around the time of menopause.
Some types of contraception, such as an intrauterine system (IUS) or the combined contraceptive pill are often use to try to regulate heavy, painful or irregular bleeding. There are also medications that can help reduce the heaviness of periods or be used to control the pain.
Other useful information:
Irregular periods – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Heavy periods – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Polycystic ovary syndrome – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Pharmacy First NHS Services (e.g. Community Pharmacists)
Who do I see?
Pharmacy First Scheme
Advice:
Patients are able to access advice and treatment (including antibiotics) for 7 common conditions directly from their local community pharmacy. These conditions are:
- Earache/ear infection (1-17 years)
- Impetigo (1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (1 year and over)
- Sinusitis (12 years and over)
- Sore throat (5 years and over)
- Shingles (18 years and over)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (female patients, aged 16-64 years)
Other useful information:
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Who do I see?
Vaccination team or Practice Nurse
Advice:
We provide pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations to patients aged over 65 years and others who are eligible according to the criteria set by the Government.
We contact eligible patients by text message and/or letter and offer a range of clinics at various days of the week, including Saturdays.
Other useful information:
Pregnancy
Who do I see?
Midwife
Advice:
If you are newly pregnant, you will need to Self-refer to Midwife to access your antenatal care.
There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about what to expect during pregnancy and how antenatal care is provided in England. Please ensure you have started taking Folic Acid as recommended.
Other useful information:
Pregnancy | Start4Life (www.nhs.uk)
Vitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Rectal Bleeding
Who do I see?
Attend A&E if the blood loss is very heavy or black and tarry
Community Pharmacy if haemorrhoids (piles) present as these can be treated with creams/suppositories bought over-the-counter
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if acute episode
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if recurrent or longstanding issues.
Advice:
Rectal bleeding can have a range of causes, the type of bleeding and the colour of the blood can help determine the cause.
Other useful information:
Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Relationship Problems
Who do I see?
Online support services
Advice:
If relationship problems are affecting your wellbeing, you don’t have to manage alone — their are services who can listen, support you, and help you find the right help such as counselling or specialist advice.
Other useful information:
Maintaining healthy relationships and mental wellbeing – NHS
Removal of Stitches
Who do I see?
HCA (Health Care Assistant)
Advice:
Please contact the surgery to arrange your appointment if you require removal of stitches.
Please inform the Receptionist how many stitches you need removed (if there are lots you may need a longer appointment)
Other useful information:
Sedation for Scans
Who do I see?
Contact your hospital team
Advice:
We are unable to prescribe sedatives, such as Diazepam, for any procedure or scan, this includes MRI scans and dental procedures. If you feel you need sedation in such circumstances, please speak to the team undertaking the procedure or scan, as they are responsible for providing this if needed.
Our reasons for this decision are:
- GPs are not trained to provide the correct level of sedation for a procedure / scan. Providing too little sedation won’t help you, providing too much sedation can make you too sleepy, which could lead to the procedure being cancelled. Too much sedation can dangerously affect your breathing. After taking a sedative for a procedure or scan, you will need to be closely monitored to keep you safe.
- Although Diazepam makes most people who take it sleepy, in some rare situations it can have an opposite effect and make people aggressive or agitated.
Other useful information:
Sedation, analgesia and anaesthesia in radiology, third edition | The Royal College of Radiologists
Shingles Vaccine
Who do I see?
Vaccination team or Practice Nurse
Advice:
We provide pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations to patients aged over 65 years and others who are eligible according to the criteria set by the Government.
We contact eligible patients by text message and/or letter and offer a range of clinics at various days of the week, including Saturdays.
Other useful information:
Sick or Fit Notes (e.g. for work, not for schools or education)
Who do I see?
Our Administration team or submit an online request via Anima
Advice:
Sick notes are also known as ‘Fit notes’ and are used when you are medically unfit for any type of work. GPs do not provide sick notes for school children or those in education.
If you have been off work sick for seven days or less, you do not need to contact us. Your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you have been ill. Instead, they may ask you to complete a form when you return to work. This is called self-certification. You can obtain this form from your employer or by visiting the HMRC website.
If you have been discharged from hospital, your hospital team will issue any fit notes for the period of your recovery. Please contact the ward staff or the Consultant’s secretary (even after discharge). If you run into any difficulties please reference this guidance or speak to the ‘PALS’ department, this is part of their duty of care to you as their patient.
If you have been off work for more than seven days, you can contact us to request a sick note for your employer. The seven days include days that you don’t normally work.
Sick notes should be completed by the person or team who has been in charge of your care. This is not always the GP. We can only issue a fit note if we have been involved in your care or have supporting documentation.
A fit note can be backdated if required, please provide the required dates and as much information as you can.
Please note – requests for fit notes are not appropriate for same day / emergency triage calls, please follow the process below.
If you have been off sick for more than seven days, you should request a sick note. You can:
- Submit an admin request for a new or repeat sick note via Anima
- Alternatively, call 01329 845777 or visit the surgery
Your sick note will be emailed to the email address on your health record, or sent via text message. If you prefer to collect your sick note in person, please let us know.
Sick notes will be issued within 3 – 5 working days, but are usually completed quicker than this.
If you are still sick and your sick note is due to expire, you will need to contact us again to request a new sick note.
For more information, please visit Sick notes / Fit notes – Meon Health Practice
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 visit Medical forms and private non-NHS queries – Meon Health Practice for more information.
Returning to work following certified sickness
There are no notes to say that you are fit and well to return to work, this is for you and your employer to decide together. The absence of a fit note to state that you are unable to work is enough to support your return.
Other useful information:
Taking sick leave – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Employee’s statement of sickness to claim Statutory Sick Pay – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Statement of fitness for work: a guide for hospital doctors – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Who do I see?
Self Care / Pharmacy First Scheme (if aged 12 years and over).
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if you don’t meet the criteria for Pharmacy First Scheme
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment if worsening or persisting symptoms
Advice:
Sinusitis is common and often takes 2-3 weeks to fully clear. It is usually caused by a virus and therefore antibiotics are not often recommended. If you have sinusitis symptoms, you can now seek advice and treatment through the Pharmacy First Scheme. Some patients get relief from nasal rinses and decongestant sprays which can also be obtained from the pharmacy.
Other useful information:
Smoking Cessation (Help to Quit Smoking)
Who do I see?
Self Referral: Smokefree Hampshire
Advice:
Self refer to this service via the link above or text QUIT to 66777
Smokefree Hampshire provides a free NHS service across Hampshire
Other useful information:
Social Prescribing Service (Wellbeing Team)
Who do I see?
Our Wellbeing Team
Advice:
We will support patients with non-medical issues that do not need a medical prescription from a doctor. The team are here to support with life situations you may be struggling with. They can help deal with issues such as such as:
- carer stress
- loneliness and isolation
- bereavement
- employment issues
- low mood and anxiety
- other life situations
Other useful information:
Sore Penis
Who do I see?
If sexually active: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sexual Health Clinic
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima
Advice:
For concerns over possible sexually transmitted infections, please contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sexual Health Clinic directly
In children the most common cause is balanitis
Other useful information:
Sprains and Muscle/Ligament Strains
Who do I see?
Self care / Minor Injuries Unit
Aged 16+: Submit a medical request via Anima to request an appointment with one of our Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practitioners if you have an ongoing issue following an injury.
Children: Self Referral: Children’s Therapy Service if you have an ongoing issue following an injury.
Advice:
Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments.
Other useful information:
Stings (also see Insect Bites)
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Most bites and stings will get better within a few days. A pharmacist can help with antihistamine medication and medicated creams. Insect bites and stings do not usually require antibiotics. Skin redness and itching are common and may last for up to 10 days.
Other useful information:
Styes (small, painful lump on the eyelid)
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
A stye is a small, painful lump on the eyelid. They’re common and should go away within a week. Styes are rarely a sign of anything serious, but may be painful until they heal.
Other useful information:
Stye – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings (also see Mental Health Crisis)
Who do I see?
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now
If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111
Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential support
Text SHOUT to 85258
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima
Advice:
If you’re feeling like you want to end your life, it’s important to tell someone. There are many places you can get support from if you are in crisis, please do reach out if you are struggling.
If you are a patient already known to the Crisis Team, you can call them directly in a crisis on 02382 311900.
Other useful information:
Help in a crisis :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust
Where to get urgent help for mental health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
Sunburn
Who do I see?
Self Care / Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Sunburn is hot and sore skin caused by too much sun. It may flake and peel after a few days. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days.
Other useful information:
Termination of Pregnancy (see also Abortion)
Who do I see?
Self-referral: British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)
Advice:
If you discover that you have a pregnancy that you feel you’re unable to continue with, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) is able to support you to make a decision that is right for you.
You can book an appointment for a consultation and medical assessment for abortion treatment by calling 03457 30 40 30 or by visiting their website
Other useful information:
Threadworms
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Threadworms are tiny worms in your poo. They’re common in children and spread easily. You can treat them without seeing a GP (unless you are under 2 years old or pregnant or breastfeeding).
Other useful information:
Thrush (Oral)
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima for a baby under 4 months old or if symptoms do not resolve with over-the-counter treatment
Advice:
Treatment is available over the counter from a pharmacist unless this is for a baby under 4 months of age.
Steroid inhalers can cause oral thrush, be sure to use your spacer or rinse your mouth out following inhaler use.
Other useful information:
Oral thrush (mouth thrush) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children: Thrush | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
Thrush (Vaginal)
Who do I see?
Self Help / Community Pharmacy
Sexual Health Clinic – if you are sexually active you can also visit your local sexual health clinic for any concerns about vaginal discharge or possible sexually transmitted infections
Submit a routine medical request via Anima if you have frequent/recurrent episodes of thrush or your symptoms are not resolved with the usual treatments..
Advice:
You can obtain treatment for vaginal thrush easily over the counter as a cream, a vaginal tablet (pessary) and an oral tablet.
Other useful information:
Tiredness and Fatigue
Who do I see?
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
It’s normal to feel tired sometimes, common causes of tiredness and fatigue include:
- not getting enough sleep or finding it hard to get to sleep (insomnia)
- an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise)
- stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby
- hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause)
- some illnesses, like glandular fever and COVID-19
- some medical treatments and medicines, like chemotherapy, which can cause drowsiness for a while
If you’re tired all the time and you do not know why, it could be a sign of a problem and may warrant further investigations.
Other useful information:
Urinary Incontinence
Who do I see?
Self Referral: Bladder and Bowel Service – Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust
Submit a routine medical request via Anima to request a routine GP appointment.
Advice:
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It’s a common problem thought to affect millions of people. The main risk factor is advancing age. There are several types of urinary incontinence, including:
- Stress incontinence – when urine leaks out at times when your bladder is under pressure; for example, when you cough, sneeze or laugh.
- Urge incontinence – when urine leaks as you feel a sudden, intense urge to pee, or soon afterwards.
Stress incontinence is usually the result of the weakening of or damage to the muscles used to prevent urination, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral sphincter.
Urge incontinence is usually the result of overactivity of the detrusor muscles, which control the bladder. Some patients will have symptoms of both types, known as mixed incontinence.
There are a number of ways to help. Lifestyle changes can improve symptoms, these include weight loss and reduced caffeine intake. For stress incontinence symptoms it is recommended you have a 3 month trial of pelvic floor exercises. For urge incontinence or overactive bladder symptoms, bladder re-training is advised.
Other useful information:
Urinary incontinence – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Pelvic Floor Exercises | Bladder & Bowel Community (bladderandbowel.org)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Who do I see?
Pharmacy First Scheme (for females aged 16 – 64 years)
Submit an urgent medical request via Anima if you don’t meet the criteria for Pharmacy First Scheme.
Advice:
Urinary tract infections or ‘UTI’s are very common.
Typical symptoms include stinging or burning when you pass urine, pain in the lower abdomen or back, cloudy urine and needing to wee more frequently than normal.
Other useful information:
Vasectomy
Who do I see?
Self Referral: Vasectomy
Advice:
A vasectomy should be considered as a permanent and irreversible method of contraception. It’s usually carried out under local anaesthetic, where you’re awake but don’t feel any pain, and takes about 15 minutes.
Please visit the Mid Hampshire Healthcare (MHH) website and complete the self-referral form. A consultation will be offered prior to discuss the procedure and answer any questions that you might have.
Other useful information:
Verrucas (also see Warts)
Who do I see?
Self care – please note we do not offer “freezing therapy” in primary care
Advice:
Viral warts (also known as verruca when they are on the bottom of the feet) are tricky to treat and there is no proven treatment to guarantee clearance. Here is some helpful advice from our colleagues in Dermatology.
- Salicylic acid – purchase over the counter items such as ‘Verrugon’ and ‘Bazuka’, use every night for up to three months.
- Duct tape! Using Duct Tape to Clear Viral Warts you can try this for up to three months.
- Some private clinics will offer laser treatment, check with your preferred clinic.
Other useful information:
Warts (also see Verrucas)
Who do I see?
Self care – please note we do not offer “freezing therapy” in primary care
Advice:
Viral warts (also known as verruca when they are on the bottom of the feet) are tricky to treat and there is no proven treatment to guarantee clearance. Here is some helpful advice from our colleagues in Dermatology.
- Salicylic acid – purchase over the counter items such as ‘Verrugon’ and ‘Bazuka’, use every night for up to three months.
- Duct tape! Using Duct Tape to Clear Viral Warts you can try this for up to three months.
- Some private clinics will offer laser treatment, check with your preferred clinic.
Other useful information: