Useful Resources When the Surgery is Closed

Useful resources for when the surgery is closed:

Sometimes you might need help when the surgery is closed. We have put together a guide of local services that may be able to help and how to diagnose and treat common medical conditions (in many situations, the  same advice we would give to you if we spoke or saw you in person)

Emergencies and emergency symptoms: call 999 or attend A&E as you deem appropriate. Call 111 if uncertain or see the list of contacts/conditions below.

Minor injuries: The Cumberland Centre (tel 01752 434400) is open 8am to 6pm 7 days a week and has Xray facilities to diagnose common fractures (they don’t Xray hips, backs, heads, necks – this needs A&E).

Hospital test results, appointments and other hospital-related enquiries: call Derriford hospital and ask to speak with the Patient advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01752 202082.

Eye problems: For emergencies e.g. visual loss attend the Royal Eye Infirmary (REI). Otherwise try the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) which operate out of numerous opticians in our area –   Link  for MECS opticians in your area and conditions they treat

Medication issues, re-ordering, side effects, or allergies: your chemist – Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Mental health for children:
  • Mental health crises: call the First Response 24/7 on 0800 9239323.
  • Self referrals to CAMHS: call 01752435125
Mental health for adults:
  • Mental health crises: call the First Response 24/7 on 0800 9239323.
  • Other mental health issues: Check our mental health pack Mental Health | Pathfields Medical Group which has been put together by experts across the nation and is full of proven ways to improve your mental wellbeing. It also gives links to organisations that do counselling/talking therapies such as HEADSPACE where you can 30 min call, or a full assessment from Devon MIND or RETHINK.

Bereavement: Call the Bereavement counselling service on 01752349769 or visit https://bcsplymouth.co.uk/

Common medical conditions for adults:
  • Muscle, joint, bone, and nerve pain: see the muscle pain section on our website which contains the same advice we would give to you if we spoke to you or saw you in person https://www.pathfields.co.uk/msk-health/
  • Common medical conditions:
  • Online: Look at Health A to Z – NHS (www.nhs.uk) and put your main symptom or condition into the search. This will give you some useful advice to follow, including alarming symptoms that require more urgent evaluation
  • Your chemist: As long as you are over 1 year old and not pregnant, your chemist could potentially deal with the following conditions (certain exclusions apply, call your chemist first). Find your local pharmacy here Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Athletes foot Eczema Muscle aches and pains
Bites/Stings Fungal infections Pain
Colds and cold sores Hayfever Skin rashes
Congestion Headache Sore throat
Constipation Head lice Styes
Conjunctivitis Haemorrhoids/piles Threadworms
Cuts and sprains Indigestion and infant colic/reflux Thrush
Cystitis (not if first time or male) Influenza Vaginal discharge
Dermatitis Insect bites Vaginal itch/soreness
Diarrhoea (in 2+year olds) Medication queries, allergies, side effects Verrucae/warts
Dry or sore eyes Mouth ulcers Vomiting/nausea
Earache Mouth thrush Wounds

 

Common medical conditions for children:
  • Online: check out our web page on child health – Child Health | Pathfields Medical Group which gives up to date guidance on common conditions (see below) and most importantly, gives you information about when your child may need to see a healthcare professional and how to seek the most appropriate care:
  • Strep A and scarlet fever
  • Coughs and colds
  • Fever
  • Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • Sore throat
  • Sepsis
  • App: You can also download the paediatric handi-app which gives up to advice and treatment on common childhood conditions and recognising when your child is seriously unwell
  • Your chemist: see conditions above (if over 1 year old)
Devon Referral Support Services

Devon Referral Support Service (DRSS) is a referral management service, working on behalf of all GP practices in Devon and East Cornwall, to support our patients in getting the right advice, care or treatment in a timely manner. You can call on 01626 883888 or email drss.helpdesk@nhs.net. The services provides information and support on:

  • Waiting times
  • Attending your appointment
  • Referral pathways
  • Possible outcomes following a review
  • Help for veterans
Devon Sexual Health Clinic
Dental Treatment 

Useful Resources When the Surgery is Closed