Many conditions can be managed without speaking to a doctor and are self-limiting, which means they will get better on their own. If you need advice for such conditions, we will always suggest speaking to your local pharmacist first who is qualified to assess and advise on a wide range of common problems.
In addition, many of the services your GP might refer you to accept self-referrals meaning patients can contact them for help directly. These include:
First Response - offers support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages living in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 0800 952 1181 and find out more at https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/services/first-response/
MyWellbeing - Talking through life’s ups and downs. MWC is a free NHS service to help people manage everyday problems such as feeling low, having problems sleeping, feeling anxious and experiencing stress. Register online at https://bmywellbeingiapt.nhs.uk/ or call 0300 5555551
Kooth - a live online support service for 10-18 year olds in Bradford & Craven run by qualified counsellors. To register, go to: www.kooth.com
Qwell - a live online support service for adults in Bradford run by qualified counsellors. To register, go to: www.qwell.io
Minor Eye condition Service - The local Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) uses the skills of Optometrists in the community to see and treat patients a new or recent onset minor eye problem to get the help that they need quickly and easily closer to home. This is a free service. Find out more at http://www.bradfordloc.org.uk/mecs-for-patients/
If you do need help from the practice, you can either complete an eConsult or call us. One of our clinicians will then call you back to help with your query. Bear in mind this may not always be a GP, it might be another member of the healthcare team such an advanced nurse, pharmacist, or physiotherapist. Rest assured however that all these health professionals are in direct communication with, and work under the supervision of the GP team.
Please note that during periods of high demand, we may have to limit the numbers of eConsults we can process.
Finally, many issues can be dealt with over the phone, by video call, or by sending images in for the clinician to review. This might be more convenient for many patients. However, if needed the clinician will arrange a face-to-face appointment too.