Why some patients are struggling to get a GP appointment

When you are unwell or need support managing a condition, we know that you want an appointment with a GP or member of the practice team as quickly as possible and with a minimum of fuss. But, too often, that is something that practices struggle to provide.

Help with symptoms at home

Smiling woman holding mug of tea

Sometimes the key to our recovery lies with us. For example, if you have a minor illness or a less serious injury, then self-care at home is the best option.

Symptom checker

NHS Inform has self-help guides. These guides use set of questions similar to those that your GP or a call handler from NHS 24 would ask to establish the seriousness of your health complaint. See some of the most common health complaint guides below:

There are also guides on common conditions such as abdominal pain, rashes, back ache, headaches and many more. Go to nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides for help with minor illnesses.

Local support

Housing, health & much more
Local support

Self-help

Assess your own symptoms
Self-help guides

Services directory

Find a local health service
Services directory