Carers Direct

In an Emergency dial 999

Including the following:

• Anaphylaxis or you have taken your epipen
• Breathing difficulties (severe, difficulty speaking in sentences)
• Chest pain (Severe, across chest, continuous)
• Chest/Breathing Pain (known heart disease, not resolving with GTN)
• Collapse with continued loss of consciousness
• Fall and unable to weight bear
• Floppy/Unresponsive Child
• Head injury with loss of consciousness
• INR patient (if bleeding profusely)
• Seizure (first or not stopping with medication)
• Sudden loss of vision
• Suspected Stroke / FAST positive (F = Facial Weakness, A = Arm Weakness, S = Speech Problems, T = Time to call 999)

On the Day/Urgent Appointments

If you require same day attention please call as early as possible, preferably between 08:30 and 09:00, as the earlier you make your request, the easier it is to fit you in. You should briefly explain the circumstances to the receptionist who will arrange an appointment for that day, although it may not be with your usual doctor.

Examples include:

• Burns and scalds
• Collapse with recovery
• Croup
• Diarrhoea and vomiting (over 5 days duration or unwell)
• Dislocated Finger
• Fainting
• Falls
• Flu-like symptoms (aged over 65, pregnant, long-term health conditions, chest pain, coughing up blood, short of breath, no improvement in a week)
• Head injury with no loss of consciousness
• Jaw pain (acute with chest pain and breathlessness – if related to teeth, dentist)
• Leg pain (unable to walk)
• Nosebleed lasting over 20 minutes
• Scarlet Fever
• Sciatica
• Suicidal or self harm
• Suspected fracture
• Unable to urinate
• Wheezing (new)

Please be aware that if you request a letter from the doctor for medication you are taking with you when you travel, holiday cancellation due to sickness, fitness to travel or fitness to exercise, you will receive an invoice for £30. This service is not funded by the NHS Highland Health Board and we therefore have to recoup our costs for the time taken to produce letters for patients. There may be a similar charge for other letters you request from us, such as a referral for private treatment, so we would suggest you contact us at nhsh.gp55944-admin@nhs.scot to confirm, before making your request.