Primary care

What is a GP? What do they do and how to get appointments?

How to get an appointment and what to expect?

GP appointments can be booked over the phone. You can either call your GP directly or ask one of the staff
at your hotel to call and help you get an appointment. A GP appointment can either be in person or on the
telephone. You may be able to book appointments on your GP surgery’s website or through an app. You can
find contact details for your GP on the local information page you completed at the beginning of this book.
You will be offered the earliest available appointment. If it is for a non-urgent problem, you may need to wait
for 1-2 weeks to get the appointment. If your problem is urgent, for example you have signs of an infection,
vomiting or diarrhea or a significant mental health problem, you could get an appointment on the same day.



How long do GP appointments take?

GP appointments usually take 10 minutes, but you can ask for a double appointment when you book. When
you arrive at the surgery tell reception your name and appointment time.