Signposting Guide
It's really important to know where to go to get the right care for your needs. This helps to make sure our services are available for people who really need them. Below is a list of alternative services that can help you to get the care you need quickly.
Optician
All eye conditions should be seen by an Optician first for their expertise.
You can call your local optician for free NHS eye-care. They will assess the problem and advise you if it is urgent and can refer directly to the hospital if the problem is more serious. Outwith opening hours please call NHS 24 on 111. Please do not turn up to your local optician without an appointment.
You can see an Optician for:
Blurred or reduced vision, flashes and floaters, pain in or around your eye, red and/or sticky eye, dry or watery eyes, cysts and styes or conjunctivitis, headaches
Pharmacy
Your community pharmacy can offer advice and treatment for minor ailments. Please consider visiting a pharmacy before calling your GP or NHS 24 as many ailments do not require you to see a doctor.
You can visit a pharmacy for:
Acne, allergies, athlete's foot, backache, blocked or runny nose, cold sores, constipation, cough, cystitis (in women), diarrhoea, earache, eczema, headache, headlice, haemorrhoids (piles), hay fever, impetigo, indigestion, mouth ulcers, pain, period pain, shingles, some skin conditions such as cellulitis or insect bites, sore throat, smoking cessation, threadworms, thrush, urinary tract infections (UTI's), verrucas, warts
Dentist
Make an appointment with your dentist for any condition involving your mouth or teeth
You can visit a dentist for:
Tooth pain, swelling to your mouth, painful or bleeding gums, injury to your mouth, advice on oral hygiene
Nurse at the practice
Our practice nurse can help with:
Contraceptive services, cervical smears, injections, minor injuries, reviews of asthma and COPD, well person checks, dietary advice
Hospital Department Directly
For any queries about your hospital out-patient appointment, you should first contact:
Perth Royal Infirmary: 01738 473734 or Ninewells Hospital: 01382 660111
If you need further help after asking the hospital, please speak to a Receptionist.
NHS 24 (111)
If you think you need A&E but it's not life-threatening
When your GP and local pharmacy are closed and you are too ill to wait, visit www.nhsinform.scot for advice on self management or call NHS 24 on 111.
Mental Wellbeing
If you're struggling with feeling distressed, in a state of despair, low mood, or thoughts of self harm or suicide
Speak to your GP, call NHS 24 on 111, or visit www.crisistayside.scot.nhs.uk.
Emergency Department
Call 999 or go to A&E directly for:
Suspected heart attack or stroke, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, serious illness or injury