The NHS is a wonderful resource, but depending on where you live, long phone queues and limited appointment slots are commonplace.
But what are your options when you need medical advice and the NHS can’t offer it quickly enough? From speaking to a pharmacist in Manchester, to booking a private GP London practice, here are practical steps you can take to be seen sooner, without putting your health on hold.
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Why GP Appointments Are So Hard to Get
The NHS is under pressure. With rising patient numbers, ongoing staff shortages, and limited resources, securing a GP appointment has become a challenge for many. Especially since the Covid pandemic, which appears to have increased the numbers of people seeking health advice. Recent data from NHS England shows that over 7 million appointments a month are being booked, but many patients still face:
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Long waits on hold at 8am
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No same-day appointments available
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Delayed routine check-ups
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Limited face-to-face availability
This has led many people to look beyond traditional routes for faster access to care. Here are the typical routes that people are using in order to get faster access to GP services.
1. Try an NHS Pharmacy
For common ailments like colds, sore throats, rashes, or minor infections, your local pharmacist can often help. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme in England, pharmacists are now trained and authorised to provide advice and, in some cases, prescribe treatments – without needing a GP referral.
It’s free, accessible, and you don’t need an appointment.
2. Call NHS 111 for Urgent Concerns
If you’re unsure where to turn, NHS 111 is available 24/7 for medical advice. They can help assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate care — including urgent care centres, walk-in clinics or even booking you an out-of-hours GP if necessary.
3. Ask for a Telephone or Online Appointment
If your issue isn’t urgent but still needs attention, consider asking your GP practice for a telephone consultation. Many surgeries also offer online booking systems and e-consultation tools – ideal for discussing repeat prescriptions or following up on test results.
4. Consider a Private GP Appointment
If time is of the essence, for example, you’re travelling, working to a tight schedule, unwell, or need a second opinion booking a private GP can be a fast and flexible solution.
You don’t need private health insurance to book a private GP. Clinics like The GP Surgery in London offer same-day appointments, extended consultations, and in-house diagnostics. You simply pay for what you need, with prices clearly listed online.
Private GPs are particularly useful if:
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You’re struggling to be seen quickly on the NHS
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You want more time to discuss your symptoms
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You need a medical letter, test or referral fast
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You’re visiting or living in London and want convenience
If you’re looking for a Private GP in London, clinics like The GP Surgery provide a reliable, no-fuss way to take charge of your healthcare, without the wait.
You can also book specific services such as a private blood test in London, or book private ultrasound London appointments online for fixed one-off costs.
5. Visit a Walk-In or Urgent Care Centre
In some areas, walk-in centres or urgent treatment centres can help with minor injuries, infections or other same-day issues. These centres are NHS-run, usually open evenings and weekends, and don’t require an appointment, though waiting times can vary.
When Should You Go to A&E?
Always go to A&E if your condition is life-threatening or requires emergency treatment — for example, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, stroke symptoms or major injuries. A&E departments are not the place for non-urgent GP issues and are often overwhelmed by inappropriate referrals.
What is best for your health and peace of mind?
It’s no secret that getting a GP appointment is harder than it used to be, which will hopefully change within the next few years, but you do have options. From local pharmacies to private GPs, there are services available to help you feel better, faster.
Private GP clinics offer fast, flexible access to experienced doctors without the long wait or red tape. Your health shouldn’t have to wait — and in 2025, it doesn’t have to.
There are private GP practices available throughout the UK. Simply check online for your closest provider. But, always double check that your chosen provider is overseen by the CQC (Care Quality Commission). In addition, you can access the latest inspection for your chosen health provider on the CQC website.
