When you or a family member is unwell, choosing where to go can be genuinely confusing — and the wrong choice can mean an unnecessary four-hour wait in an emergency department, a delayed diagnosis, or an avoidable call to an overloaded GP.
Here's a clear guide to which setting is right for which situation.
When to call an ambulance or go straight to A&E
Some symptoms require immediate emergency care. Don't drive yourself — call an ambulance or ask someone to take you immediately.
- Chest pain or tightness — especially with breathlessness, sweating or jaw/arm pain
- Sudden severe headache unlike anything before — 'thunderclap' headache
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest
- Signs of stroke — facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech (FAST test)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — throat swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
- Severe bleeding that won't stop
- Seizures (first-ever or prolonged)
- Suspected overdose or poisoning
- Severe burns covering a large area
- High fever in a newborn under 3 months
When urgent care is appropriate
Urgent care centres (or walk-in clinics) see patients who are unwell but not in immediate danger — typically without an appointment and with shorter waits than A&E.
- Minor cuts that may need stitches
- Sprains, minor fractures or minor orthopaedic injuries
- Ear infections, sinus infections, urinary tract infections
- Rashes without breathing difficulties
- Mild to moderate fever in adults and older children
- Vomiting or diarrhoea without severe dehydration
- Eye infections or mild eye injuries
- You need an X-ray but it's not an emergency
When to call or visit your GP
Your GP is best placed for anything that isn't urgent, requires a prescription, needs specialist referral, or involves ongoing management of a known condition.
- A cold, flu or cough that isn't improving after a week
- Medication reviews, repeat prescriptions
- Chronic condition check-ups
- Mental health concerns
- Routine screening and referrals
- Symptoms that have been present for days or weeks without worsening
When to use telehealth
For straightforward concerns, a video or phone consultation with a GP can save time for both patient and clinic. Telehealth is well suited to: UTI symptoms, skin rashes you can photograph, minor respiratory symptoms, test result discussions, and medication queries.
It is not suitable for anything that requires a physical examination, urgent symptoms, or a procedure.
Bring your records, whatever you choose
Whichever setting you arrive at, having your current medications list and allergy information ready significantly speeds up triage. Your Looms Emergency Card — accessible by QR code without a login — gives any healthcare provider instant access to your critical health information. See our guide on what to bring to a doctor appointment for a practical checklist to take with you.