Who do I see?

Right person, first time. Find your problem in the list to see who can help.

Back pain

Who to see: Pharmacist first, then physiotherapist

Painkillers and staying active help most back pain. If it has not settled in a few weeks, refer yourself to an NHS physiotherapist.

Back pain on NHS.uk

Sore throat

Who to see: Pharmacist

A pharmacist can assess you and give antibiotics if needed. Most sore throats get better in a week without treatment.

Pharmacy First

Urine infection

Who to see: Pharmacist (women 16 to 64)

Burning when you pee and going often. A pharmacist can treat many simple urine infections.

Pharmacy First

Anxiety or low mood

Who to see: Wigan Talking Therapies

You can refer yourself. You do not need to see a GP first. Call 01942 764449.

Wigan Talking Therapies

Ear wax or hearing loss

Who to see: Pharmacist, then audiology

Ask a pharmacist about ear wax. If it does not clear, we can refer you to audiology.

Ear wax on NHS.uk

Toothache

Who to see: Dentist or NHS 111

A GP cannot treat teeth. Ring 111 for an urgent dentist.

NHS 111

A sprain or minor injury

Who to see: Urgent Treatment Centre, or pharmacist

For a suspected break or a wound that needs closing, go to A&E at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. You will be streamed to the right service there.

Sprains on NHS.uk

Sick note

Who to see: Yourself, for the first 7 days

Self-certify for the first 7 days. After that, ask us for a fit note.

Self-certification form

Blue Badge, passport form or DWP letter

Who to see: The council or GOV.UK, not the GP

We do not sign passports or complete Blue Badge forms. The council assesses Blue Badge applications directly.

Blue Badge on GOV.UK

Care at home, equipment or a stairlift

Who to see: Wigan Council adult social care

You can ask the council for a care needs assessment. You do not need a GP referral to ask.

Wigan Council social care

Information:

If your problem is not here, or you are not sure, send us a request. If it is urgent and you are worried, use NHS 111.

Emergency

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or signs of a stroke: call 999.

This list is a sample

The full list — around 80 conditions, including the non-clinical requests — is the next piece of work. This page shows the pattern.