Same day appointments

Same-day appointments

When you contact your GP practice (or NHS 111 when your GP practice is closed) and you need to be seen on the same day, they will arrange an appointment in one of four places:

* In some cases, you might be asked to go to these locations, rather than having an appointment booked.

You can read more about each of the options below. You can also read about walk-in options, but you are advised to go through your GP practice and NHS 111 to get care in the right place for you.

Your own GP practice

An appointment will be made for you with the most appropriate member of the practice team. Those who are most seriously unwell or have the most complicated health problems will usually be seen by a doctor. There is also a varied mix of other highly skilled health professionals who will be able to help you, such as advanced nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, social prescribers and mental health practitioners. Your appointment could take place over the telephone, by video or in person.

Pharmacy First

Your local pharmacist can now offer treatment and provide prescription medicines for seven conditions, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. This is known as Pharmacy First. Your GP practice may arrange an appointment for you at a pharmacy under the Pharmacy First scheme. You can also go into a pharmacy and ask for an appointment.

The seven conditions are:

Sinusitis (for those aged 12 years and over)
Sore throat (for those aged 5 years and over)
Earache (for those aged between 1 and 17 years old)
Infected insect bite (for those aged 1 year and over)
Impetigo (for those aged 1 year and over)
Shingles (for those aged over 18 years old
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) (for women aged 16-64)

Urgent treatment centres

Your GP practice or NHS 111 may offer you an appointment at an urgent treatment centre:

Evening, weekend and bank holiday appointments

If you contact your GP practice later in the day, or NHS 111 during evenings, weekends or bank holidays, an appointment may be booked for you at a location other than your own practice. This could be another GP practice that works closely with your practice, at a health centre or another community health service. The
appointment could be with a GP or another health professional. They will be able to see your GP health record so will be able to give advice based on your full medical information.

Leicester

Until 30 September 2025, appointments will take place at one of three healthcare hubs:

From 1 October 2025, if you are registered with any GP practice in Leicester city, you could be offered an appointment at one of many GP practice locations.

Appointments will be available during the following times: