Get the care you need without seeing a GP

Many NHS services allow you to refer yourself directly, helping you access support more quickly without needing a GP appointment first. Explore the services below to find the right care for your needs.

Pharmacy First

Your local pharmacy can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions, often offering the fastest route to same-day care. Pharmacists can assess symptoms and provide NHS treatment where appropriate

Conditions covered

Condition	Age Range
Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection)	1–17 years
Impetigo	1 year and over
Infected Insect Bites	1 year and over
Shingles	18 years and over
Sinusitis	12 years and over
Sore Throat	5 years and over
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (Women)	16–64 years

Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)

If you have a recent eye problem, such as redness, pain, flashes, floaters, or a sudden change in vision, you can access assessment and treatment directly through participating opticians without seeing a GP.

MECS can help with:

• Red or painful eyes
• Loss or sudden changes in vision
• Dry eyes
• Blepharitis
• Corneal scratches and abrasions
• Flashes and floaters
• Lumps and bumps around the eye
• Foreign bodies in the eye
• Excessive watering of the eyes

Find out more:
https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/services/minor-eye-conditions-service/

Weight Management Support

Free local and NHS-funded services are available to help you achieve a healthier weight through practical advice, courses, and digital tools.

Essex Wellbeing Service

Weight management programmes for residents across Mid Essex, Castle Point & Rochford, and Basildon & Brentwood.

Website:
https://www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/services/weight-management

Everyone Health Southend

Provides weight-loss support, nutrition workshops, and lifestyle advice.

Website:
https://southend.everyonehealth.co.uk/services/weight-management/

NHS Better Health Apps

Free NHS apps and tools, including:

• NHS Weight Loss Plan
• Food Scanner
• Active 10
• Couch to 5K
• Drink Free Days
• Quit Smoking App

Website:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

Stop Smoking Services

Free support is available to help you quit smoking, including personalised plans, behavioural support, and access to treatment.

Essex Wellbeing Service

Available to residents and workers across Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock).

Website:
https://www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/services/stop-smoking

Southend Stop Smoking Service

Available for people who live or work in Southend-on-Sea.

Website:
https://www.southend.gov.uk/StopSmoking

Sexual Health Services

Access confidential sexual health advice and treatment without seeing a GP. Services include:

• STI testing and treatment
• Contraception services
• Emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Free condoms
• Sexual health advice and counselling

Essex Sexual Health Service

https://www.essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/

 

Sexual Health Southend (Brook)

https://www.sexualhealthsouthend.co.uk/

 

Talking Therapies (NHS Talking Therapies)

If you're feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, or experiencing low mood, you can self-refer for free NHS talking therapies, including counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Mid Essex Talking Therapies

Available for patients aged 17 and over registered with a GP in Mid Essex.

Website:
https://www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk/service/mid-essex

Therapy For You

Available across South East Essex and North East Essex.

Website:
https://www.therapyforyou.co.uk/

Mental Health Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through NHS 111.

Contact NHS 111

Call 111 and select Option 2 for Mental Health Crisis Support.

This service provides urgent access to mental health professionals and appropriate support pathways.

Learn more:
https://www.eput.nhs.uk/services/crisis-response-service/

Maternity Services

If you are pregnant, you can refer yourself directly to local maternity services and access support from midwives throughout your pregnancy.

Mid and South Essex Maternity Services

Self-refer online and access a range of pregnancy and maternity resources.

Website:
https://www.mse.nhs.uk/maternity-services

Pregnancy Choices and Abortion Services

NHS-funded abortion services are available through licensed providers without needing a GP referral.

MSI Reproductive Choices

Provides confidential NHS-funded abortion care and reproductive health services.

Website:
https://www.msichoices.org.uk/

Community Podiatry Service

Patients who are already known to the service may be able to self-refer for ongoing podiatry care, including support for foot pain and nail conditions.

Website:
https://www.eput.nhs.uk/services/podiatry-service-south-east-and-south-west-essex/

Wheelchair Services

If you are already known to the service, support is available for long-term mobility needs, including wheelchair assessments and specialist seating services.

Website:
https://www.eput.nhs.uk/services/southend-wheelchair-service-custom-seating-and-mobility-needs/

Need Further Advice?

If you are unsure which service is right for you, visit NHS 111 online or contact your GP practice for guidance.

Using self-referral services where appropriate can help you receive the right care more quickly and keep GP appointments available for patients who need them most.