Refugee week

GP stands for general practitioner. This is a doctor who treats general health conditions. GPs usually work in a local centre called a GP practice, GP surgery or medical centre.

Your GP practice is often your first and main point of contact for healthcare. They can treat and manage many health problems. If you need more specialised treatment, they can arrange this for you. This is called making a referral.

This includes:

• emergency help for life-threatening conditions if you phone 999
• advice about urgent health problems if you call 111 (in England, Scotland or Wales)
• care at an accident and emergency (A&E) department, or other urgent care centre such as a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.

For some health conditions, you may need advice or treatment from a healthcare professional with specialist training. Depending on the type of specialist care, these teams may be based at a hospital or in the community. When you stay in hospital for specialist treatment, this is called inpatient care. When you have specialist treatment at a clinic, or at home, this is called outpatient care.

Pharmacists give out medicines and give advice about taking medicines. They may also give some medical advice.

Dentists help look after your teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth.

Opticians help test eyesight. They prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. Optometrists can also give treatment and advice for some eye health problems, such as eye infections.