The Beacon Medical Centre

Self Care

Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home? Find out more here

Many symptoms can safely be managed without seeing a GP or member of our practice team.

Please look at the resources below before making an appointment. By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.

NHS Website

The NHS website has lots of information about common health complaints. Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS website for:

  1. Back pain
  2. Dermatitis (Eczema)
  3. Heartburn and indigestion
  4. Nasal congestion (blocked nose) and Hayfever
  5. Constipation
  6. Migraines
  7. Coughs
  8. Acne
  9. Sprains and strains
  10. Headaches
  11. Irritable bowel syndrome
  12. Insect bites

Visit the NHS website

Patient Website

Patient aims to help patients proactively manage their own healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals.

The website has many up to date patient information leaflets and also an online symptom checker. Visit the patient website.

Healthier Together

Healthier together is a website provided by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). The provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women, You’ll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what ‘red-flag’ signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child’s symptoms are likely to last. Visit their website here.

Other NHS services

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.

You can ask your local pharmacist about lots of health issues, including when to visit your GP. And there’s no need for an appointment.

Visit our Who should I see page for more information.

Antibiotics

For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections. Find out how common infections which don’t need antibiotics last.

Medicine cabinet

You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. Find out about useful medicines to keep at home.

Date published: 8th October, 2014
Date last updated: 17th June, 2021