E – Telephone Signposting Toolkit

Ear Ache/Ear Infection

Refer to Pharmacy First Service or Face to Face Consultation

Ages 5-17 years: Direct to pharmacy first service (Exclusions: Recurrent infections (3 or more in 6/12, 4 or more in 12/12), Pregnant individuals under 16 years).

Aged 18+ years: Book an amber appointment

Ear Wax

Community Pharmacy

Advise ear syringing is not available on the NHS locally.

Patients advised to self refer privately.

We are unable to recommend private services.

Eczema

Refer to Community Pharmacy or Face to Face Consultation

Send patients to pharmacy for advice and product purchase.

If over the counter products have not worked over time or advised by the pharmacy to see GP then book a green appointment.

  • Fever
  • Eczema has become blistered, weeping or pus seen
  • The eczema has become painful, swollen or feels hot to touch
  • The eczema suddenly gets worse or gets bigger/spreads

Elbow Pain

Musculoskeletal Specialist (16 years and over)

Book appointment with MSK specialist or sign post to Moving Well service.

If patient is under 16 years please book a telephone consult with a clinician.

Patients can self refer to a physiotherapist(see external contacts for information).

If the pain started after recent trauma advise to attend urgent care/A+E.

Care

If the patient is not coping with current pain levels and/or there are ‘medical’ causes for the pain or if they are under 16 years of age book a face to face appointment with a clinician.

Book a same day face to face appointment if there is a possible infected joint (i.e. sudden severe joint pain, feverish, new red hot swollen joint).

Emergency Contraception

Send to (not referral) Community Pharmacy or face to face Consultation

Send patients to pharmacy for advice and product purchase. The window for pharmacy referral is 72 hours.

Patients can also be directed to local family planning/GUM services.

If this has passed, then book in for a red consultation.

Under 16 – book a red face to face appointment.

Endometriosis

Epilepsy

Face to Face Consultation

Book a green appointment if patient wishes to discuss their epilepsy in general

Seizure

If patient is having seizure at time of call: Ring 999.

Otherwise for all other issues related to seizures (such as recent seizure/becoming more frequent) to book a red appointment with a clinician.

Erection Difficulties

Telephone or Face to Face Consultation

Book a green appointment

Excessive Sweating

Send to (not referral) Community Pharmacy or face to face consultation

Send patients to pharmacy for advice and product purchase.

If OTC products have not helped book a green appointment with a clinician.

Eye Problem

Refer to Community Pharmacy or Face to Face Consultation

Send patients to pharmacy for advice and product purchase.

Patients could also be signposted to their optician’s care.

    • A sudden loss of/reduced vision.
    • A painful red eye.
    • Severe pain, pain in one side only, light sensitivity.
    • Is systemically unwell with eye problem (e.g. vomiting, fever).