How to Get a Same Day GP Appointment: Your Complete Guide for 2025
Getting a same-day GP appointment through the NHS has become increasingly difficult, with many surgeries fully booked days or weeks in advance. However, you do have options when you need to see a doctor urgently. From online GP services offering appointments within hours to NHS alternatives, this guide covers everything you need to know about accessing same-day medical care.
Can You Really Get a Same Day GP Appointment?
Yes, but it depends on which route you take. NHS GP surgeries are required to offer some same-day appointments for urgent cases, but accessing them can be challenging. You typically need to call exactly at 8am when phone lines open, and even then, appointments are limited and fill quickly.
Private online GP services offer a more reliable solution, with most providing same-day video or phone consultations, often within 1-3 hours of booking. Whilst there's a fee involved (usually £25-£50), you're virtually guaranteed an appointment when you need it.
Why Are NHS Same Day Appointments So Hard to Get?
The NHS is facing unprecedented demand with a growing and ageing population, yet the number of GPs has not increased proportionally. Many surgeries have thousands of registered patients but only a handful of doctors, making same-day appointments a scarce resource.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to telephone triage, meaning you often speak to a receptionist or complete an online form before being offered an appointment. This system aims to prioritise the most urgent cases but can add frustration and delay.
Additionally, many surgeries now allocate most appointments in advance for routine care, leaving only a small percentage for same-day urgent requests. This means you're competing with many other patients for very few slots.
How to Get a Same Day NHS GP Appointment
Call at exactly 8am when your surgery opens. Many practices release same-day appointments at this time, and they're allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared for engaged phone lines and long waits.
Use your surgery's online booking system if available. Some practices release same-day slots online at 8am, which can be easier than trying to get through on the phone.
Be clear about urgency when explaining your symptoms. Receptionists are trained to identify urgent cases. Be honest and specific about your symptoms and how they're affecting you. Don't exaggerate, but don't downplay serious symptoms either.
Ask about telephone consultations as an alternative. If no face-to-face appointments are available, a same-day phone call with a GP may be offered. The doctor can then decide if you need to be seen in person.
Request a callback if all appointments are gone. Some surgeries offer GP callbacks where a doctor phones you during the day to discuss your symptoms and decide if you need to come in.
Private Online GP Appointments: The Faster Alternative
Online GP services have revolutionised access to same-day medical care. These platforms employ GMC-registered doctors who conduct consultations via video call or phone, typically within hours of booking.
The process is straightforward: book an appointment online or via an app, complete a brief medical questionnaire, and join your video consultation at the scheduled time. The entire process from booking to consultation often takes less than two hours.
Online GPs can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, issue sick notes, provide medical advice, and refer you for further investigation if needed. They cannot perform physical examinations, but for the majority of primary care consultations, this isn't necessary.
When Should You Seek a Same Day Appointment?
You should seek urgent medical attention for symptoms that are severe, getting worse, or causing significant concern. This includes high fever that isn't responding to paracetamol, severe pain, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
Sudden changes in symptoms, particularly if you have an existing health condition, warrant same-day assessment. Infections that may require antibiotics, such as suspected UTIs causing severe pain, or chest infections with coloured phlegm and shortness of breath, should be assessed promptly.
Mental health crises, including thoughts of self-harm or feeling unable to cope, require urgent support. Your GP can provide immediate help and arrange appropriate follow-up care.
Injuries that may need assessment, such as suspected broken bones, deep cuts, or head injuries with symptoms like persistent headache or confusion, should be evaluated the same day.
NHS Alternatives to Your Registered GP
NHS 111 is available 24/7 by phone or online. The service can book appointments at your GP surgery, local urgent care centres, or out-of-hours services. For urgent but non-emergency situations, 111 can be invaluable.
Walk-in centres and urgent treatment centres accept patients without appointments. These NHS services can treat minor illnesses and injuries. However, they can be very busy, with waits of several hours common.
Pharmacists can assess many common conditions and provide treatment without a prescription. Pharmacy First schemes allow pharmacists to treat conditions like UTIs, ear infections, and skin conditions, often same-day.
A&E should only be used for genuine emergencies like chest pain, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or suspected stroke. Using A&E for minor conditions contributes to long waits for everyone.
What Can an Online GP Help With Same Day?
Online GPs excel at managing acute conditions that don't require physical examination. They can diagnose and prescribe antibiotics for urinary tract infections based on your symptoms, often providing relief within 24 hours.
Skin conditions can be assessed using photos and video consultation. Whether you're dealing with eczema flare-ups, suspected cellulitis, acne, or rashes, online GPs can prescribe appropriate treatments.
Respiratory infections including chest infections, sinusitis, and ear infections can be assessed remotely. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, listen to your breathing via video, and prescribe if necessary.
Women's health needs such as contraception, emergency contraception, UTIs, thrush, and menopause symptoms are commonly managed through online consultations with excellent outcomes.
Mental health support for anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia can be addressed. Online GPs can prescribe medications, provide advice, and arrange follow-up care or referrals.
Sick notes and fit notes can be issued following assessment, essential if you need same-day documentation for your employer.
The Cost of Convenience
Private online GP consultations typically cost £25-£50, with some services offering subscriptions for regular users. Whilst this is a cost, consider the value of your time and the impact of delayed treatment.
Missing work to wait at a surgery, or suffering with painful symptoms for days whilst waiting for an NHS appointment, has its own costs. For many people, spending £30-40 for a same-day consultation is worthwhile for the speed, convenience, and peace of mind.
NHS prescriptions can be issued by online GPs, so you'll only pay the standard prescription charge of £9.90 in England (free in Scotland, Wales for most, and Northern Ireland). The medication cost is the same whether prescribed by an NHS or private GP.
Preparing for Your Same Day Appointment
Whether you're seeing an NHS GP or using an online service, preparation ensures you get the most from your appointment. Write down your symptoms including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any other relevant details.
List any medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Note any allergies or previous reactions to medications.
For online video consultations, ensure you're in a quiet, private space with good lighting and stable internet connection. Have pen and paper ready to note advice or instructions.
Be ready to describe your symptoms clearly. Think about location, severity (rate it out of 10), duration, and any associated symptoms. The more information you provide, the better the doctor can assess you.
What Happens If the GP Can't Help Same Day?
If an online GP identifies something requiring physical examination or further investigation, they'll advise you to visit your NHS GP, a walk-in centre, or A&E depending on urgency. This is responsible practice and ensures you receive appropriate care.
Some online services can arrange private face-to-face appointments or referrals to specialists if needed. They'll always explain your options and next steps clearly.
For conditions requiring ongoing management, the online GP can provide initial treatment and advice whilst recommending follow-up with your registered NHS GP. They may send a summary to your NHS GP with your consent.
Making Same Day Appointments Work for You
The key to accessing same-day medical care is knowing your options and choosing the right service for your needs. For genuine emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent but non-emergency care, NHS 111 can guide you to the right service.
For faster, more convenient access to GP consultations, online services offer same-day appointments almost guaranteed. The consultation quality is equivalent to in-person visits for conditions that don't require physical examination.
Many people find a hybrid approach works best: using their NHS GP for ongoing care and routine appointments, whilst turning to online GPs for urgent needs, out-of-hours care, or when NHS appointments aren't available in a suitable timeframe.
The Future of Same Day Healthcare
Online GP services are becoming increasingly popular and accepted as part of the healthcare landscape. They're not replacing NHS services but complementing them, filling gaps in access and availability.
As technology improves, the quality and scope of online consultations will only increase. Features like digital stethoscopes, at-home diagnostic tests linked to consultations, and AI-assisted triage are making remote healthcare more comprehensive.
For patients, this means better access to timely medical care when you need it, without the stress of waiting days for appointments or spending hours in waiting rooms.
Getting the Care You Need, When You Need It
Same-day GP appointments shouldn't feel like winning the lottery. Whether you're dealing with a painful infection, need a sick note urgently, or simply need medical advice, you deserve timely access to qualified doctors.
Online GP services have made same-day healthcare accessible and straightforward. With appointments available within hours, prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy, and sick notes issued immediately, you can get back to feeling better without unnecessary delays.
The choice between NHS and private care is personal and depends on your circumstances. What matters most is that you receive appropriate, timely medical care from qualified professionals when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as urgent enough for a same-day GP appointment?
Urgent symptoms include high fever unresponsive to paracetamol, severe pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, severe vomiting or diarrhoea causing dehydration, suspected infections requiring antibiotics, mental health crises, or any symptom causing significant concern. If you're worried, it's always worth seeking assessment.
Can I get a same-day appointment on weekends?
NHS GP surgeries are typically closed on weekends, though some offer Saturday morning appointments. For weekend same-day care, your options are NHS 111, urgent care centres, walk-in centres, or private online GP services. Many online GP platforms operate seven days a week, including evenings and weekends.
How early should I call my GP surgery for a same-day appointment?
Call exactly when your surgery opens, usually 8am. Same-day appointments are released at opening time and fill within minutes. If calling slightly late (even 8:05am), appointments may already be gone. Consider using online booking systems which can be easier than engaged phone lines.
Will an online GP have access to my medical records?
Online GPs can access your NHS medical records with your consent through the NHS Summary Care Record system. This includes your current medications, allergies, and recent healthcare interactions. You should still inform the doctor of relevant medical history to ensure safe, effective treatment.
Can online GPs prescribe the same medications as my NHS GP?
Yes, online GPs can prescribe almost all the same medications as NHS GPs, with some exceptions. Controlled drugs, certain mental health medications, and drugs requiring close monitoring typically need in-person assessment. For common conditions like infections, contraception, and chronic condition management, online GPs have full prescribing capabilities.
What if I need a same-day appointment but can't afford private fees?
Use NHS 111 for guidance on appropriate urgent NHS services. They can book appointments at out-of-hours services, urgent care centres, or your GP surgery. Community pharmacies can assess and treat many conditions for free under NHS Pharmacy First schemes. For genuine emergencies, A&E is always free at point of use.
Are same-day online GP appointments available outside normal working hours?
Yes, most online GP services offer extended hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Some operate 24/7. This is a major advantage over traditional NHS surgeries. You can often book and attend a consultation during your lunch break, after work, or even late at night if needed.
Can children be seen in same-day online GP appointments?
Yes, online GPs can consult with children of all ages. Parents or guardians must be present during the consultation. The doctor will assess the child via video and may ask the parent to check certain things like temperature, breathing, or rashes. For babies or very young children, in-person assessment may be recommended for certain symptoms.
Will a same-day online consultation be as thorough as an in-person appointment?
Online consultations are comprehensive for conditions that don't require physical examination. The doctor will take a detailed history, assess your symptoms, and make clinical decisions just as they would in person. For the majority of GP consultations (estimated at 70-80%), physical examination isn't necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
Do I still need to register with an NHS GP if I use online services?
Yes, you should maintain registration with an NHS GP for ongoing care, routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and preventive services like vaccinations and screening. Online GPs are ideal for urgent needs and convenient access but aren't designed to replace your registered GP for comprehensive primary care.
Need to see a doctor today? The Online GP offers same-day appointments with GMC-registered doctors, usually within 1-2 hours. Get prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, receive sick notes, and get the medical advice you need – all from the comfort of home.
Message us on WhatsApp now to book your appointment – we'll typically respond within 15 minutes and get you booked in today.
