Some myths about Accident and Emergency services

Accident and Emergency is an alternative to your GP.
FALSE

It is not appropriate to go to Accident and Emergency as an alternative to your GP.

Calling 999 for an ambulance gets you to the top of the Accident and Emergency queue.
FALSE

Patients are seen based on medical need, not who gets to the hospital first.

All injuries need X-rays.
FALSE

The doctor or nurse will be able to examine you and assess whether an X-ray is appropriate or not. In many cases X-rays are not needed.

Accident and Emergency doctors are more expert at dealing with medical problems than your GP.
FALSE

Your GP is an expert in general medicine. Accident and Emergency doctors are specialists in accidents and emergencies.

Taking pain relief before being seen by a doctor will mask the symptoms of the injury.
FALSE

One of the first things that is often done by doctors is to give you a simple painkiller like paracetamol. It is quite safe to take these before you get medical advice. Taking pain relief to treat minor injuries is the best way to make you feel better quickly and is an effective treatment. Always follow the instructions on the packet or leaflet.

Some myths about GP services

Your doctor has to visit you at home.
FALSE

If a home visit is appropriate, the doctor or nurse will arrange it. Doctors decide whether or not to visit a patient at home, based on your medical need. Only patients who cannot reasonably come into the surgery are visited at home.

You will be seen more quickly if you ask for a home visit.
FALSE

During surgery hours, most doctors visit patients later in the day. It may be quicker for you to go into the surgery during normal surgery hours and out-of-hours. If you do the travelling, it means that the doctor can see more patients rather than spending time travelling themselves and delaying your consultation.

All infections need antibiotics.
FALSE

Antibiotics have no effect on most infections (such as colds, flu and most sore throats) because viruses cause them. Taking too many antibiotics can lead to new bacteria developing which cannot be killed by antibiotics, which is dangerous for individual people and for the whole population. Doctors recommend that you visit your pharmacist for over-the-counter remedies for minor complaints.