The local NHS is reminding people in Liverpool to contact their GP if they need help, and that face-to-face appointments are available to all who need them.

GP practices are usually the first point of contact if you have a health problem. They can give advice, treat many conditions, offer prescriptions, and can also refer you to other NHS services if required.

If you need medical advice or treatment, you should call your GP practice between 8am and 6:30pm (please check your GP practice’s website for their latest opening times).

Most GP practices are now operating a telephone triage system. This means you will be asked to briefly describe your conditions over the phone with a member of the healthcare team to help them assess what type of care you need, and the best option for providing it.

You may be offered an online, video or telephone consultation. These can be convenient and flexible ways to receive healthcare advice in many instances. If you have a preference, you can discuss this with the practice team who will do their best to accommodate you.

However, if there is a clinical need for you to be seen by a doctor or nurse face-to-face, this will be arranged for you. Please be patient with the practice staff who are working under pressure and will do their best to help you get the care you need.

If you are invited to come in for a face-to-face appointment, your GP practice will have a range of COVID-19 safety measures in place, including regular cleaning of all patient areas and social distancing. You will also be asked to ensure you wear a face covering to your appointment.

If you have a disability or condition which means you cannot wear a face covering or cannot communicate with someone else who is wearing a face mask, or if you require any other adjustments before your appointment, please let your practice know ahead of your visit.

For all routine or non-urgent issues, enquiries or requests, you can also contact your GP online by filling out a short form on their website. They will respond to you as soon as possible, usually within two working days.

If you’re not already registered with a GP near to where you live, it’s really important to do so as soon as possible so that you can access help quickly when you need it. Anyone in England can register with a GP without needing to show proof of address, ID or immigration status. Find out more about how to register with a GP at: www.nhs.uk/register.

If you need urgent help or advice, particularly during the evenings and weekends when your practice is closed, please contact NHS 111. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 111.nhs.uk or by dialling 111.

NHS 111 is staffed by fully trained advisors and clinicians who can provide over the phone advice and can arrange face to face appointments with an out of hours GP, at a local walk-in centre, or a local hospital A&E department if required.

The NHS is also currently delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Everyone aged 18 and over can now book an appointment for their vaccination at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119. Please do not contact your GP to book your vaccination.