What services can I refer myself to?

There are several NHS services you can refer yourself to without needing to see a GP first. How you access them varies from service to service and depends on your need.

Accident and Emergency (A&E)

Perhaps not what you might typically think of as a self-referral service, but A&E is there for people with severe, life-threatening issues that need immediate help.

You do not need to speak to a Doctor or anyone else at your GP practice before going to A&E, but you should only do so if appropriate.

Examples of life-threatening situations could include chest pains, loss of consciousness, choking, fitting, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding, allergic reactions, scalds or burns. 

Mental Health Services

Across Newcastle and the wider NHS, there is a range of services to support people with mental health difficulties.

Talking Helps Newcastle offers counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) support from Mental Health Workers and more.

Patients can self-refer at talkinghelpsnewcastle.org.

You can also find NHS psychological therapy services to help with issues like depression, anxiety, phobias and other disorders.

Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Services (TIMS)

Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Services (TIMS) is a joint Newcastle and Gateshead service that offers self-care and fast access to expert opinion, diagnosis and treatment of various muscle, joint and soft tissue conditions and chronic pain.

Weight Management

Oviva Tier 2 Weight Management is a free service to help people in Newcastle lose weight and build healthy habits through specialist support over 12 weeks.

Anyone aged 18 or over in Newcastle who would like help to lose weight can apply to join the programme directly. A GP referral is no longer needed. Find out more and apply at oviva.com/t2wm.