Urgent Care, Emergency Care, and When to Seek Help
Knowing when a health problem is urgent, and when it is an emergency, can be difficult. This page explains the difference between routine GP care, urgent medical assessment, and emergency care, and when remote GP consultations are not appropriate.
Understanding these distinctions helps ensure you receive care safely and without delay.
These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help, please book an appointment with one of our GP’s.
Routine GP concerns
IMany health problems can be managed through routine GP care. These include:
- common infections without severe symptoms
- stable long term conditions
- medication reviews
- mental health concerns without immediate risk
- follow up of test results
- ongoing symptoms that are not rapidly worsening
Routine concerns can usually be assessed safely through a remote GP consultation, with advice, treatment, or follow up arranged as appropriate.
What makes a symptom urgent?
Urgent symptoms are those that need same day or prompt medical assessment, but are not immediately life threatening.
Examples include:
- worsening shortness of breath
- persistent chest discomfort without collapse
- high fever not responding to treatment
- severe pain that is escalating
- new neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness
- signs of significant infection
- sudden worsening of a known condition
What is a medical emergency?
A medical emergency is a situation where immediate care is needed to prevent serious harm or death. These situations are not suitable for remote GP consultations.
Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if you experience:
- sudden chest pain with collapse or severe breathlessness
- signs of stroke, including facial droop, arm weakness, or speech difficulty
- loss of consciousness or seizures
- severe allergic reactions with breathing difficulty or swelling
- uncontrolled bleeding
- severe head injury
- acute confusion or sudden behavioural change
- suspected sepsis
- severe trauma or accidents
Do not delay emergency care by seeking remote advice.
Why remote GP care has limits
Remote GP consultations rely on history taking and observation. Some urgent and emergency conditions require:
- physical examination
- vital sign measurement
- immediate investigations
- hospital based treatment
In these situations, remote care cannot safely replace in person assessment.
What happens if urgent or emergency care is needed?
AccessGP provides remote GP consultations only. If during a consultation a GP identifies urgent or emergency features:
- the concern will be explained clearly
- you will be advised to seek urgent in person care or emergency services
- clear safety netting will be provided
- where appropriate, referral advice may be given
This approach prioritises patient safety and transparency.
Can a remote GP consultation still help in urgent situations?
In some cases, a remote GP consultation can:
- help clarify whether symptoms are urgent
- identify red flag features
- advise on the most appropriate next step
- reduce unnecessary delay
However, remote consultations should never replace emergency care when it is clearly needed.
When to seek GP review
You may wish to speak to a GP if:
- you are unsure whether your symptoms are urgent
- your symptoms are worsening but not immediately life threatening
- you need guidance on whether examination is required
- you want clear safety netting and next steps
- you are concerned about a new health problem
Related articles
- Consultation types: text-based, telephone, video and face to face
- GP referrals explained: routine referrals and private referrals
- What to expect after a hospital referral or outpatient appointment
Further Reading and Hub Links
Visit our Understanding Your Health hub or browse more health topics in the AccessGP Knowledge Base.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms can be safely assessed remotely, a GP can help you decide the most appropriate next step. In an emergency, always call 999 or seek urgent help from your closest Emergency Department.
Last reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GMC registered GP
Updated: 1 February 2026