DutyDoctor is not an emergency service. In case of a medical emergency, dial 999 or visit your nearest A&E department immediately.

Examples of emergencies include:

• 🫀Chest pain or suspected heart attack
• 🧠Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking)
• 🫁Severe breathing difficulties
• 🤒Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• 🩸Severe bleeding or trauma
• 😴Loss of consciousness
• 😰Seizures
• ☠️Suspected poisoning or overdose
• 🔥Severe burns or scalds

At this present time, DutyDoctor is only for those who are 18 years old and over; children are also more likely to need a face-to-face assessment, especially infants and toddlers, so online GP services may not always be suitable for this age group.

However, we are working on a potential way to address – so keep an out on the DutyDoctor website (or by following us on social media) and watch this space!

Some conditions require specialist care or face-to-face assessment. DutyDoctor may not be suitable for:

• Suspected cancers: This could incorporate a large number of symptoms but could include unexplained lumps, significant weight loss, or changes in moles. If you have any of these symptoms that suggest cancer, we suggest discussing with your NHS GP as you may need to be referred to a specialist.
• Chronic, long-term conditions: Uncontrolled or poorly managed chronic illnesses like diabetes, severe asthma, or heart disease often require regular physical examinations or monitoring. Although we can help with short-term issues (like limited 7-day repeat scripts if it is urgently required), longer-term management at present is best done via the NHS.
• Mental health crises: If you are in immediate danger or have suicidal thoughts, call 999, contact a crisis helpline, or go to A&E.
• Suspected fractures or broken bones: This often requires an urgent assessment and likely an x-ray or another form of imaging, so is best dealt with via A&E or a Minor Injury Unit.
• Pregnancy complications: Severe pain, heavy bleeding, or other serious pregnancy-related issues should be assessed in person by a healthcare provider.

As per CQC guidance, online GP services have strict rules around the prescription of controlled substances or medications with a high potential for abuse, and DutyDoctor is no exception. Such medications typically include:

• Strong painkillers (e.g., opioids like morphine, codeine)
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
• ADHD medications (e.g., methylphenidate)

High-risk medicines are those that have a high risk of causing injury or harm if they are misused or used in error. Examples include anticoagulants such as warfarin, or medications such as methotrexate and lithium, which also often require monitoring.

Unlicensed medications are those that are used outside the terms of their UK licence or those that have no licence for use in the UK.

Off-label medicines are those used in a different way than that stated in their licence.

Vaccinations, including:

• Routine immunisations (e.g., MMR, flu shots)
• Travel vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever, hepatitis A)

These must be administered in person at a GP surgery or a travel clinic.

Treatments for cosmetic purposes, such as Botox or fillers, are not offered through online GP services such as DutyDoctor.

DutyDoctor does not issue certain types of medical certificates, particularly those requiring a physical exam or diagnostic tests. If you need further clarification about this, please feel free to get in touch.