When A&E Is Under Pressure, Timely GP Care Matters More Than Ever

Same day GP appointment Chichester

With A&E departments across England under increasing pressure, many patients are turning up with non-urgent conditions simply because timely GP appointments are hard to access. While symptoms such as coughs, sore throats and headaches can be worrying, they are often best managed outside a busy hospital setting. Access to prompt, same-day GP care offers reassurance, clarity and appropriate treatment — without the stress and long waits of A&E.

Key takeaways

  • Many common symptoms don’t require A&E care – coughs, headaches, earaches and minor infections can often be safely and effectively managed by a GP.
  • Access is the real challenge – when same-day NHS appointments aren’t available, patients are left with limited choices.
  • Timely private GP care provides reassurance – offering same-day appointments, unhurried consultations and clear next steps when you need them most.

Recent figures reported by ITV News have highlighted a growing challenge facing the NHS: millions of people are attending A&E each year with conditions such as coughs, sore throats, headaches, earaches and blocked noses.

While these symptoms can be worrying, many are not medical emergencies and could often be managed more effectively outside a busy emergency department.

For patients, this can mean long waits, crowded environments and delayed reassurance. For hospitals, it adds further pressure during an already challenging winter period. And for everyone, it raises an important question: where should you turn when you need medical advice quickly, but it’s not an emergency?

The problem isn’t concern – it’s access

It’s important to say that people don’t attend A&E without reason. When symptoms feel uncomfortable, persistent or unfamiliar, it’s natural to want professional reassurance. The issue, as many NHS leaders have pointed out, is access.

With rising pressures in this NHS, same-day GP appointments are difficult to secure and patients are left with limited options. That gap in care often leads people to A&E simply because it feels like the only place guaranteed to be open, available and able to help.

This is where timely, accessible GP care plays a vital role.

Same-day GP appointments, when you actually need them

At Oving Medical Clinic, we believe healthcare should be responsive, calm and centred around you. Our private GP appointments are designed to offer prompt care when health concerns arise — whether that’s on the same day, at short notice, or at a time that fits around your life.

Many of the conditions commonly seen in A&E — coughs, sore throats, headaches, ear pain, sinus problems, digestive issues and minor infections — can often be assessed, investigated and treated effectively at a private GP surgery, without the stress of a hospital visit.

Patients that turn to private healthcare, often tell us that what they value most is not just speed, but being listened to, examined thoroughly and given clear advice they can trust.

Expert care, delivered personally

Our experienced GP team brings a wide range of clinical expertise to every consultation:

Dr Pete Morgan, GP, MSK & Sports Physician

Dr Greg Wang, ENT-trained General Practitioner

Dr Georgina Hughes, GP with a special interest in Women’s Health

Together, they offer thoughtful, evidence-based care in a welcoming and unhurried environment. Appointments are long enough to properly explore your symptoms, discuss concerns and agree on a plan that feels right for you.

Reassurance, clarity and next steps

Not every illness requires hospital care — but every patient deserves reassurance and clarity. Whether that means confirming a diagnosis, arranging blood tests, prescribing treatment, or referring you swiftly to a specialist if needed, our role is to guide you confidently through the process.

We also offer:

  • Same-day and flexible GP appointments
  • In-person, virtual consultations and home visits
  • Blood tests and health screening
  • Fast specialist referrals
  • A calm, discreet and professional setting

Choosing the right care, at the right time

A&E will always be there for life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries — and that’s exactly where it should be used. But for non-urgent medical concerns, having access to a GP when you need one can make all the difference.

By choosing prompt GP care, you’re not only looking after your own health — you’re also helping reduce unnecessary pressure on emergency services, ensuring they’re available for those who need them most.

Healthcare that fits around you – same day GP appointments in Chichester

At The Oving Medical Clinic, we’re proud to offer personalised, high-quality private general practice for patients in Oving, Chichester and the surrounding areas.

If you’re feeling unwell, need reassurance, or simply don’t want to wait weeks for an appointment, we’re here to help — with care that’s timely, professional and centred around what matters to you.

Book an appointment online or call 01243 773167 to speak with our friendly reception team.