NI PEARS – Emergency Eye Care
If you develop a new, sudden eye problem, you do not need to contact the GP practice first. Instead, you can contact a participating local optometry practice (optician) directly through the Northern Ireland Primary Eye care Assessment and Referral Service (NI PEARS).
NI PEARS can help with:
- Red or painful eye(s)
- Sudden loss or reduction of vision
- New flashes or floaters
- Something stuck in your eye that you cannot remove
- Other sudden eye problems that have developed within the last 14 days
Most patients who are eligible will be offered an appointment within 48 hours. The optometrist can assess your eye problem, provide treatment where appropriate, or refer you directly to the Hospital Eye Service if necessary.
You must be:
- Registered with a GP in Northern Ireland
- Aged 5 years or over
- Experiencing a new eye problem that has started within the previous 14 days
Please contact your local participating optometry practice directly to arrange an appointment.
Please note: If your symptoms are severe, you have sudden loss of vision, significant injury, or you feel your condition is an emergency, seek urgent medical attention immediately by contacting 999 or attending the Emergency Department.
Sexual Health
SH24
People with no symptoms who are 16 years or older can order tests online.
Online testing can be ordered here – SH: 24 Free Home STI STD Test | Sexual & Reproductive Health (sh24.org.uk)
Test kits are delivered in discreet packaging, and you will get a text update when your order is dispatched. Your test kit will be sent to you with instructions on how to complete the tests. You can return your samples to the lab by post and get your test results by text message or phone call.
If you have symptoms of an STI, you should contact your local GUM clinic or GP.
What if my results show that I have an STI?
If you have an infection, you will get advice on how to access treatment. You will also be given information on how to inform any sexual partners who may also need to have an STI test. Your text will also explain how to get free care and treatment from GUM clinic or your GP.
If your test is positive for chlamydia, you will often be able to access postal treatment via the testing service, for example, you can choose to have the treatment posted to your door. Most people opt for this and find the service very convenient.
Western Trust (WHSCT) Self-referral to MSK Outpatient Physiotherapy
Self-referral is available for adults over 16 who need support and advice to manage symptoms related to muscle strains/joint sprains/back and neck pain.
This referral option is not available if you are under the care of a consultant for this problem, or if you have neurological, respiratory and/or continence conditions.
If you have pregnancy related pain, please ask your GP/Midwife to refer you to the Pelvic Health/ Women’s Health Physiotherapy Service who do not currently accept self-referrals.
Please note this is for patients who live within the Western Trust only.
Referrals can be completed online through the My Care patient portal or via the Western Trust self-referral webpage. Self-referral to MSK Outpatient Physiotherapy | Western Health & Social Care Trust
Using self-referral services helps you access the right healthcare professional more quickly and allows GP appointments to remain available for patients who need medical assessment.