Free NHS health services you can access without needing a GP appointment...

Did you know there are some free NHS health services you can access without needing an appointment with your GP? This is called self-referral and could help you find the care you need quicker and more easily than going through your surgery.

You can register for most of them online. In some cases you refer yourself by phoning rather than emailing or by completing an online form. Self-referral services vary by area though - and they might be provided by a variety of organisations, all approved and commissioned by the NHS.

This page highlights some of the services available with self-referrals. This includes:
Talking Therapies, Urgent Eye Care, Physiotherapy, Quitting Smoking, Maternity, and Podiatry.​​​​​​​

Please note: These services cover the NHS area of North Cumbria - North, West, and East.
South Cumbria may have different options.

NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies

North-Cumbria-Talking-Therapies-logo-CMYK-e1680687498755.jpgNorth Cumbria Talking Therapies can help with a range of common mental health problems.​​​​​​, providing free, talking therapies for adults (18+) in North Cumbria.

It's part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. (for individuals living in South Cumbria please visit NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Talking Therapies).

You can also contact the service by phone at: 0300 123 9122
 

Urgent Eye Care

Sudden eye problems? If you have a red or painful eye, something stuck in your eye, sudden vision changes, or flashes/floaters, contact the North East & North Cumbria Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES).

  • Call first - not a walk-in. You may get advice, a virtual or in-person appointment, or a hospital referral.
     
  • Not for routine checks — ongoing conditions like cataracts or glaucoma should be managed by your usual optometrist or hospital eye team.

Physiotherapy

Muscle, joint, heart, lung, or pelvic health problems?

Some GP practices may offer First Contact Physiotherapy in-house - you would need to check with your specific surgery.

However, you can also self-refer to North Cumbria First Contact Physiotherapy at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust - no GP needed.

They help with:

  •  Joint pain, sports injuries, rheumatology conditions
  • Stroke, MS, Parkinson’s
  • Heart or lung rehab
  • Pelvic health issues, including pregnancy and incontinence

Treatment may include advice, exercises, hands-on therapy, and group sessions.
Available in hospital, outpatient, or community settings.

Quit Smoking

When you quit smoking, you'll begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health.

It's never too late to quit and it's easier to stop smoking with the right support.

Quitting smoking helps you breathe easier, feel better, save money, and live longer.

Both the Councils in Cumbria have options to get support and help give up smoking.

See below links to choose your relevant area in the county.

There is also a free 'Personal Quit Plan' and more advice on the NHS Better Health website here.

Maternity

Expecting?

Start maternity care early with North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

You can access their maternity services as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
Your first midwife appointment (~1 hour) can be at home, your GP, hospital, or children’s centre.

They’ll check your health, explain upcoming appointments and screening, and set up your maternity notes (paper or app).

Throughout pregnancy, you’ll be invited to antenatal classes, scans, postnatal clinics, vaccinations, and breastfeeding support.

  • Locations: Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital, Penrith Community Hospital

Podiatry

Foot or lower leg problems?

The North Cumbria Podiatry Service keeps you mobile, pain-free, and treats infections or movement issues that go beyond self-care.

  • You can self-refer - no GP needed.
  • Locations: Workington Community Hospital, Flatt Walks Clinic, London Road Clinic (Carlisle), North Carlisle Medical Centre

They’ll assess your needs, give advice, or arrange follow-up treatment if needed.

Home visits may be available.