Accidents happen, such as a fall, a cut or a bruise. You may not feel it is serious enough for the emergency room, but you also cannot leave it untreated. In other cases, you may have a blocked ear or a painful lump that needs minor surgery but not hospital admission.
This is where GP-led emergency care and minor surgical procedures come in. At Dr Annelize Keevé’s practice, urgent issues can be addressed effectively and safely, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and discomfort.
What kind of emergencies can be treated in a GP setting?
Many minor emergencies can be managed directly at a general practice without the need for hospital admission. The goal is to assess the problem quickly, reduce discomfort, and prevent further complications.
Examples of common urgent concerns we manage include:
- Cuts or lacerations that need cleaning and dressing
- Minor burns or abrasions
- Abscesses or boils requiring drainage
- Sprains, minor fractures, or soft tissue injuries
- Infected wounds or insect bites
- Sudden allergic skin reactions
- Nosebleeds that will not stop
- Foreign objects in the skin, ear, or eye
If your condition is more complex or life-threatening, you will be referred to the appropriate emergency facility without delay.
What minor surgical procedures are offered?
Not all procedures require a theatre or a hospital stay. Many can be safely done in a GP room under local anaesthetic.
Common minor surgical procedures include:
- Removal of foreign bodies from the eyes and ears
- Rinse of earwax
- Debridement of wounds
- Biopsy or excision of lesions
- Suture of cuts
- Incision and drainage of abscesses
- Fracture management
- Chemokrio therapy (drug treatment that kills off fast-growing cells in the body)
Dr Keevé will explain the procedure clearly beforehand, including what to expect during and after.
What can I expect during the visit?
You will be examined to assess the severity of your condition. This might include checking for signs of infection, swelling, or bleeding. If a procedure is needed, it will usually be done during the same visit, unless further preparation is required.
You will be given aftercare instructions, and in some cases, a follow-up appointment to check on your healing or to remove stitches.
When should I seek urgent GP care?
You may want to book an urgent appointment if you notice:
- A wound that is deep, gaping, or becoming red and swollen
- A lump or cyst that is painful or growing
- A toenail that is inflamed, infected, or causing difficulty walking
- Persistent bleeding from a minor injury
- An insect bite that has worsened over 24-48 hours
If you’re unsure, call the practice to describe your concern. You will be guided from there.
Need help quickly, but not for the ER?
When something is painful or swollen, but not life-threatening, a GP-led approach can save you time, stress, and unnecessary hospital queues. The team at Dr Annelize Keevé’s practice is here to help you feel steady and informed when urgency meets calm care.
Book an appointment with our practice today.
