Reasoning GP · SCA case bank

All 359 SCA cases, by experience group

Every case in the Hot Seat, grouped by RCGP clinical experience group. Each page shows the candidate brief you would read before the consultation; the role-player script, marking and model consultation are in the Hot Seat. Many cases sit in more than one group.

Children & young people 56 cases

“Acne in a 16-year-old”Video · Typical
“Can I get the pill without my mum finding out?”Video · Hard
“He brings up his milk and screams — I’m exhausted, please give him something”Video · Typical
“He only wheezes when he’s got a cold”Telephone · Straightforward
“He woke up and won’t put weight on it”Video · Typical
“He’s burning up and now there’s a rash”Telephone · Hard
“He’s covered in little spots and bruises — and he’s just not himself”Video · Hard
“He’s got a cough and his breathing sounds noisy — is it just a cold?”Telephone · Typical
“He’s still wetting the bed at 7 — his dad says he’s too old for this”Video · Straightforward
“He’s two and he only says a few words — my mother-in-law says boys are just late talkers”Video · Typical
“Her eye turns in sometimes — and in photos one eye looks white, not red. People say she’ll grow out of it”Video · Hard
“Her fingers go dead white then blue in the cold — is it just poor circulation?”Video · Typical
“Her mum told me to ring — she’s had the runs and been sick, and she’s just sleeping a lot.”Telephone · Typical
“His ear’s been running all night — he needs antibiotics, doesn’t he?”Video · Straightforward
“His feet stink, the cream from the chemist hasn’t worked, and he won’t listen to a word I say”Video · Typical
“I did something stupid and I’m terrified I’ve got HIV — can you test me, secretly?”Video · Hard
“I don’t want to put steroids on my baby — won’t they thin her skin?”Video · Typical
“I found cannabis in my son’s room — fix him”Telephone · Hard
“I go dizzy and my heart races every time I stand up — school think I’m making it up”Video · Typical
“I keep feeling faint, I think I’m just run down”Video · Hard
“I keep getting letters about the kids’ jabs — I’m not anti-vaccine, it’s just… complicated”Video · Typical
“I need the morning-after pill — quickly, please”Telephone · Hard
“I sent you a photo of his lip — is it catching?”Telephone · Straightforward
“I thought he was dying in my arms”Video · Straightforward
“I’m 15 and pregnant — my boyfriend’s 22, and I don’t want any trouble”Video · Hard
“I’m 16 and pregnant — I want a termination, and I don’t want my mum told”Video · Hard
“I’m fine, my mum’s just overreacting”Video · Hard
“I’ve had a stinking sore throat and I’m wiped out for weeks — just give me antibiotics?”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve read things about the MMR — I’m not sure I want my daughter to have it”Video · Typical
“It came on suddenly playing football”Telephone · Hard
“My 3-year-old will only eat a handful of foods and refuses everything else — mealtimes are a battle and I’m worried she’s not getting enough”Video · Straightforward
“My 6-year-old has started developing breasts and some pubic hair — isn’t she far too young?”Video · Typical
“My 8-year-old keeps getting episodes of severe tummy pain with sickness and pallor — then she’s completely fine. Tests are normal”Telephone · Typical
“My 9-year-old keeps blinking, shrugging and making throat-clearing noises — he can’t seem to stop. Is it a habit or something serious?”Video · Straightforward
“My acne’s ruining my life — I want the strong tablets that cure it”Video · Typical
“My baby looks a bit yellow and she’s really sleepy — is that normal?”Telephone · Typical
“My baby screams inconsolably for hours every evening, pulling his legs up — I’m exhausted and worried something’s wrong”Video · Typical
“My little girl’s had a high fever for six days, a rash, red eyes and cracked lips — the calpol isn’t touching it”Video · Hard
“My mate’s mum found vapes and some pills in my bag — it’s no big deal, everyone does it. You won’t tell my parents, right?”Video · Hard
“My newborn’s eye is gunky — it’s just a blocked tear duct, isn’t it?”Telephone · Typical
“My niece is being taken ‘home’ this summer — I’m frightened they’ll cut her”Video · Hard
“My parents are taking me abroad in the holidays — they say it’s a visit but I think they’re going to make me marry someone. I’m scared and don’t know who to tell”Video · Hard
“My son’s 19, his liver tests are abnormal, his hands have started shaking and he’s become withdrawn and moody”Video · Hard
“She’s been sent home from school again — I’ve tried everything from the chemist and nothing works”Video · Typical
“She’s drinking all the time and wetting the bed again — can she have a blood test next week?”Video · Typical
“She’s got a temperature but she’s only 7 weeks — can I just give Calpol?”Telephone · Hard
“She’s soiling her pants at school — I think she’s just being lazy or naughty”Video · Typical
“Sleep problems in a 4-year-old”Video · Typical
“The childminder won’t have him back until these spots have gone — and I’m on shift on Monday”Video · Typical
“The health visitor says he’s dropped centiles — am I starving my baby?”Video · Typical
“The midwife said one of my baby’s testicles isn’t in the right place — is that serious? Will he be okay?”Video · Straightforward
“The school says it’s ADHD and he needs medication — can you sort that out?”Video · Typical
“The school sent a letter saying my son is obese — I’m furious and embarrassed”Video · Typical
“The teacher’s phone call”Telephone · Hard
“They’re back for the third time — I need tablets for all of us this time, me included”Video · Typical
“They’re watching him through the telly, he says”Telephone · Hard

Gender, reproductive & sexual health 81 cases

“Burning waterworks at 24”Telephone · Straightforward
“Can I get the pill without my mum finding out?”Video · Hard
“Every time I use condoms or rubber gloves I get itching, redness and swelling — could I be allergic to latex?”Video · Straightforward
“For a week or two before my period I become a different person — rage, despair, I scare myself — then it lifts”Video · Typical
“Headaches, long sleeves”Video · Hard
“Husband worried about wife's mood”Telephone · Typical
“I came in asking for antidepressants — but really it’s that I finish far too quickly in bed and it’s wrecking my confidence and relationship”Video · Typical
“I can’t leave the house on my heavy days”Telephone · Straightforward
“I did a pregnancy test and it’s still positive — is something wrong?”Telephone · Typical
“I did something stupid and I’m terrified I’ve got HIV — can you test me, secretly?”Video · Hard
“I just need the blue pills, doc”Video · Straightforward
“I keep getting smear test letters — last time it went really badly, and I’m not sure I even need one”Video · Hard
“I lost the last one — is this happening again?”Video · Typical
“I need emergency contraception and an STI test — something happened at work”Video · Hard
“I need the morning-after pill — quickly, please”Telephone · Hard
“I want to talk about my pill — and this time without my mum”Video · Typical
“I’d like to have a coil fitted — which one should I have?”Telephone · Typical
“I’m 15 and pregnant — my boyfriend’s 22, and I don’t want any trouble”Video · Hard
“I’m 16 and pregnant — I want a termination, and I don’t want my mum told”Video · Hard
“I’m 30 weeks pregnant and every evening my legs feel crawly and I have to move them — it’s ruining my sleep”Video · Straightforward
“I’m 9 weeks pregnant and can’t keep anything down — not even water — I feel awful and I’m scared”Video · Typical
“I’m desperate for the loo all the time and sometimes don’t make it — I just want a tablet to stop it”Video · Straightforward
“I’m fine, I’m just tired — all new mums are”Video · Typical
“I’m here for my hand X-ray and blood results — the one test was negative, so that’s good, isn’t it?”Video · Typical
“I’m just bloated all the time — must be my age or IBS”Video · Typical
“I’m knackered and my gym mate says it’s low testosterone — can I just get a T boost?”Video · Typical
“I’ve been having accidents — I can’t always make it to the toilet — I’ve been too ashamed to tell anyone”Video · Typical
“I’ve got a long-haul flight on Saturday and I can’t do it without a few diazepam — my old GP always gave them”Telephone · Typical
“I’ve got pain down below, burning when I wee and I feel feverish — is it just a water infection?”Video · Typical
“I’ve got painful blisters and ulcers down below and I’m terrified — does this mean I’ll have it forever?”Video · Typical
“I’ve just found out I’m pregnant — and I’m on those epilepsy tablets, sodium valproate”Video · Hard
“It started with one big patch and now it’s all over my chest and back — is it catching?”Video · Hard
“It was only a tiny bit, probably nothing”Video · Straightforward
“It’s another girl — my family expects a son. I want to end this pregnancy”Video · Hard
“It’s another water infection — and there was blood again. The hospital says I’m fine, but I’m not.”Video · Hard
“It’s like passing glass — sharp pain when I go, then it throbs for ages, and there’s bright blood on the paper”Video · Straightforward
“It’s my fourth water infection this year — just give me antibiotics again”Telephone · Straightforward
“It’s probably just a cyst — I’m too young for anything bad, aren’t I?”Video · Typical
“It’s probably just a water infection again”Telephone · Typical
“It’s probably nothing, my girlfriend made me come”Video · Straightforward
“Just give it to me straight — does HRT give you breast cancer or not?”Video · Typical
“Just give me the test so I know I’m clear”Video · Straightforward
“My dad’s on dialysis with polycystic kidneys — do I have it, and what does it mean for kids?”Video · Typical
“My hair’s coming out in the shower — am I going bald?”Video · Straightforward
“My hair’s falling out since the baby — on top of everything else”Video · Typical
“My hands and feet are itching like mad — it’s just my skin being dry”Telephone · Typical
“My hormones run out next week and the clinic discharged me — please don’t let me crash”Telephone · Typical
“My knee blew up out of nowhere — I haven’t even injured it”Video · Typical
“My leg’s swollen and sore — I think I’ve pulled something”Telephone · Typical
“My newborn’s eye is gunky — it’s just a blocked tear duct, isn’t it?”Telephone · Typical
“My penis has started bending and it hurts — I’m too embarrassed to even say it out loud”Video · Straightforward
“My periods are all over the place, I’m not sleeping and I can’t think straight — is this the change, or something worse?”Video · Typical
“My periods have always been bad, but now I’m missing work — and the scan was normal”Video · Typical
“My periods have stopped on the mini-pill — is that normal, or am I pregnant?”Video · Straightforward
“My periods stopped and now there’s milk — am I pregnant?”Video · Straightforward
“My pregnancy sugar test came back high — does this mean my baby’s in danger?”Video · Typical
“My smear came back abnormal — do I have cancer? I’m terrified and I don’t understand the letter”Video · Typical
“My sperm test came back abnormal — does this mean we’ll never have kids, and is it my fault?”Video · Typical
“My test was positive — does this mean he’s cheated?”Telephone · Typical
“My thyroid is the answer”Telephone · Typical
“Right iliac fossa pain”Telephone · Hard
“Sex has become painful and I freeze — something happened to me years ago”Video · Typical
“Since the baby came my thumb-side wrist is agony when I lift her — it catches and it’s swollen”Video · Straightforward
“That’s my third stress fracture this year — just sort my foot so I can keep training”Video · Typical
“The calcium and the wedding”Video · Hard
“The end of my penis is red, sore and itchy under the foreskin, and it’s getting hard to pull back”Video · Typical
“The headache at 34 weeks”Video · Hard
“The headache he can’t talk about”Video · Typical
“The health visitor told me to ring you — but I’m not depressed, I’m just on my own a lot”Telephone · Typical
“The HRT’s made me bleed again”Telephone · Typical
“The midwife said one of my baby’s testicles isn’t in the right place — is that serious? Will he be okay?”Video · Straightforward
“The number that changed when she conceived”Telephone · Typical
“The nurse says a blood result needs talking about — I’ve waited years for this, so nobody’s touching my dose”Video · Hard
“The woman who marks her own memory”Video · Typical
“There was blood when I ejaculated — I’ve convinced myself it’s cancer”Video · Straightforward
“They’re back for the third time — I need tablets for all of us this time, me included”Video · Typical
“Things haven’t been working in the bedroom since my heart attack — I don’t want another tablet on my list”Telephone · Typical
“Tired, and not just tired”Video · Straightforward
“Why can’t I lose weight and why am I so hairy?”Video · Straightforward
“You noticed during my smear — are you going to report me to the police?”Video · Hard
“Zigzag lights, then the headache”Telephone · Straightforward

Long-term conditions & cancer 144 cases

“Another phone call about my bloods — just tell me straight. And I’m not having an operation.”Telephone · Typical
“Back pain that isn’t mechanical”Telephone · Hard
“But the X-ray was clear”Telephone · Typical
“Chest pain, engine running”Telephone · Hard
“Every doctor just tells me to eat less and move more — I’ve heard about the jab, can I have it?”Video · Typical
“Every doctor says my tests are normal — but I’m not making it up”Video · Typical
“Every spring my nose runs and I sneeze non-stop — antihistamines barely help any more”Video · Straightforward
“Every time we cut the steroids the stiffness comes straight back — I want to go back to the dose that worked”Video · Typical
“Food just sticks — I’ve started cutting it up small”Video · Typical
“He only wheezes when he’s got a cold”Telephone · Straightforward
“He’s been having blood when he goes — but he gets so anxious about the doctor’s”Video · Hard
“He’s covered in little spots and bruises — and he’s just not himself”Video · Hard
“Her eye turns in sometimes — and in photos one eye looks white, not red. People say she’ll grow out of it”Video · Hard
“I ache everywhere and I’m exhausted — I just want a scan to find out what’s causing it”Video · Typical
“I can’t read your leaflets, and we move around a lot — don’t just talk at me, doc”Video · Typical
“I choked on my lunch last week and it frightened the life out of us — my nurse is off, so I came to you”Video · Hard
“I don’t want to end up on a machine — but I’m frightened every time I can’t catch my breath”Video · Hard
“I don’t want to put steroids on my baby — won’t they thin her skin?”Video · Typical
“I found a lump in my neck — it moves when I swallow”Video · Straightforward
“I get sudden electric-shock pains in my face when I brush my teeth or feel a breeze — it’s unbearable”Video · Straightforward
“I had a seizure but I’ve started my tablets again — I can keep driving, can’t I? I need my car for work”Video · Typical
“I itch all over but there’s no rash — just give me a cream”Video · Typical
“I just need another blue inhaler — I get through them, but they sort me out”Video · Typical
“I just need the blue pills, doc”Video · Straightforward
“I just need the steroids and antibiotics I usually get — don’t start on about the smoking”Video · Typical
“I keep getting cramping pain in my lower left tummy and my bowels are all over the place — the scan mentioned diverticular disease”Video · Straightforward
“I keep getting nosebleeds — the latest one wouldn’t stop for ages, and I’m on blood thinners”Video · Typical
“I keep getting these itchy raised welts all over that come and go within hours — it’s been months and I can’t find a trigger”Video · Straightforward
“I keep waking up drenched — it’s probably just stress, right?”Video · Typical
“I need an injection in this shoulder before I lose my business — and I don’t want any blood tests”Video · Typical
“I only ended up in A&E because I had a cold — I’m back to normal now, no need to fuss”Video · Typical
“I paid for a full health MOT and it’s flagged nine things — I need you to go through every one and refer me”Video · Typical
“I survived the ICU — so why am I a wreck? Everyone says I should just be grateful”Video · Typical
“I’d like a PSA test, please — my brother’s just been diagnosed.”Video · Hard
“I’m constantly hungry and thirsty, weeing all the time, losing weight despite eating loads, and I’m exhausted”Video · Typical
“I’m desperate for the loo all the time and sometimes don’t make it — I just want a tablet to stop it”Video · Straightforward
“I’m going to the loo ten times a day with blood — can you just call something in?”Telephone · Hard
“I’m here for my hand X-ray and blood results — the one test was negative, so that’s good, isn’t it?”Video · Typical
“I’m just bloated all the time — must be my age or IBS”Video · Typical
“I’m ready to go back to work — but do I have to tell them what’s wrong with me?”Telephone · Typical
“I’m really bendy and my joints keep dislocating and aching, I bruise easily and I’m exhausted — someone mentioned Ehlers-Danlos”Video · Typical
“I’ve been on these omeprazole for years — I just want a repeat, not a lecture”Video · Typical
“I’ve been taking something for my stomach and a herbal tablet for my mood — is that okay with my HIV pills?”Video · Hard
“I’ve fractured my spine from almost nothing — and I’ve been on steroids for my arthritis for years. Could the tablets have caused it?”Video · Typical
“I’ve got a headache nearly every day and I’m taking painkillers constantly — nothing touches it”Video · Typical
“I’ve got a terminal diagnosis and I want help to end my life when the time comes — will you help me, doctor?”Video · Hard
“I’ve got COPD and I’m more breathless — it’s just another flare, can you sort it over the phone?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve got my scan and blood results to go through — it’s the fibroid, isn’t it?”Video · Hard
“I’ve got these intensely itchy purple bumps on my wrists, and now sore white streaks inside my mouth”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve had burning indigestion and stomach pain since starting my new tablets — do I just need something for the acid?”Video · Typical
“I’ve had this cough for three months — the heart doctor said to see you about it.”Video · Typical
“I’ve had this weepy sore on my ankle for weeks and it won’t heal — can you just bandage it up tight?”Video · Typical
“I’ve just found out I’m pregnant — and I’m on those epilepsy tablets, sodium valproate”Video · Hard
“I’ve run out of my methotrexate early — can you just print me another script today?”Video · Typical
“Insulin in poorly-controlled T2DM, Ramadan approaching”Video · Typical
“Insulin means I’ve failed, doesn’t it? And I’ll go blind like my mum — I don’t want needles”Video · Typical
“Is it something I’ve passed on?”Video · Typical
“It got my dad, it’ll get me”Video · Typical
“It was only a tiny bit, probably nothing”Video · Straightforward
“It’s another water infection — and there was blood again. The hospital says I’m fine, but I’m not.”Video · Hard
“It’s just a chest infection — can I have antibiotics and carry on at home?”Video · Hard
“It’s just a fatty lump on my leg — it’s only got a bit bigger”Video · Typical
“It’s just a gland up from a cold — it’ll go down, won’t it?”Video · Typical
“It’s just a scab that won’t heal — I keep knocking it. It’ll sort itself out, won’t it?”Video · Straightforward
“It’s just an ulcer from my denture rubbing”Video · Typical
“It’s just IBS, I get it when I’m stressed”Telephone · Typical
“It’s just my back from the gym”Video · Straightforward
“It’s just my gout again”Telephone · Typical
“It’s just my piles playing up again”Video · Typical
“It’s just the tail end of that chest infection, isn’t it, doc?”Video · Hard
“It’s months since I had COVID but I’m still exhausted, breathless and foggy — and crashing whenever I push myself”Video · Typical
“It’s only a little spot on my nose that bleeds when I wash — I can’t be going to the hospital, I look after my husband”Video · Typical
“It’s probably just a cyst — I’m too young for anything bad, aren’t I?”Video · Typical
“It’s probably nothing, my girlfriend made me come”Video · Straightforward
“Just a bit lightheaded, dear”Telephone · Typical
“Just give it to me straight — does HRT give you breast cancer or not?”Video · Typical
“Just give me the strong anti-inflammatories”Telephone · Straightforward
“My B12 is low — can’t I just take a tablet or eat better instead of injections?”Video · Typical
“My blood test says low platelets — I’ve been up all night convinced it’s leukaemia”Video · Typical
“My cholesterol’s really high — but I’m fit and slim, it must be a mistake”Video · Typical
“My dad died young of bowel cancer and the hospital said it ran in the family — do I need testing? I’m only 22”Video · Typical
“My dad’s on dialysis with polycystic kidneys — do I have it, and what does it mean for kids?”Video · Typical
“My daughter says I rattle when I walk — and I keep ending up on the floor”Video · Hard
“My eye’s gone blurry and aches — it’s probably just a migraine”Video · Hard
“My face and throat swelled up at the restaurant — A&E sent me to you for a ‘plan’”Video · Typical
“My hands are stiff and swollen — I’ll just take some ibuprofen”Video · Typical
“My hands shake when I reach for my cup or write — my dad had it too. Is it Parkinson’s?”Video · Straightforward
“My home machine gives me totally different numbers every time — I don’t know what to believe”Video · Straightforward
“My indigestion’s just worse than usual”Telephone · Typical
“My inhalers just aren’t working any more — I need something stronger”Video · Straightforward
“My liver test was up — but I barely drink, so it can’t be my liver”Video · Straightforward
“My periods have always been bad, but now I’m missing work — and the scan was normal”Video · Typical
“My pregnancy sugar test came back high — does this mean my baby’s in danger?”Video · Typical
“My readings are only a bit up — do I really need to be on pills for the rest of my life at 58?”Video · Straightforward
“My right ear’s gone muffled — it’s just wax, isn’t it?”Telephone · Typical
“My routine blood test showed raised lymphocytes and the word ‘leukaemia’ — I’m terrified, but I feel completely well”Video · Typical
“My son read me the letter — it says my sugar is high. Is it serious?”Telephone · Typical
“My speech has got slurred and I keep dropping things and tripping — but I’ve no pain at all”Video · Hard
“My voice has gone husky — it’s just a smoker’s throat”Video · Typical
“My wife nagged me to get this mole looked at”Video · Straightforward
“My wife says I stop breathing in my sleep — but I just need something for the snoring”Video · Typical
“My wife says I’ve gone yellow — but I feel okay-ish”Video · Typical
“New diagnosis of hypertension”Video · Typical
“One nostril keeps blocking and bleeding — just hay fever, surely?”Video · Typical
“Persistent cough in a smoker”Video · Typical
“Pink urine and a cruise”Telephone · Typical
“Since Dad’s fall I want him off that blood thinner — if he bangs his head, it’ll kill him”Video · Hard
“Since the stroke clinic gave me these tablets I feel dizzy and achy — I want to stop them”Telephone · Typical
“So I haven’t got diabetes — I’m fine then?”Telephone · Straightforward
“Straight lines look wavy and there’s a blur in the middle of my sight — it’s just old age, isn’t it?”Video · Typical
“Ten weeks and still barking”Video · Straightforward
“The A&E doctor said my blood pressure’s sky high — I just need the tablets.”Video · Hard
“The blood service turned me away for low iron — but I feel completely fine”Video · Typical
“The calcium and the wedding”Video · Hard
“The drip her brother wants”Telephone · Hard
“The end of my penis is red, sore and itchy under the foreskin, and it’s getting hard to pull back”Video · Typical
“The handkerchief”Telephone · Typical
“The hospital hasn’t rung me — have my scan results come through to you?”Video · Hard
“The hospital says the cameras were clear, but I’m still shattered and those iron tablets made me ill”Video · Typical
“The HRT’s made me bleed again”Telephone · Typical
“The letter says I’ve got kidney disease — am I going on dialysis?”Telephone · Straightforward
“The letter that says it’s working its way in”Video · Typical
“The man who cancelled the caravan”Video · Typical
“The nurse did the blowing test — I just need a stronger inhaler, don’t I?”Video · Typical
“The nurse said I had to go through my health check results with you — is it bad news?”Video · Hard
“The nurse said my heart tracing wasn’t quite right — what does that mean?”Telephone · Typical
“The pain and the envelope”Telephone · Hard
“The positive FIT result”Telephone · Typical
“The room won’t stop spinning”Telephone · Hard
“The scan found a bulge on my aorta — is it about to burst?”Video · Straightforward
“The school sent a letter saying my son is obese — I’m furious and embarrassed”Video · Typical
“The shingles rash went months ago — so why does my skin still burn day and night?”Video · Typical
“The tramadol’s not touching it — I need something stronger”Video · Hard
“The X-ray says I’m ‘bone on bone’ — am I crippled?”Video · Straightforward
“There was blood on my dip test — but I can’t see any”Video · Straightforward
“These scaly patches keep coming back and creams barely help — it’s ruining my confidence”Video · Typical
“They said it was my fault for eating wrong”Telephone · Hard
“They sent me home with antibiotics, but I’ve still got pain and nobody explained anything.”Video · Typical
“Things haven’t been working in the bedroom since my heart attack — I don’t want another tablet on my list”Telephone · Typical
“Tight chest on the third floor”Video · Typical
“Why can’t I lose weight and why am I so hairy?”Video · Straightforward
“You said the first tests were normal — so I’m fine now, aren’t I?”Video · Typical
“You wanted to speak to me about my blood tests — I was only having them before starting a statin”Telephone · Typical
“You’ve rung me at work — is it that serious?”Telephone · Typical

Older adults 62 cases

“A "water infection" at 87”Video · Typical
“A curtain came down over half the vision in one eye — but it doesn’t hurt, so it can probably wait?”Telephone · Hard
“A painful rash on my forehead — it’s near my eye”Video · Typical
“Back pain that isn’t mechanical”Telephone · Hard
“Bit muddly and wobbly — it’s just my age, surely”Telephone · Typical
“Confused grandmother — video from her home”Video · Typical
“Dad’s gone unsteady and forgetful and he’s started wetting himself — the family say it’s just dementia”Video · Hard
“Every time we cut the steroids the stiffness comes straight back — I want to go back to the dose that worked”Video · Typical
“Fifteen-minute visits”Telephone · Hard
“Food just sticks — I’ve started cutting it up small”Video · Typical
“He’s lashed out at me again — I can’t cope, just sedate him”Telephone · Hard
“I choked on my lunch last week and it frightened the life out of us — my nurse is off, so I came to you”Video · Hard
“I don’t want to end up on a machine — but I’m frightened every time I can’t catch my breath”Video · Hard
“I just tripped, that’s all — these old carpets”Telephone · Typical
“I keep getting nosebleeds — the latest one wouldn’t stop for ages, and I’m on blood thinners”Video · Typical
“I want the form, doctor”Telephone · Typical
“I’m just tired, doctor — and the flat’s a bit cold these days”Video · Hard
“I’ve been crushing Mum’s tablets into her tea — is that okay?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve been having accidents — I can’t always make it to the toilet — I’ve been too ashamed to tell anyone”Video · Typical
“I’ve fractured my spine from almost nothing — and I’ve been on steroids for my arthritis for years. Could the tablets have caused it?”Video · Typical
“I’ve got COPD and I’m more breathless — it’s just another flare, can you sort it over the phone?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve got power of attorney for Mum — so can I say no to the hospital test?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve had a sickness bug and barely kept fluids down — a blood test says my kidneys are off”Video · Typical
“I’ve had this weepy sore on my ankle for weeks and it won’t heal — can you just bandage it up tight?”Video · Typical
“It’s just a chest infection — can I have antibiotics and carry on at home?”Video · Hard
“It’s just a scab that won’t heal — I keep knocking it. It’ll sort itself out, won’t it?”Video · Straightforward
“It’s my husband who’s the patient, not me”Video · Typical
“It’s only a little spot on my nose that bleeds when I wash — I can’t be going to the hospital, I look after my husband”Video · Typical
“Just a bit lightheaded, dear”Telephone · Typical
“Mum’s scratching herself raw at the care home — and now my hands are itching too. What is going on?”Telephone · Hard
“My arm went weak and my speech slurred for half an hour yesterday — but it’s fine now, so no harm done?”Video · Hard
“My bones are crumbling — am I going to end up in a wheelchair?”Telephone · Straightforward
“My daughter says I rattle when I walk — and I keep ending up on the floor”Video · Hard
“My eye’s gone red and agony, I’m seeing haloes round lights and now I feel sick”Video · Hard
“My inhalers just aren’t working any more — I need something stronger”Video · Straightforward
“My knee’s blown up — it’s just my arthritis”Telephone · Typical
“My leg’s gone cold and dead — it’s just my circulation”Telephone · Hard
“My routine blood test showed raised lymphocytes and the word ‘leukaemia’ — I’m terrified, but I feel completely well”Video · Typical
“My wife says I’ve gone yellow — but I feel okay-ish”Video · Typical
“Pink urine and a cruise”Telephone · Typical
“She’s just not herself today — the dip was positive, so can you send some antibiotics over?”Telephone · Typical
“She’s suddenly confused and agitated — can you prescribe something to settle her?”Telephone · Hard
“Since Dad’s fall I want him off that blood thinner — if he bangs his head, it’ll kill him”Video · Hard
“Since the new tablets I’m confused, constipated and can’t wee properly”Video · Typical
“Something to make her sleep”Telephone · Typical
“Sore knee in keen hill walker”Video · Typical
“Stiff every morning — and now this headache”Telephone · Hard
“Straight lines look wavy and there’s a blur in the middle of my sight — it’s just old age, isn’t it?”Video · Typical
“The drip her brother wants”Telephone · Hard
“The handkerchief”Telephone · Typical
“The hospital says the cameras were clear, but I’m still shattered and those iron tablets made me ill”Video · Typical
“The nurse said my heart tracing wasn’t quite right — what does that mean?”Telephone · Typical
“The pain and the envelope”Telephone · Hard
“The scan found a bulge on my aorta — is it about to burst?”Video · Straightforward
“The shingles rash went months ago — so why does my skin still burn day and night?”Video · Typical
“The sleeping tablet repeat”Video · Typical
“The son who leaves on Friday”Telephone · Typical
“The watch that wouldn’t settle”Telephone · Typical
“The wrong dose went out — and they’ve been taking it”Telephone · Hard
“They found something on my hip X-ray — is it cancer?”Video · Straightforward
“Why does Dad’s certificate say heart failure — and why can’t we bury him yet?”Telephone · Hard
“You said the first tests were normal — so I’m fine now, aren’t I?”Video · Typical

Mental health & addiction 83 cases

“Abnormal LFTs — alcohol concern”Video · Typical
“Acne in a 16-year-old”Video · Typical
“Bev made me do this — it’s only my leg, it’ll heal on its own”Video · Hard
“Can we talk privately? It’s not about a patient — it’s about Richard”Video · Hard
“Eleventh appointment, still angry”Telephone · Typical
“Every doctor says my tests are normal — but I’m not making it up”Video · Typical
“Everyone keeps saying how well I look”Video · Typical
“Excruciating pain behind one eye, every night at the same time — it makes me pace and bang my head”Video · Typical
“For a week or two before my period I become a different person — rage, despair, I scare myself — then it lifts”Video · Typical
“He brings up his milk and screams — I’m exhausted, please give him something”Video · Typical
“He’s lashed out at me again — I can’t cope, just sedate him”Telephone · Hard
“His feet stink, the cream from the chemist hasn’t worked, and he won’t listen to a word I say”Video · Typical
“I came in asking for antidepressants — but really it’s that I finish far too quickly in bed and it’s wrecking my confidence and relationship”Video · Typical
“I did a pregnancy test and it’s still positive — is something wrong?”Telephone · Typical
“I found cannabis in my son’s room — fix him”Telephone · Hard
“I got out yesterday and they stopped all my meds — I’ve got nothing”Telephone · Hard
“I just can’t switch my head off at night”Video · Typical
“I just need a sick note for work”Video · Typical
“I just need something for my back and my temper”Telephone · Typical
“I just need the disulfiram, not a load of questions”Telephone · Hard
“I keep feeling faint, I think I’m just run down”Video · Hard
“I keep getting breathless and tingly — I think it’s panic, but what if it’s my heart?”Video · Typical
“I keep getting these awful vomiting attacks — the only thing that helps is standing in a really hot shower for hours”Video · Typical
“I know it’s irrational, but I check the locks and wash my hands for hours — it’s taking over my life”Video · Typical
“I stopped my antipsychotic months ago — I want to go back on it, can you just prescribe it?”Video · Typical
“I survived the ICU — so why am I a wreck? Everyone says I should just be grateful”Video · Typical
“I want that doctor reported”Telephone · Hard
“I’m exhausted all the time — can you just test me for everything?”Video · Typical
“I’m fine, I’m just tired — all new mums are”Video · Typical
“I’m fine, my mum’s just overreacting”Video · Hard
“I’m not depressed, I’m just not sleeping”Video · Hard
“I’m one of the nurses here — could you just quickly prescribe me some antibiotics/sleeping tablets without making a big fuss or recording it? I’d rather it stayed private”Telephone · Typical
“I’m only ringing for my blood results — I’m not going into hospital, so don’t ask”Telephone · Hard
“I’m stopping on Monday, on my own”Video · Hard
“I’m sure it’s something serious this time”Video · Typical
“I’ve been taking something for my stomach and a herbal tablet for my mood — is that okay with my HIV pills?”Video · Hard
“I’ve got a headache nearly every day and I’m taking painkillers constantly — nothing touches it”Video · Typical
“I’ve got a long-haul flight on Saturday and I can’t do it without a few diazepam — my old GP always gave them”Telephone · Typical
“I’ve got a terminal diagnosis and I want help to end my life when the time comes — will you help me, doctor?”Video · Hard
“I’ve got chest pain — I’m terrified it’s my heart — but it’s sharp, worse when I press on it or breathe deeply”Video · Typical
“I’ve had a sickness bug and now I’m shaky and muddled — I’m on lithium”Video · Hard
“I’ve just moved here and my methadone runs out today — I need a script now”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve spent a fortune on shampoos and supplements — just tell me what actually works”Video · Typical
“It’s just a gland up from a cold — it’ll go down, won’t it?”Video · Typical
“It’s my husband who’s the patient, not me”Video · Typical
“Just give me the strong anti-inflammatories”Telephone · Straightforward
“Just some sleeping tablets, please — I don’t want to be a burden”Video · Hard
“My acne’s ruining my life — I want the strong tablets that cure it”Video · Typical
“My ADHD clinic has sent you a letter — can you take over my prescription?”Telephone · Typical
“My baby screams inconsolably for hours every evening, pulling his legs up — I’m exhausted and worried something’s wrong”Video · Typical
“My blood test said my cells are big — is that bad?”Telephone · Typical
“My feet have gone numb and tingly — it’s creeping up, and now my fingers too”Video · Typical
“My hair’s coming out in the shower — am I going bald?”Video · Straightforward
“My hair’s falling out since the baby — on top of everything else”Video · Typical
“My hand goes numb at night — I’m scared it’s the start of MS”Telephone · Straightforward
“My hands and armpits drip with sweat even when I’m not hot — it’s ruining my work and my confidence”Video · Straightforward
“My hormones run out next week and the clinic discharged me — please don’t let me crash”Telephone · Typical
“My husband’s only 58 but he’s become rude, reckless with money and oddly uncaring — it’s like his personality’s changed”Video · Hard
“My mate’s mum found vapes and some pills in my bag — it’s no big deal, everyone does it. You won’t tell my parents, right?”Video · Hard
“My old doctor always gave me a few diazepam”Telephone · Typical
“My periods have stopped and I’m cold all the time — can I just go on the pill to bring them back?”Video · Hard
“My sperm test came back abnormal — does this mean we’ll never have kids, and is it my fault?”Video · Typical
“My thyroid is the answer”Telephone · Typical
“My voice has gone husky — it’s just a smoker’s throat”Video · Typical
“Nobody helps me, I can’t cope, and I’ve been hurting myself — you’re my last hope, you have to fix this now”Video · Hard
“Sex has become painful and I freeze — something happened to me years ago”Video · Typical
“Sleep problems in a 4-year-old”Video · Typical
“That’s my third stress fracture this year — just sort my foot so I can keep training”Video · Typical
“The A&E doctor said my blood pressure’s sky high — I just need the tablets.”Video · Hard
“The health visitor says he’s dropped centiles — am I starving my baby?”Video · Typical
“The health visitor told me to ring you — but I’m not depressed, I’m just on my own a lot”Telephone · Typical
“The nurse said I had to go through my health check results with you — is it bad news?”Video · Hard
“The sleeping tablet repeat”Video · Typical
“The tramadol’s not touching it — I need something stronger”Video · Hard
“The woman who marks her own memory”Video · Typical
“There’s a lump in my throat — I’m sure it’s cancer”Telephone · Straightforward
“There’s something in my notes I want deleted — it’s wrong, and it’s nobody’s business”Video · Typical
“These scaly patches keep coming back and creams barely help — it’s ruining my confidence”Video · Typical
“These white patches are spreading — everyone keeps staring”Video · Straightforward
“They’re watching him through the telly, he says”Telephone · Hard
“What if it’s a brain tumour?”Video · Straightforward
“Why can’t I lose weight and why am I so hairy?”Video · Straightforward
“You can’t write this down — promise me it stays off my record”Telephone · Hard

Urgent & unscheduled care 77 cases

“A "water infection" at 87”Video · Typical
“A curtain came down over half the vision in one eye — but it doesn’t hurt, so it can probably wait?”Telephone · Hard
“A painful rash on my forehead — it’s near my eye”Video · Typical
“Agonising pain in my side, coming in waves and shooting to my groin — I can’t keep still”Video · Typical
“Bad indigestion after my takeaway — just need strong antacids”Telephone · Straightforward
“Bev made me do this — it’s only my leg, it’ll heal on its own”Video · Hard
“Chest pain, engine running”Telephone · Hard
“Half my face has dropped — I look like I’ve had a stroke”Telephone · Typical
“He woke up and won’t put weight on it”Video · Typical
“He’s burning up and now there’s a rash”Telephone · Hard
“He’s covered in little spots and bruises — and he’s just not himself”Video · Hard
“He’s got a cough and his breathing sounds noisy — is it just a cold?”Telephone · Typical
“Her mum told me to ring — she’s had the runs and been sick, and she’s just sleeping a lot.”Telephone · Typical
“His ear’s been running all night — he needs antibiotics, doesn’t he?”Video · Straightforward
“I came back from Thailand a few days ago with a high fever, splitting headache behind my eyes, and aching all over”Video · Typical
“I did something stupid and I’m terrified I’ve got HIV — can you test me, secretly?”Video · Hard
“I got out yesterday and they stopped all my meds — I’ve got nothing”Telephone · Hard
“I jabbed myself with a used needle at work an hour ago — I’m panicking about HIV and hepatitis. What do I do?”Telephone · Typical
“I just need another blue inhaler — I get through them, but they sort me out”Video · Typical
“I just need the steroids and antibiotics I usually get — don’t start on about the smoking”Video · Typical
“I keep getting double vision that comes and goes — it’s probably just tiredness, right?”Video · Hard
“I keep getting nosebleeds — the latest one wouldn’t stop for ages, and I’m on blood thinners”Video · Typical
“I lost the last one — is this happening again?”Video · Typical
“I need emergency contraception and an STI test — something happened at work”Video · Hard
“I only ended up in A&E because I had a cold — I’m back to normal now, no need to fuss”Video · Typical
“I started a new tablet, now I’ve got a spreading rash, blisters and my mouth and eyes are raw”Video · Hard
“I thought he was dying in my arms”Video · Straightforward
“I twisted my knee playing football — it swelled up, it clicks and catches, and sometimes it locks so I can’t straighten it”Video · Straightforward
“I’m 9 weeks pregnant and can’t keep anything down — not even water — I feel awful and I’m scared”Video · Typical
“I’m going to the loo ten times a day with blood — can you just call something in?”Telephone · Hard
“I’m only ringing for my blood results — I’m not going into hospital, so don’t ask”Telephone · Hard
“I’m stopping on Monday, on my own”Video · Hard
“I’ve got a really painful swelling at the top of my bum cleft that’s started leaking — I can’t sit down”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve got chest pain — I’m terrified it’s my heart — but it’s sharp, worse when I press on it or breathe deeply”Video · Typical
“I’ve got COPD and I’m more breathless — it’s just another flare, can you sort it over the phone?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve got pain down below, burning when I wee and I feel feverish — is it just a water infection?”Video · Typical
“I’ve had a sickness bug and barely kept fluids down — a blood test says my kidneys are off”Video · Typical
“I’ve had a sickness bug and now I’m shaky and muddled — I’m on lithium”Video · Hard
“I’ve just moved here and my methadone runs out today — I need a script now”Telephone · Hard
“It came on suddenly playing football”Telephone · Hard
“It only happens when I play”Video · Hard
“It started at my cousin’s wedding and it still won’t stop — I need to be back at work on Saturday”Video · Typical
“It’s just a chest infection — can I have antibiotics and carry on at home?”Video · Hard
“It’s just my gout again”Telephone · Typical
“My arm went weak and my speech slurred for half an hour yesterday — but it’s fine now, so no harm done?”Video · Hard
“My baby looks a bit yellow and she’s really sleepy — is that normal?”Telephone · Typical
“My back’s flared up again — can you send codeine to a chemist up here and refer me for physio?”Video · Typical
“My ear’s blocked — I think it’s just wax”Telephone · Typical
“My eye’s gone blurry and aches — it’s probably just a migraine”Video · Hard
“My eye’s gone red and agony, I’m seeing haloes round lights and now I feel sick”Video · Hard
“My eye’s red and sore — is it just conjunctivitis?”Telephone · Typical
“My face and throat swelled up at the restaurant — A&E sent me to you for a ‘plan’”Video · Typical
“My indigestion’s just worse than usual”Telephone · Typical
“My knee blew up out of nowhere — I haven’t even injured it”Video · Typical
“My knee’s blown up — it’s just my arthritis”Telephone · Typical
“My leg’s gone cold and dead — it’s just my circulation”Telephone · Hard
“My leg’s swollen and sore — I think I’ve pulled something”Telephone · Typical
“My little girl’s had a high fever for six days, a rash, red eyes and cracked lips — the calpol isn’t touching it”Video · Hard
“My newborn’s eye is gunky — it’s just a blocked tear duct, isn’t it?”Telephone · Typical
“My periods have stopped and I’m cold all the time — can I just go on the pill to bring them back?”Video · Hard
“Nobody helps me, I can’t cope, and I’ve been hurting myself — you’re my last hope, you have to fix this now”Video · Hard
“Persistent cough in a smoker”Video · Typical
“Right iliac fossa pain”Telephone · Hard
“She’s drinking all the time and wetting the bed again — can she have a blood test next week?”Video · Typical
“She’s got a temperature but she’s only 7 weeks — can I just give Calpol?”Telephone · Hard
“She’s just not herself today — the dip was positive, so can you send some antibiotics over?”Telephone · Typical
“She’s suddenly confused and agitated — can you prescribe something to settle her?”Telephone · Hard
“Stiff every morning — and now this headache”Telephone · Hard
“The headache at 34 weeks”Video · Hard
“The room won’t stop spinning”Telephone · Hard
“The whole family’s had headaches, feel sick and dizzy at home — even the dog seems off — but we’re fine when we’re out”Telephone · Hard
“The wrong dose went out — and they’ve been taking it”Telephone · Hard
“They said it was my fault for eating wrong”Telephone · Hard
“They sent me home with antibiotics, but I’ve still got pain and nobody explained anything.”Video · Typical
“They’re watching him through the telly, he says”Telephone · Hard
“Worst headache of my life”Telephone · Typical
“You’ve rung me at work — is it that serious?”Telephone · Typical

Health disadvantage & vulnerabilities 47 cases

“Bev made me do this — it’s only my leg, it’ll heal on its own”Video · Hard
“Burning waterworks at 24”Telephone · Straightforward
“Confused grandmother — video from her home”Video · Typical
“Every doctor just tells me to eat less and move more — I’ve heard about the jab, can I have it?”Video · Typical
“Fifteen-minute visits”Telephone · Hard
“He woke up and won’t put weight on it”Video · Typical
“He’s been having blood when he goes — but he gets so anxious about the doctor’s”Video · Hard
“He’s just being difficult — it’s his autism, he doesn’t need examining”Video · Hard
“Headaches, long sleeves”Video · Hard
“Her mum told me to ring — she’s had the runs and been sick, and she’s just sleeping a lot.”Telephone · Typical
“I can’t read your leaflets, and we move around a lot — don’t just talk at me, doc”Video · Typical
“I got out yesterday and they stopped all my meds — I’ve got nothing”Telephone · Hard
“I just can’t switch my head off at night”Video · Typical
“I just need something for my back and my temper”Telephone · Typical
“I just need you to sign me off for three months”Video · Typical
“I just tripped, that’s all — these old carpets”Telephone · Typical
“I keep getting letters about the kids’ jabs — I’m not anti-vaccine, it’s just… complicated”Video · Typical
“I keep getting smear test letters — last time it went really badly, and I’m not sure I even need one”Video · Hard
“I need emergency contraception and an STI test — something happened at work”Video · Hard
“I want the form, doctor”Telephone · Typical
“I want to talk about my pill — and this time without my mum”Video · Typical
“I’m just tired, doctor — and the flat’s a bit cold these days”Video · Hard
“I’m knackered and my gym mate says it’s low testosterone — can I just get a T boost?”Video · Typical
“I’m not depressed, I’m just not sleeping”Video · Hard
“I’m really bendy and my joints keep dislocating and aching, I bruise easily and I’m exhausted — someone mentioned Ehlers-Danlos”Video · Typical
“I’ve been crushing Mum’s tablets into her tea — is that okay?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve been having accidents — I can’t always make it to the toilet — I’ve been too ashamed to tell anyone”Video · Typical
“I’ve been taking something for my stomach and a herbal tablet for my mood — is that okay with my HIV pills?”Video · Hard
“I’ve got my scan and blood results to go through — it’s the fibroid, isn’t it?”Video · Hard
“I’ve just moved here and my methadone runs out today — I need a script now”Telephone · Hard
“It’s my husband who’s the patient, not me”Video · Typical
“Just a bit lightheaded, dear”Telephone · Typical
“Just some sleeping tablets, please — I don’t want to be a burden”Video · Hard
“My hands are very sore and cracked — my friend says I need a cream”Video · Hard
“My mate’s mum found vapes and some pills in my bag — it’s no big deal, everyone does it. You won’t tell my parents, right?”Video · Hard
“My son will translate — he’s right here, just ask him”Telephone · Hard
“She’s been sent home from school again — I’ve tried everything from the chemist and nothing works”Video · Typical
“Something to make her sleep”Telephone · Typical
“The A&E doctor said my blood pressure’s sky high — I just need the tablets.”Video · Hard
“The childminder won’t have him back until these spots have gone — and I’m on shift on Monday”Video · Typical
“The positive FIT result”Telephone · Typical
“The school sent a letter saying my son is obese — I’m furious and embarrassed”Video · Typical
“The son who leaves on Friday”Telephone · Typical
“The teacher’s phone call”Telephone · Hard
“The tramadol’s not touching it — I need something stronger”Video · Hard
“The whole family’s had headaches, feel sick and dizzy at home — even the dog seems off — but we’re fine when we’re out”Telephone · Hard
“They’re back for the third time — I need tablets for all of us this time, me included”Video · Typical

Ethnicity, culture & diversity 22 cases

“He’s two and he only says a few words — my mother-in-law says boys are just late talkers”Video · Typical
“I can’t read your leaflets, and we move around a lot — don’t just talk at me, doc”Video · Typical
“I keep getting smear test letters — last time it went really badly, and I’m not sure I even need one”Video · Hard
“I want to talk about my pill — and this time without my mum”Video · Typical
“Insulin in poorly-controlled T2DM, Ramadan approaching”Video · Typical
“It keeps growing back bigger every time someone treats it — can you just get rid of it?”Video · Straightforward
“It’s another girl — my family expects a son. I want to end this pregnancy”Video · Hard
“It’s just an ulcer from my denture rubbing”Video · Typical
“Just give me the test so I know I’m clear”Video · Straightforward
“Just some sleeping tablets, please — I don’t want to be a burden”Video · Hard
“My hands are very sore and cracked — my friend says I need a cream”Video · Hard
“My niece is being taken ‘home’ this summer — I’m frightened they’ll cut her”Video · Hard
“My parents are taking me abroad in the holidays — they say it’s a visit but I think they’re going to make me marry someone. I’m scared and don’t know who to tell”Video · Hard
“My son read me the letter — it says my sugar is high. Is it serious?”Telephone · Typical
“My son will translate — he’s right here, just ask him”Telephone · Hard
“New diagnosis of hypertension”Video · Typical
“One nostril keeps blocking and bleeding — just hay fever, surely?”Video · Typical
“The health visitor told me to ring you — but I’m not depressed, I’m just on my own a lot”Telephone · Typical
“The nurse says a blood result needs talking about — I’ve waited years for this, so nobody’s touching my dose”Video · Hard
“These white patches are spreading — everyone keeps staring”Video · Straightforward
“Why does Dad’s certificate say heart failure — and why can’t we bury him yet?”Telephone · Hard
“You noticed during my smear — are you going to report me to the police?”Video · Hard

New & undifferentiated presentations 115 cases

“A curtain came down over half the vision in one eye — but it doesn’t hurt, so it can probably wait?”Telephone · Hard
“Agonising pain in my side, coming in waves and shooting to my groin — I can’t keep still”Video · Typical
“Bad indigestion after my takeaway — just need strong antacids”Telephone · Straightforward
“But the X-ray was clear”Telephone · Typical
“Dad’s gone unsteady and forgetful and he’s started wetting himself — the family say it’s just dementia”Video · Hard
“Eleventh appointment, still angry”Telephone · Typical
“Every doctor says my tests are normal — but I’m not making it up”Video · Typical
“Every time I use condoms or rubber gloves I get itching, redness and swelling — could I be allergic to latex?”Video · Straightforward
“Excruciating pain behind one eye, every night at the same time — it makes me pace and bang my head”Video · Typical
“Half my face has dropped — I look like I’ve had a stroke”Telephone · Typical
“He’s been having blood when he goes — but he gets so anxious about the doctor’s”Video · Hard
“He’s just being difficult — it’s his autism, he doesn’t need examining”Video · Hard
“He’s two and he only says a few words — my mother-in-law says boys are just late talkers”Video · Typical
“Her eye turns in sometimes — and in photos one eye looks white, not red. People say she’ll grow out of it”Video · Hard
“Her fingers go dead white then blue in the cold — is it just poor circulation?”Video · Typical
“I ache everywhere and I’m exhausted — I just want a scan to find out what’s causing it”Video · Typical
“I always get antibiotics for my throat — just give me a course so I can get back to work”Video · Typical
“I came back from Thailand a few days ago with a high fever, splitting headache behind my eyes, and aching all over”Video · Typical
“I fall asleep without warning in the day, even mid-conversation — and my knees buckle when I laugh”Video · Typical
“I get sudden electric-shock pains in my face when I brush my teeth or feel a breeze — it’s unbearable”Video · Straightforward
“I get these sudden terrifying attacks — pounding headache, racing heart, drenching sweats — and my blood pressure’s all over the place”Video · Hard
“I go dizzy and my heart races every time I stand up — school think I’m making it up”Video · Typical
“I itch all over but there’s no rash — just give me a cream”Video · Typical
“I just need something for my back and my temper”Telephone · Typical
“I keep feeling faint, I think I’m just run down”Video · Hard
“I keep getting breathless and tingly — I think it’s panic, but what if it’s my heart?”Video · Typical
“I keep getting cramping pain in my lower left tummy and my bowels are all over the place — the scan mentioned diverticular disease”Video · Straightforward
“I keep getting double vision that comes and goes — it’s probably just tiredness, right?”Video · Hard
“I keep getting these awful vomiting attacks — the only thing that helps is standing in a really hot shower for hours”Video · Typical
“I keep getting these itchy raised welts all over that come and go within hours — it’s been months and I can’t find a trigger”Video · Straightforward
“I keep waking up drenched — it’s probably just stress, right?”Video · Typical
“I need an injection in this shoulder before I lose my business — and I don’t want any blood tests”Video · Typical
“I sent you a photo of his lip — is it catching?”Telephone · Straightforward
“I started a new tablet, now I’ve got a spreading rash, blisters and my mouth and eyes are raw”Video · Hard
“I twisted my knee playing football — it swelled up, it clicks and catches, and sometimes it locks so I can’t straighten it”Video · Straightforward
“I’m 30 weeks pregnant and every evening my legs feel crawly and I have to move them — it’s ruining my sleep”Video · Straightforward
“I’m constantly hungry and thirsty, weeing all the time, losing weight despite eating loads, and I’m exhausted”Video · Typical
“I’m exhausted all the time — can you just test me for everything?”Video · Typical
“I’m knackered and my gym mate says it’s low testosterone — can I just get a T boost?”Video · Typical
“I’m really bendy and my joints keep dislocating and aching, I bruise easily and I’m exhausted — someone mentioned Ehlers-Danlos”Video · Typical
“I’m sure it’s something serious this time”Video · Typical
“I’ve been on these omeprazole for years — I just want a repeat, not a lecture”Video · Typical
“I’ve come up with these painful red lumps on my shins — they’re hot and sore, what are they?”Video · Typical
“I’ve got a really painful swelling at the top of my bum cleft that’s started leaking — I can’t sit down”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve got a spreading circular rash on my leg after a walking holiday — is it ringworm?”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve got chest pain — I’m terrified it’s my heart — but it’s sharp, worse when I press on it or breathe deeply”Video · Typical
“I’ve got persistent bad breath that’s embarrassing me — mouthwash doesn’t fix it. What’s causing it?”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve got these intensely itchy purple bumps on my wrists, and now sore white streaks inside my mouth”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve had a stinking sore throat and I’m wiped out for weeks — just give me antibiotics?”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve had burning indigestion and stomach pain since starting my new tablets — do I just need something for the acid?”Video · Typical
“I’ve had IBS for years — I just need stronger tablets”Video · Typical
“I’ve spent a fortune on shampoos and supplements — just tell me what actually works”Video · Typical
“It keeps growing back bigger every time someone treats it — can you just get rid of it?”Video · Straightforward
“It started at my cousin’s wedding and it still won’t stop — I need to be back at work on Saturday”Video · Typical
“It started with one big patch and now it’s all over my chest and back — is it catching?”Video · Hard
“It was just a one-off faint — I can still drive, right?”Telephone · Typical
“It’s just a fatty lump on my leg — it’s only got a bit bigger”Video · Typical
“It’s just IBS, I get it when I’m stressed”Telephone · Typical
“It’s just my back from the gym”Video · Straightforward
“It’s just my piles playing up again”Video · Typical
“It’s like passing glass — sharp pain when I go, then it throbs for ages, and there’s bright blood on the paper”Video · Straightforward
“It’s months since I had COVID but I’m still exhausted, breathless and foggy — and crashing whenever I push myself”Video · Typical
“It’s probably just a water infection again”Telephone · Typical
“Mum’s scratching herself raw at the care home — and now my hands are itching too. What is going on?”Telephone · Hard
“My 6-year-old has started developing breasts and some pubic hair — isn’t she far too young?”Video · Typical
“My 8-year-old keeps getting episodes of severe tummy pain with sickness and pallor — then she’s completely fine. Tests are normal”Telephone · Typical
“My 9-year-old keeps blinking, shrugging and making throat-clearing noises — he can’t seem to stop. Is it a habit or something serious?”Video · Straightforward
“My back’s flared up again — can you send codeine to a chemist up here and refer me for physio?”Video · Typical
“My ear’s blocked — I think it’s just wax”Telephone · Typical
“My ear’s really painful and itchy with some discharge — worse when I touch it. I’ve been using cotton buds”Video · Typical
“My eye’s gone blurry and aches — it’s probably just a migraine”Video · Hard
“My eye’s gone red and agony, I’m seeing haloes round lights and now I feel sick”Video · Hard
“My eye’s red and sore — is it just conjunctivitis?”Telephone · Typical
“My feet have gone numb and tingly — it’s creeping up, and now my fingers too”Video · Typical
“My hair’s coming out in the shower — am I going bald?”Video · Straightforward
“My hand goes numb at night — I’m scared it’s the start of MS”Telephone · Straightforward
“My hands and armpits drip with sweat even when I’m not hot — it’s ruining my work and my confidence”Video · Straightforward
“My hands are stiff and swollen — I’ll just take some ibuprofen”Video · Typical
“My hands shake when I reach for my cup or write — my dad had it too. Is it Parkinson’s?”Video · Straightforward
“My heel is agony for the first few steps in the morning, then eases — it’s been weeks”Video · Straightforward
“My husband’s only 58 but he’s become rude, reckless with money and oddly uncaring — it’s like his personality’s changed”Video · Hard
“My knee blew up out of nowhere — I haven’t even injured it”Video · Typical
“My little girl’s had a high fever for six days, a rash, red eyes and cracked lips — the calpol isn’t touching it”Video · Hard
“My penis has started bending and it hurts — I’m too embarrassed to even say it out loud”Video · Straightforward
“My periods are all over the place, I’m not sleeping and I can’t think straight — is this the change, or something worse?”Video · Typical
“My right ear’s gone muffled — it’s just wax, isn’t it?”Telephone · Typical
“My speech has got slurred and I keep dropping things and tripping — but I’ve no pain at all”Video · Hard
“My voice has gone husky — it’s just a smoker’s throat”Video · Typical
“My wife nagged me to get this mole looked at”Video · Straightforward
“My wife says I stop breathing in my sleep — but I just need something for the snoring”Video · Typical
“My wife says I’ve gone yellow — but I feel okay-ish”Video · Typical
“One nostril keeps blocking and bleeding — just hay fever, surely?”Video · Typical
“She’s drinking all the time and wetting the bed again — can she have a blood test next week?”Video · Typical
“She’s soiling her pants at school — I think she’s just being lazy or naughty”Video · Typical
“Since the baby came my thumb-side wrist is agony when I lift her — it catches and it’s swollen”Video · Straightforward
“Since the new tablets I’m confused, constipated and can’t wee properly”Video · Typical
“Sore knee in keen hill walker”Video · Typical
“Straight lines look wavy and there’s a blur in the middle of my sight — it’s just old age, isn’t it?”Video · Typical
“Ten weeks and still barking”Video · Straightforward
“That’s my third stress fracture this year — just sort my foot so I can keep training”Video · Typical
“The back of my heel/ankle has been stiff and painful for weeks, worst when I start running — and there’s a tender lump on the tendon”Video · Straightforward
“The headache he can’t talk about”Video · Typical
“The outer side of my elbow’s been painful for weeks — it hurts to grip, lift the kettle or shake hands”Video · Straightforward
“The room won’t stop spinning”Telephone · Hard
“The school says it’s ADHD and he needs medication — can you sort that out?”Video · Typical
“The whole family’s had headaches, feel sick and dizzy at home — even the dog seems off — but we’re fine when we’re out”Telephone · Hard
“There was blood when I ejaculated — I’ve convinced myself it’s cancer”Video · Straightforward
“There’s a lump in my throat — I’m sure it’s cancer”Telephone · Straightforward
“These white patches are spreading — everyone keeps staring”Video · Straightforward
“Tight chest on the third floor”Video · Typical
“What if it’s a brain tumour?”Video · Straightforward
“Worst headache of my life”Telephone · Typical
“Yellow, and back from Goa”Video · Typical
“You wanted to speak to me about my blood tests — I was only having them before starting a statin”Telephone · Typical
“Zigzag lights, then the headache”Telephone · Straightforward

Investigations & results 78 cases

“Abnormal LFTs — alcohol concern”Video · Typical
“Another phone call about my bloods — just tell me straight. And I’m not having an operation.”Telephone · Typical
“Back pain that isn’t mechanical”Telephone · Hard
“Bit muddly and wobbly — it’s just my age, surely”Telephone · Typical
“But the X-ray was clear”Telephone · Typical
“Every time we cut the steroids the stiffness comes straight back — I want to go back to the dose that worked”Video · Typical
“Everyone keeps saying how well I look”Video · Typical
“I ache everywhere and I’m exhausted — I just want a scan to find out what’s causing it”Video · Typical
“I can’t leave the house on my heavy days”Telephone · Straightforward
“I did a pregnancy test and it’s still positive — is something wrong?”Telephone · Typical
“I found a lump in my neck — it moves when I swallow”Video · Straightforward
“I get these sudden terrifying attacks — pounding headache, racing heart, drenching sweats — and my blood pressure’s all over the place”Video · Hard
“I keep waking up drenched — it’s probably just stress, right?”Video · Typical
“I paid for a full health MOT and it’s flagged nine things — I need you to go through every one and refer me”Video · Typical
“I’d like a PSA test, please — my brother’s just been diagnosed.”Video · Hard
“I’m constantly hungry and thirsty, weeing all the time, losing weight despite eating loads, and I’m exhausted”Video · Typical
“I’m here for my hand X-ray and blood results — the one test was negative, so that’s good, isn’t it?”Video · Typical
“I’m only ringing for my blood results — I’m not going into hospital, so don’t ask”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve come up with these painful red lumps on my shins — they’re hot and sore, what are they?”Video · Typical
“I’ve got a spreading circular rash on my leg after a walking holiday — is it ringworm?”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve got my scan and blood results to go through — it’s the fibroid, isn’t it?”Video · Hard
“I’ve got power of attorney for Mum — so can I say no to the hospital test?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve had a sickness bug and barely kept fluids down — a blood test says my kidneys are off”Video · Typical
“I’ve had a sickness bug and now I’m shaky and muddled — I’m on lithium”Video · Hard
“I’ve had a stinking sore throat and I’m wiped out for weeks — just give me antibiotics?”Video · Straightforward
“I’ve had IBS for years — I just need stronger tablets”Video · Typical
“Is it something I’ve passed on?”Video · Typical
“It got my dad, it’ll get me”Video · Typical
“It’s just the tail end of that chest infection, isn’t it, doc?”Video · Hard
“It’s my fourth water infection this year — just give me antibiotics again”Telephone · Straightforward
“Just give me the test so I know I’m clear”Video · Straightforward
“My B12 is low — can’t I just take a tablet or eat better instead of injections?”Video · Typical
“My blood test said my cells are big — is that bad?”Telephone · Typical
“My blood test says low platelets — I’ve been up all night convinced it’s leukaemia”Video · Typical
“My bones are crumbling — am I going to end up in a wheelchair?”Telephone · Straightforward
“My cholesterol’s really high — but I’m fit and slim, it must be a mistake”Video · Typical
“My dad died young of bowel cancer and the hospital said it ran in the family — do I need testing? I’m only 22”Video · Typical
“My daughter says I rattle when I walk — and I keep ending up on the floor”Video · Hard
“My hands and feet are itching like mad — it’s just my skin being dry”Telephone · Typical
“My home machine gives me totally different numbers every time — I don’t know what to believe”Video · Straightforward
“My liver test was up — but I barely drink, so it can’t be my liver”Video · Straightforward
“My periods have always been bad, but now I’m missing work — and the scan was normal”Video · Typical
“My periods have stopped and I’m cold all the time — can I just go on the pill to bring them back?”Video · Hard
“My periods stopped and now there’s milk — am I pregnant?”Video · Straightforward
“My pregnancy sugar test came back high — does this mean my baby’s in danger?”Video · Typical
“My readings are only a bit up — do I really need to be on pills for the rest of my life at 58?”Video · Straightforward
“My routine blood test showed raised lymphocytes and the word ‘leukaemia’ — I’m terrified, but I feel completely well”Video · Typical
“My smear came back abnormal — do I have cancer? I’m terrified and I don’t understand the letter”Video · Typical
“My son read me the letter — it says my sugar is high. Is it serious?”Telephone · Typical
“My son’s 19, his liver tests are abnormal, his hands have started shaking and he’s become withdrawn and moody”Video · Hard
“My sperm test came back abnormal — does this mean we’ll never have kids, and is it my fault?”Video · Typical
“My test was positive — does this mean he’s cheated?”Telephone · Typical
“My thyroid is the answer”Telephone · Typical
“So I haven’t got diabetes — I’m fine then?”Telephone · Straightforward
“The blood service turned me away for low iron — but I feel completely fine”Video · Typical
“The end of my penis is red, sore and itchy under the foreskin, and it’s getting hard to pull back”Video · Typical
“The hospital hasn’t rung me — have my scan results come through to you?”Video · Hard
“The hospital says the cameras were clear, but I’m still shattered and those iron tablets made me ill”Video · Typical
“The letter says I’ve got kidney disease — am I going on dialysis?”Telephone · Straightforward
“The letter that says it’s working its way in”Video · Typical
“The man who cancelled the caravan”Video · Typical
“The number that changed when she conceived”Telephone · Typical
“The nurse did the blowing test — I just need a stronger inhaler, don’t I?”Video · Typical
“The nurse said I had to go through my health check results with you — is it bad news?”Video · Hard
“The nurse said my heart tracing wasn’t quite right — what does that mean?”Telephone · Typical
“The nurse says a blood result needs talking about — I’ve waited years for this, so nobody’s touching my dose”Video · Hard
“The positive FIT result”Telephone · Typical
“The result nobody actioned”Video · Typical
“The scan found a bulge on my aorta — is it about to burst?”Video · Straightforward
“The watch that wouldn’t settle”Telephone · Typical
“The X-ray says I’m ‘bone on bone’ — am I crippled?”Video · Straightforward
“There was blood on my dip test — but I can’t see any”Video · Straightforward
“They found something on my hip X-ray — is it cancer?”Video · Straightforward
“Tired, and not just tired”Video · Straightforward
“Yellow, and back from Goa”Video · Typical
“You said the first tests were normal — so I’m fine now, aren’t I?”Video · Typical
“You wanted to speak to me about my blood tests — I was only having them before starting a statin”Telephone · Typical
“You’ve rung me at work — is it that serious?”Telephone · Typical

Professional & ethical dilemmas 58 cases

“Can I get the pill without my mum finding out?”Video · Hard
“Can we talk privately? It’s not about a patient — it’s about Richard”Video · Hard
“He’s just being difficult — it’s his autism, he doesn’t need examining”Video · Hard
“He’s lashed out at me again — I can’t cope, just sedate him”Telephone · Hard
“Husband worried about wife's mood”Telephone · Typical
“I always get antibiotics for my throat — just give me a course so I can get back to work”Video · Typical
“I choked on my lunch last week and it frightened the life out of us — my nurse is off, so I came to you”Video · Hard
“I don’t want to end up on a machine — but I’m frightened every time I can’t catch my breath”Video · Hard
“I fall asleep without warning in the day, even mid-conversation — and my knees buckle when I laugh”Video · Typical
“I found cannabis in my son’s room — fix him”Telephone · Hard
“I had a seizure but I’ve started my tablets again — I can keep driving, can’t I? I need my car for work”Video · Typical
“I jabbed myself with a used needle at work an hour ago — I’m panicking about HIV and hepatitis. What do I do?”Telephone · Typical
“I just need a sick note for work”Video · Typical
“I just need the disulfiram, not a load of questions”Telephone · Hard
“I just need you to sign me off for three months”Video · Typical
“I need the morning-after pill — quickly, please”Telephone · Hard
“I paid for a full health MOT and it’s flagged nine things — I need you to go through every one and refer me”Video · Typical
“I stopped my antipsychotic months ago — I want to go back on it, can you just prescribe it?”Video · Typical
“I want that doctor reported”Telephone · Hard
“I want the form, doctor”Telephone · Typical
“I’d like a PSA test, please — my brother’s just been diagnosed.”Video · Hard
“I’m 15 and pregnant — my boyfriend’s 22, and I don’t want any trouble”Video · Hard
“I’m 16 and pregnant — I want a termination, and I don’t want my mum told”Video · Hard
“I’m fine, my mum’s just overreacting”Video · Hard
“I’m just tired, doctor — and the flat’s a bit cold these days”Video · Hard
“I’m not depressed, I’m just not sleeping”Video · Hard
“I’m one of the nurses here — could you just quickly prescribe me some antibiotics/sleeping tablets without making a big fuss or recording it? I’d rather it stayed private”Telephone · Typical
“I’m ready to go back to work — but do I have to tell them what’s wrong with me?”Telephone · Typical
“I’ve been crushing Mum’s tablets into her tea — is that okay?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve fractured my spine from almost nothing — and I’ve been on steroids for my arthritis for years. Could the tablets have caused it?”Video · Typical
“I’ve got a terminal diagnosis and I want help to end my life when the time comes — will you help me, doctor?”Video · Hard
“I’ve got power of attorney for Mum — so can I say no to the hospital test?”Telephone · Hard
“I’ve read things about the MMR — I’m not sure I want my daughter to have it”Video · Typical
“I’ve run out of my methotrexate early — can you just print me another script today?”Video · Typical
“Insulin means I’ve failed, doesn’t it? And I’ll go blind like my mum — I don’t want needles”Video · Typical
“It only happens when I play”Video · Hard
“It was just a one-off faint — I can still drive, right?”Telephone · Typical
“It’s another girl — my family expects a son. I want to end this pregnancy”Video · Hard
“Mum’s scratching herself raw at the care home — and now my hands are itching too. What is going on?”Telephone · Hard
“My ADHD clinic has sent you a letter — can you take over my prescription?”Telephone · Typical
“My hands are very sore and cracked — my friend says I need a cream”Video · Hard
“My hormones run out next week and the clinic discharged me — please don’t let me crash”Telephone · Typical
“My husband’s only 58 but he’s become rude, reckless with money and oddly uncaring — it’s like his personality’s changed”Video · Hard
“My niece is being taken ‘home’ this summer — I’m frightened they’ll cut her”Video · Hard
“My old doctor always gave me a few diazepam”Telephone · Typical
“My parents are taking me abroad in the holidays — they say it’s a visit but I think they’re going to make me marry someone. I’m scared and don’t know who to tell”Video · Hard
“My son will translate — he’s right here, just ask him”Telephone · Hard
“My wife says I stop breathing in my sleep — but I just need something for the snoring”Video · Typical
“She’s just not herself today — the dip was positive, so can you send some antibiotics over?”Telephone · Typical
“She’s suddenly confused and agitated — can you prescribe something to settle her?”Telephone · Hard
“Since Dad’s fall I want him off that blood thinner — if he bangs his head, it’ll kill him”Video · Hard
“The result nobody actioned”Video · Typical
“The teacher’s phone call”Telephone · Hard
“The wrong dose went out — and they’ve been taking it”Telephone · Hard
“There’s something in my notes I want deleted — it’s wrong, and it’s nobody’s business”Video · Typical
“Why does Dad’s certificate say heart failure — and why can’t we bury him yet?”Telephone · Hard
“You can’t write this down — promise me it stays off my record”Telephone · Hard
“You noticed during my smear — are you going to report me to the police?”Video · Hard

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