How to Make and Cancel an Appointment

Check your condition first

Many conditions can be treated without the need to see your GP.

Please use the NHS Symptom checker

Please make a selection to reveal who's best to deal with your condition.

 

Self-care at home

You can often take care of your health conditions without needing to see us. Many minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at home with medicines you can buy without a prescription and by getting plenty of rest. Taking care of yourself is the best choice for a sore throat, cough, or a grazed knee.

If you're not sure if you should take care of your illness yourself, you can call us on 01536 518 886 or get medical advice from 111.nhs.uk or call 111. 

 

Speak to a pharmacist

Pharmacists might not be your first thought for medical advice, but they have the right training to ensure you get the help you need. They can provide advice and over-the-counter medication for various common conditions such as coughs, colds, flu, as well as everyday issues like aches, pains, and skin rashes. No appointment is necessary to see a pharmacist, and they will let you know if you need to see a doctor. Many pharmacies are open evenings and weekends, and often provide private consultation rooms where you can discuss issues without being overheard.

To find your nearest pharmacy and check opening times, visit 'find a pharmacy' 

 

Book a routine appointment

If your condition is non-urgent, you have the option to book a routine appointment up to six weeks in advance with a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional. Nurses based at our practice treat patients for a wide range of common conditions. Let us know if more than one person in the family needs to be seen; we can give you a longer appointment if necessary. Tell us if you want someone to accompany you during an examination or need a private room to discuss any matters.

Ways to book a routine appointment:

 

Request an urgent appointment (same day)

If you have an acute medical issue or feel you need to be seen today, call us or use our online consultation platform called Anima.

Find information about practice opening and closing times

When you call, our receptionist will ask for a brief description of your acute medical issue and a contact number. Every one of our calls is prioritised based on clinical urgency and need; an appointment may be booked, or a clinician may call you back at a pre-arranged time to discuss the best course of action. Depending on the nature of your medical issue, resolving it over the phone may be possible, or if needed, we'll arrange an appointment later in the day.

If you are using Anima, simply follow the on-screen instructions and answer the multiple-choice questions in the online form. Anima prioritises each form based on clinical urgency and need using the information you provide. This will help us ensure you get the right help, whether it's self-care advice, a prescription ready for pickup at your chosen pharmacy, an in-person appointment at the practice, or something else.

Whether you call or use Anima, we make sure patients are seen by the most appropriate clinician in the most appropriate time frame for the presenting medical issue.

Ways to request an urgent appointment (same day):

 

When to contact NHS 111

NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls to NHS 111 are free from landlines and mobile phones.
If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, you can call 18001 111 on a textphone, use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service if you’re deaf and want to use the phone service.

 

When to visit an Urgent Treatment Centre

If you require urgent medical attention that isn't life-threatening, you can go to an urgent treatment centre. These centres, led by GPs, are open for at least 12 hours every day, including bank holidays. They can diagnose and treat various common ailments including sprains and strains, suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries, cuts and grazes, minor scalds and burns, feverish illness in adults, feverish illness in children, and abdominal pain.

To find your nearest urgent treatment centre and check opening times, visit 'find an urgent treatment centre'

 

When to go to A&E and 999

Visit an A&E department (also known as the emergency department or casualty) for genuine life-threatening emergencies. These may include conditions such as loss of consciousness, an acute confused state, fits that are not stopping, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.

Less severe injuries can be treated at urgent care centres.

To find your nearest A&E, visit 'find an A&E'

 

When we're closed

If our services are unavailable, you can get medical advice from the NHS 111 website or call 111. This service will direct you to the most appropriate local healthcare option.