How to access our services

hands.pngHere's some useful information about how to access our services...

How do I register? GMS1_Page_1.png

You need to come in to one of our practices and bring either your current NHS card or an alternative proof of identity. We will then give you a form to complete. Once your details are entered onto our computer system and accepted by the health authority then you are registered with our service. All new patients will be offered a health check with an Assistant Practitioner.

You can download a copy of the registration form here.

How do I make an appointment?

Contact us by phone at your nearest site or in person. You can request to see a particular clinician or to come at a particular time, or both (when available).

Interpreters are available for those patients who do not speak English as a first language. Please inform the receptionist when booking you appointment that you need this service.

Our telephone triage service enables us to deal with your health needs on the same day that you ring. When you wish to be seen on the day, the receptionist will take your telephone contact details and arrange a convenient time for a clinician to call you back. The clinician will be able to provide you with advice, issue a prescription, or book you an appointment, either on the same day or at a future date. Our telephone triage system:

  • ensures urgent cases can be prioritised for a same day appointment,
  • enables you get to see the right member of our clinical team, 
  • provides expert medical advice from your clinician in your own home, and
  • avoids unneccessary visits to the surgery.

How long is my appointment?

Ten minutes are allocated for an appointment with a doctor and fifteen minutes for an appointment with nurse practitioners and nurses, as is standard across the UK. As it is a relatively short amount of time it is important to arrive for your appointment promptly, and you may be asked to rebook if you have several health problems. You can request a double appointment when booking your appointment if you feel you need more time

Why was I asked to make another appointment for some of my problems?

We try and deal with matters as comprehensively as possible but if there are several different health issues, dealing with the more minor ones will result in other patients having to wait too long. This is particularly the case when you are being seen for urgent problems in appointments, which have been booked on the day

Why did I have to wait half an hour for my appointment?

We never know what kind of problem is going to come through our surgery door. Some can take a lot of sorting out and require longer than the allotted time. We cannot just ask a patient to leave because “Your 10 minutes are up”. We would give that time to you if you needed it. Please be patient with others.

How do I request a home visit?

Home visits are available for patients who are housebound or terminally ill. If you think you might need a home visit please phone surgery before 11.30am. The clinician on duty will contact you to decide the most appropriate time and place for you to be seen. The receptionist will need the name, address and a contact telephone number for the patient and will also ask for brief clinical details. Please be aware that the decision to visit is made by a clinician and they need sufficient information to make this decision safely.

How do I order a repeat prescription?

Once you and your clinician have agreed which medication you can obtain through the repeat prescribing system you can do this by ordering at the surgery, in writing.

Please use the repeat tear-off strip if possible. Ticking off the items you require and place the slip in the box at reception. If you cannot use the slip please write down your name, address and date of birth along with the name of the medication you require and place your request in the box. Your prescription will be ready for collection within 2 working days.

In order to provide you with the best possible standard of care we will review your medication regularly as well as arranging any regular tests needed.

Some local pharmacies will arrange to collect, dispense and deliver your prescriptions to you. Please ask for the name of local pharmacies that provide this service.

How do I access care outside of surgery hours?

Please ring your normal surgery number. Your call will be transferred to the Out of Hours service provided by Salford Primary Care Trust. They will assess your call and either arrange an appointment to see one of their clinicians, usually at their base in Hope Hospital, or a home visit if they believe it is necessary.

Why do I not see the doctor on my medical card?

Any of the doctors can be “your Doctor” irrespective of the Doctor named on your medical card. There might be one you feel more comfortable with than others. Please be aware that not all doctors work full time and this affects availability of specific doctors.

How do I obtain access to my medical records?

You must apply to the practice manager in writing, giving your name, address and date of birth stating that you would like access to your records. There is a charge for this, please ask at reception for further information.

How do I suggest improvements or make complaints?

We welcome suggestions to help us improve our services. You can use the contact form on this website, or there is a box at reception at each site for written suggestions. If you believe you have grounds to complain please ask to speak to the practice manager on your site, or contact the Central Business Unit. You can access a copy of our complaints procedure here.

If you would prefer to speak to someone outside of the practices you can contact the Patient Advisory and Liaison Service (PALS) at Salford PCT on 0161 212 4800.