Appointments
Routine appointments
We operate a triage first system which allows those who have the greatest clinical need, not want, to be given an appropriate appointment.
An appropriate appointment is considered to be with the most appropriate clinician for the issues shared with our team at the time of requesting care. This allows us to prioritise patients just as A&E does. Those with the least clinical need (as assessed by a clinically led triage team) will wait longer to receive an appointment or care. It is therefore important to ensure you give accurate information on your online triage form or on the phone to our team.
This approach is being continually developed and has led to more patients being seen in a timely manner by the appropriate clinician.
You may be referred to a local pharmacy to be seen under the Pharmacy First scheme, if suitable appropriate medication can be supplied. More information can be viewed here Pharmacy First: what you need to know – Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre (blog.gov.uk)
Ailments which may be referred are:
- Ear infections for those aged 1-17 years
- Impetigo 1 year +
- Shingles 18+
- Infected insect bites 1 year +
- Sore throat 5 years +
- Sinusitis 12 years +
- Urinary Tract Infections Women 16-64 years
Have you considered self care?
Many things get better by themselves, or with simple measures. If you need help with self-managing your problem, we recommend the following:
- NHS Website
- Your local pharmacist
First Contact Physiotherapy
If you have a problem with a joint, muscle, nerve or tendon you can now self-refer to 1st Contact Physio without the need to speak to your GP. Please click the link below.
Urgent appointments
If you require an urgent on the day appointment you can request this in the following ways:
- Visit the practice and speak to a member of the reception team.
- Request an appointment online via PATCHS.
- Telephone the practice on 0151 522 0099
Please be prepared to give some details so that your request can be triaged appropriately. If necessary the practice will aim to book an urgent appointment for you.
You can also use the Get help for your symptoms – NHS 111 if you think you need medical help right now.
Cancelling your appointment
It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient. If you fail to cancel your appointment persistently we may remove you from the list.
Request an appointment online.
If your problem is not suitable for self care, please request an appointment online via Patchs. Unless your request is deemed urgent we will contact you by the end of the next working day at the latest, and help you get the right help, with the right person, at the right time.
Appointment requests for patients under 18 can be made by the patients parent or guardian. For those unable to request an appointment online appointments can still be made via telephone or by presenting to reception.
Extended access
Please click on the link for more information regarding weekend and evening appointments.
Home visits
Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception on 0151 522 0099 or by requesting an appointment online via PATCHS before 10:30 am.
You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls
You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.
