The NHS is still here to help you and your family. You may find the way that services are being run is slightly different to before the pandemic. This is to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
The pandemic is not over. GP practices worked hard to provide services during lockdown and continue to do so. It is important that they continue to protect everyone’s safety, maintain safe infection control and minimise unnecessary physical contact. This means that you will still be required to wear a mask (unless exempt) and practise social distancing when attending medical appointments.
Services are under enormous pressure and the NHS is doing everything it can to ensure that every patient has access to the most appropriate service for their needs. Please be patient and help us help you get the care you need.
Where do I find advice on available services?
The Together We Can website includes all the information you need to find the best service for your needs including tips on staying well, information on local mental health support services, a pharmacy finder and information on NHS 111.
How should I contact my GP?
Please contact your practice by phone or online through your GP practice’s website. You can find details of local GP practices by using the Together We Can GP finder tool. Please do not attend your surgery unless you have an appointment.
How are practices working now?
All appointments are being triaged. This helps keep you safe and makes sure the people with the greatest need are seen first. When you contact your GP for an appointment your needs will be assessed to decide if you need to be seen in person or if an alternative such as a phone or video consultation is appropriate.
Why do receptionists ask personal questions?
GP reception staff are a vital part of the health care team and ask questions to direct you to the best support. They are skilled in assisting with triage and treat all information confidentially.
Are face-to-face appointments available?
Face-to-face appointments are available. In July 2021, there were over 215,000 recorded GP appointments in Kirklees. Of these, over 150,000 were face-to-face.
When you contact your GP, your needs will be assessed and you will be offered the most suitable appointment type. Covid-19 is still circulating in our community so we want to ensure your safety and the safety of surgery staff. Telephone and online consultations allow us to minimise unnecessary contact and keep you safe. However, we understand that these appointment types are not appropriate for everyone and measures are in place to ensure anyone who needs to be seen face-to-face can be. If you would prefer to be seen in person, please let your practice know when you make your appointment.
I wanted to see my GP, so why am I seeing someone else?
Many GP practices now include nurses, advanced nurse practitioners (who can diagnose and treat health conditions), occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and link workers. This ensures that you see the right person at the right time more quickly.
Can my carer attend my appointment with me?
Yes, if you usually have the support of a carer at your appointments they can still attend with you.
If you have a face-to-face appointment your carer will be asked to follow all the infection control measures in place at the surgery and wear a face covering (unless exempt).
Your carer can help you to complete an online consultation or can complete one on your behalf if they have been granted authorisation.
If you want your carer to join you for a face-to-face, online or telephone appointment please make your GP practice aware at the time of booking and they may give you some further instructions.
Are telephone/online appointments as good as face-to-face ones?
Telephone and online consultations are very effective, and have been available in many practices for some years. Some people find them more convenient than face-to-face consultations.
The GP or health professional who speaks to you will have full access to your health records and be able to provide advice, prescribe medication or refer you for further tests or treatment. They will also be able to decide whether a face-to-face appointment would be beneficial.
What is the difference between online consultation and video consultation?
Online consultation is when you complete a secure online form about a health issue. Pictures can be added to this form if it is appropriate. You will get a text or email confirming what to do next. This may result in a telephone or video consultation. All GP practices have the software to offer patients online consultation. You can find out how to do this through your GP practice’s website.
A video consultation is when you are talking to a health professional over video. If you are asked to have a video consultation, your GP practice will give you instructions how to do this.
What do I do in an emergency?
Always dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency. If you need help with minor injuries at any time or urgent care when your GP practice is closed, dial 111 or visit the NHS 111 website for help. You can also visit the Locala Walk-in Centre at Dewsbury and District Hospital.
What if I need a repeat prescription?
You can use the NHS app to order repeat prescriptions and to access your medical records. This can be done at any time of the day or night.