Latest News

Results of tests done at hospital · 26 September, 04:50 PM

Most people are not aware that the results of tests ordered by hospital consultants do not come back to their GP. This sometimes results in appointments being made at the surgery, and the patient unfortunately having a wasted trip as they have come for results the GP does not have access to. If you are having tests which have been requested by a hospital doctor or consultant, you will need to consult them for the results. They may arrange to write to you with the results, or discuss them at a follow up appointment, if in doubt contact the hospital department in question and ask for their help.

Change In Opening Hours · 11 August, 03:01 PM

The surgery will be introducing new opening hours from 1st September 2008. We will be open until 8.00pm on Tuesday evenings, and from 7.00am on Thursday mornings. This will initially be on a 6 month trial basis.

Please note the appointments being offered during the extended hours are intended for patients who are unable to attend in the standard opening hours due to work commitments.

Surgery Opening Hours From 1st September

Monday 8.30am - 6.00pm (closed from 5.00pm when no travel clinic is running)

Tuesday 8.30am - 8.00pm

Wednesday 8.30 - 5.00pm

Thursday 7.00am - 5.00pm

Friday - 8.30am - 5.00pm

Saturday / Sunday - CLOSED

Further changes to phlebotomy (blood tests) · 29 May, 05:27 PM

You may already be aware that we recently changed the way the phlebotomy (blood teststing) service at the surgery works, and it has become apparent that there are problems with the new system, as the same number of patients are attending for the shorter sessions, most of them arriving together at 8.30. We have decided to introduce an appointment system, so patients know what time they will be seen, and so we know exactly how many patients to expect, and can plan accordingly.

We continue to provide this service at the surgery, despite almost all other surgeries no longer providing it, as we wish to give our patients the best and most convenient service possible, and are keen to find a system that works for both the patients and the surgery.

You can make an appointment for a blood test at reception.

Please remember that alternative clinics are run by the Primary Care Trust at various locations, which include Bridgewater Medical Centre, College Street Health Centre and Leigh Walk-In-Centre. Leigh Walk-In-Centre also does an early morning service. So if availability at the surgery does not suit you, you can attend an alternative phlebotomy clinic. To make an appointment or get further information on these alternative clinics please phone 773151.

DNA (did not attend) Policy · 2 April, 08:48 AM

In a typical week, thirty or more appointments are wasted due to non-attendance. The Practice therefore feels it is necessary to introduce a policy for dealing with patients who repeatedly do not attend (DNA), or fail to cancel, an appointment they cannot (or do not wish to) keep. Failure to attend or cancel the appointment results in reduced availability for other patients, and wasted clinical time. Patients who 'DNA' appointments more than once within a twelve month period will be sent a warning letter, and if they then continue to 'DNA' they risk being removed from the Practice list. It is unfortunate that we have felt it necessary to put such a policy in place, but we have to consider the availability of appointments for the majority of our patients who attend, or at least cancel in advance, their appointment if they are unable to attend. The full policy is on display in various locations throughout the surgery should you wish to read it in full.