Appointments

We like to try and keep our GP appointments for patients with more serious or complicated health issues.

Before booking an appointment please take a minute to consider whether this is really required or if it can be dealt with by a different service that is more appropriate. The information below provides guidance on what kinds of conditions the different services cover. Please also take a look at the following graphic provided by NHS which gives important information on why the surgery is operating in the way it currently is:

We know that our doctors and patients value seeing the same regular clinician as often as possible. Clinicians are able to gain improved insight into the patient’s health, and the patient gets to know their regular clinicians which helps build a trusted relationship which everyone benefits from.

In recent years the pressure to prioritise rapid access to GP appointments has made offering this continuity harder to achieve. Please do not worry, as we have a very diverse and skilled on the day team who are able to help in urgent situations – and routine appointments are available to allow for continuity of care and follow-up with your chosen clinician.

Self-Care

If you have any minor ailment, try treating yourself at home first; visit our Self care page for further information. Please remember that self-care for common conditions can help free up our GP`s time, making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious problem.

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals, experts in medicines and can give you confidential advice for a wide range of common illnesses and complaints. They train for 5 years in the use of medicines, so they know what they`re talking about

Don`t wait for a GP appointment for coughs, colds, tummy trouble, aches and pains. Just call your local pharmacy or drop in – you don’t need to make an appointment. They are trained to advise if it is really necessary you see a doctor or other healthcare professional, so do not worry.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends also have private consultation rooms so everything can be discussed in confidence.

Common conditions pharmacists can help with:

• Aches and pains
• Sore throat
• Coughs
• Colds
• Flu
• Earache
• Cystitis
• Skin rashes
• Teething
• Red eye

Other pharmacy services that may be available at your local pharmacy:

• Emergency contraception
• Chlamydia screening and treatment
• Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar testing
• Weight management service
• Asthma inhaler use and advice
• Stop smoking service
• Substance misuse service

eConsult

eConsult is the ideal service for people who cannot call during our opening hours to make an appointment. You can also use the eConsult service for administrative requests, such as requesting a fit note (Med3) or test results.

To submit an eConsult, please click the image above which will take you to our online form. There is no need to register; as long as you are a patient at Albany, your details will be recognised. You will be prompted to complete an online form, which asks questions about your condition or request depending on the options you choose. When submitted, your form will be passed on to one of the surgery GPs for review during the next working day and you will be contacted either by email, text message, or by phone.

Please note: eConsult is open 08:30-17:00 Monday to Thursday, and 08:30-18:00 Friday.

NHS 111

111 is the free NHS non-emergency number, you should use this service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it is NOT life threatening. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact them if:

• You need medical help fast but its not a 999 emergency
• You think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• You don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP
• You need health information or reassurance about what to do next

For further information and information for patients that are deaf or require a translator visit NHS 111

Minor Injuries

If you obtain an injury that is not serious but does need attention, it is advisable that you visit your local MIU. They provide treatment for less serious injuries, such a broken bones and sprains, cuts, grazes, burns and scalds. You do not need an appointment to be seen.

They are run by a team of highly qualified nurse practitioners who have experience and expertise in treating minor injuries.

Visit our Minor Injuries page for more information

A&E

A&E is for life threatening accidents and emergencies only. Before you go there, ask yourself, “Is it a real emergency?”

If not please consider using other local health services before you attend A&E.