Appointments

Signs of a heart attack
chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest

Signs of a stroke 
face dropping on one side, can’t hold both arms up, difficulty speaking

Sudden confusion (delirium) 
cannot be sure of own name or age

Suicide attempt 
by taking something or self-harming

Severe difficulty breathing 
not being able to get words out, choking or gasping

Heavy bleeding 
spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle

Severe injuries 
after a serious accident

Seizure (fit) 
shaking or jerking because of a fit, or unconscious (can’t be woken up)

Sudden, rapid swelling 
of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue

British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a video call to 999.

Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay.

Call 111

You can request an urgent appointment for the same day by phoning 01969 622391 before 12 noon.

How the practice deals with urgent medical problems

• same day appointments - if you have a genuine urgent problem, we will see you that day where possible
• your problem will need to be assessed, please give clear details to the receptionist
• you may be asked to speak to a doctor/nurse
• if after assessment, your problem is not deemed urgent you will be given an appropriate alternative appointment or service

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the practice, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible.

If you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10am.

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.

You can request a routine appointment in advance.

You can:

• phone us on 01969 622391 during opening times
• use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) to book an appointment
• use our online form and we will respond within 2 working days Contact us about your request
• visit the practice and speak to a receptionist

Please give clear details to the receptionist and we will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.

However you choose to contact us, we may offer you a consultation:

• by phone
• face to face

If you are late for your face-to-face appointment, there is a possibility you may not be seen and you will be asked to rearrange.

If you have a phone appointment, the GP will make two attempts to call you at the agreed time and if you do not take the call, you will be asked to rearrange.

The practice offers appointments over the phone with a doctor or nurse.

• if you have a problem you think could be resolved over the phone, let the receptionist know
• please give clear details to the receptionist of your problem to ensure the phone is the most appropriate way to deal with it
• some problems cannot be dealt with by phone and you may be asked to attend the practice
• the doctor/nurse will need to phone you back so give up to date contact details and when you will be available to receive a call

You can see a GP, nurse or health care assistant at one of the local hub surgeries:

Monday to Friday, 6.30pm to 8pm

Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm

Please ask reception for more information or if you would like to book an appointment.

For more information: Better Access - Heartbeat

Please tell us:

• If there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
• If you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text
• If you need an interpreter
• If you have any other access or communication needs

If you cannot attend your appointment, please let us know 24 hours before so we can cancel it and use it for somebody else.

To cancel your appointment:

• use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
• phone us on 01969 622391 during opening times
• visit reception
• via our text messaging appointment reminder service

You should call 111 when:

• your GP practice is closed and you need healthcare advice
• you think you need to go to A&E or to another NHS urgent care service
• you don’t know who to call for medical help

How pharmacies can help

Our nearest urgent treatment centre (UTC) is at Friarage Hospital in Northallerton is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You do not need an appointment to attend. You can walk into the UTC, or you may be directed there by NHS 111.

Pre-bookable appointments are available via NHS 111 (where appropriate).

What they treat:

• Strains and sprains
• Suspected broken limbs
• Minor head injuries
• Cuts and grazes
• Bites and stings
• Minor scalds and burns
• Ear and throat infections
• Skin infections and rashes
• Eye problems
• Coughs and colds
• Feverish illness
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Children with minor illnesses such as fever, rashes and earache

What they are not able to treat

Friarage UTC is NOT able to treat life-threatening injuries or illnesses such as:

• Severe chest pains
• Unconsciousness
• Severe breathing difficulties
• Uncontrollable bleeding

How can I access an NHS dentist in an emergency or out of hours?

Each patient registered with us will be allocated a named GP. This will be one of our partners.

Please note this does not affect your care or which GP you see at the practice. You are still able to book an appointment with any GP at the practice or you maybe encouraged to a see a specific member of staff with a special interest.