How do I…? A guide for patients to help navigate practice system at Vernon Park Surgery.
- Registration and Change of Details
- See a clinician
- Test, Reviews and Referrals
- Prescriptions
- Vaccinations
- Contraception (Pills, Coils and Implants)
- Screening
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Other healthcare professionals
- Mental Health
- Medical Records
- Miscellaneous – Transport, Fit note and Complaints
Registration and Change of Details
How do I…Register with the practice?
How do I…Change my address/phone number etc.?
Patients need to fill the form, this can be done in person or here online.
This can also be done by emailing the practice [email protected]
Patients who have moved out of our practice boundary will be asked to re-register with a local GP
For more information on Registration visit here
See a clinician
How do I…Book a routine GP Appointment?
Patients are encouraged to request a GP appointment using our online submit request using our website or using their NHS app
For those patients unable to access or complete request online reception would complete a form over the phone on their behalf.
How do I…Request a home visit?
Patients are encouraged to request a home visit by ringing the practice before 12.00pm. These requests are reviewed by the GPs who may contact you to ask further information prior to attending.
We ask that home visits requests are reserved for those patients who are truly housebound due to illness or disability.
How do I…Book a urgent GP Appointment?
Patients are encouraged to request an urgent GP appointment using our online submit query or contact reception if they don’t have internet access.
Any patients with life-threatening symptoms e.g. chest pain or difficulty breathing are advised to call 999 rather than request a GP appointment.
How do I…Book an appointment for Treatment Room?
If you need dressing changing on wound after surgery and able to attend the treatment room – please ring 01612044777 to arrange for an app.
For wax in ear, you will be advised to use oil drops for 2 weeks before you can ring treatment room to arrange for ear syringe if needed.
For more information on Appointments visit here
Tests, Reviews and Referrals
How do I…Book a medication review?
Patients are usually invited for their review by the practice when this is due.
If you have a query or wish to arrange a medication review and have not been invited please complete our online submit query or contact reception on 01619835484.
Medication review appointments are carried out by our pharmacy teams.
We have a Clinical Pharmacist working within the practice and we work with Pharmacists across our Primary Care Network – please be aware of this when making an appointment.
How do I...Arrange a review of my chronic disease?
Patients will be invited for their review when they are due.
Our reception team will contact you. If you think you are due or wish to arrange a review and have not been invited, please raise your query here or contact reception 01619835484.
How do I…Arrange a blood test?
Patients are asked to use theonline submit query to arrange a blood test or to contact reception to arrange an appointment with one of our nurses.
If a clinician outside the practice has requested blood tests we ask for this detail in writing in order to review your request.
How do I…Get a referral for counselling/psychological therapy?
Patients can self-refer for counselling to Stockport Healthy Minds: https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/your-services/service-directory/stockport/mental-health/adults/stockport-healthy-minds/
How do I…Check on the progress of a referral?
Patients can do this via the NHS App.
Prescriptions
How do I…Order repeat prescriptions?
The easiest way to request a repeat prescription is via the NHS app.
Please allow 48 hours for your medication to be ready at your chosen chemist.
If you are struggling with the NHS App you can watch the video below to help you.
How do I…Order a prescription for something that is NOT on repeat?
Please make any requests of this nature using our online request or contact reception.
Please include details of what medication you would like and why and a GP will review your request – they may ask further questions or request appointment to discuss things further.
For more information about Prescriptions visit here
Vaccinations
How do I…Book an appointment for routine vaccinations?
Patients can book in for routine vaccinations when they are due by ringing reception.
How do I…Book an appointment for travel vaccinations?
Patients are to submit their query online with details of their planned trip – Please contact us with your query at least 6 weeks prior to your planned trip.
Our nurses will review this information and advise on vaccines needed.
Please note we do not offer many travel vaccines and you may be directed to a private service to arrange vaccines as this is not NHS work.
For more information on Vaccinations visit here
Contraception (Pills, Coils & Implants)
How do I…Book an appointment to discuss new contraception or a pill check?
Patients can book in to discuss starting contraception with a GP – this can be done via our online submit request.
If you are already taking the contraceptive pill and need more, please request your prescription online using NHS app– in some cases we can send a questionnaire and do this remotely if you can submit an up to date blood pressure and weight reading.
Pill checks can also be arranged in person with the nurse routinely.
How do I…Book an appointment for contraception?
For a repeat request of your ongoing contraception please request your prescription online using your NHS app.
Some contraceptive repeat requests can be dealt with remotely, others will require a nurse appointment.
Please make your request in plenty of time to ensure your contraceptive cover is not interrupted.
To discuss new contraceptive problems please request a GP appointment via our online query or NHS app
Contraception can also be arranged via the Locala Service in Stockport https://www.locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/stockport
How do I…Arrange to have a coil fitted or removed?
Patients wanting an implant should request an appointment with a GP to discuss this – this can be done via our online request.
After assessment we can refer patients to a local surgery for implant fitting or replacement.
Patients can also self-refer to the Locala Sexual Health Service for coil fittings or changes https://www.locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/
How do I…Arrange to have a contraceptive implant removed, fitted or replaced?
Patients wanting an implant should request an appointment with a GP to discuss this – this can be done via our online request.
After assessment we can refer patients to a local surgery for implant fitting or replacement.
Patients can also self-refer to the Locala Sexual Health Service for coil fittings or changes https://www.locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/
Screening
How do I…Book a smear test?
If your smear is due you please contact receptionist to book your app with our nurse.
Smears can only be done where are patient is eligible for one and has been invited.
If you feel you need a smear and haven’t been invited, please raise your query via our online request and we can advise you further.
How do I…Book a mammogram?
Women are eligible for screening every 3 years from age 50-70 – women are invited for mammograms via the screening service.
If you have missed your appointment you can rearrange this by calling by calling 01625 661157.
You can find further information or refer yourself for screening here
How do I…Book an appointment for a sexual health screening?
Patients wanting sexual health screening should request an appointment with a GP to discuss this – this can be done via our online request
Patients can also self-refer to the Locala Sexual Health Service for sexual health screening https://www.locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
How do I…Access support to stop smoking?
Patients can refer themselves to smoking cessation services via Healthy Stockport
You can also book in to speak to one of our nurses for further support – please contact us via NHS app or our submit a query
How do I…Access support to reduce alcohol/drug use?
Patients can refer themselves for support to various services in Stockport including START, Mosaic and Stockport Drug and Alcohol Services here.
How do I…Seek lifestyle support around diet / exercise?
Patients can refer themselves for advice to Healthy Stockport
Other Healthcare Professionals
How do I…Book an appointment to see a midwife?
Patients can book in to see the midwife from around 10 weeks of pregnancy – please call receptionist who will ask our midwife to contact you and book your app.
Our midwife is based at Brinnington Health Centre but appointments are booked through contacting our reception team.
How do I…Book an appointment to see a dentist?
Please contact your local dentist. If you do not have a dentist you can find one using the link here.
If you don’t have a dentist and need urgent dental care please ring 03333323800 for an emergency appointment.
Patients requiring urgent attention outside these hours should contact the out of hours (6pm – 10pm) dental helpline on: 0161 337 2246
How do I…Book an appointment about a new eye problem?
Patients can refer themselves for advice to Healthy Stockport
How do I…Book an appointment to discuss having a skin lump removed (Minor Surgery)?
We refer to a different local surgery for minor surgery after discussing with GP.
How do I…Book an appointment to see a physio?
You can book in directly to see our First Contact Practitioner for single joint problems .
Please complete your online request or ring reception to book your appointment
Mental Health
How do I…Access support for my mental health?
You can contact Open Door for urgent mental health matters here
You can raise a query online or ring reception to book an appointment with by our GPs.
We also have some appointments available with our Mental Health Practitioner – please note some of their appointments may be over the telephone.
How do I…Get a referral for counselling/psychological therapy?
Patients can self-refer for counselling to Stockport Healthy Minds
How do I…Book an appointment about a new eye problem?
Stockport run a Minor Eye Conditions Service and can deal with many eye related problems. Further information is available here.
How do I…Book an appointment to discuss having a skin lump removed (Minor Surgery)
We refer to a different local surgery for minor surgery after discussing with GP.
Access to Medical Records
How do I…Request access to my medical records?
Please submit your SARS request with proof of ID – forms are available at reception.
Once requested this will be reviewed by a GP and we will advise you of the outcome.
You will be able to review your record via the NHS app once granted.
From the 1st November 2023 all patients will have prospective access to their records – please contact us if you have any difficulty in doing this.
How do I…Register for online record access?
You can watch how to register with the NHS App in the video below.
How do I…Remove or prevent access to my online records?
Please make your request online or ask reception so your request can be reviewed.
If you have any difficulty in doing this please email us on: [email protected]
How do I…Register for proxy access to view the records of my child/support someone I care for?
Please ask reception to do this for your and your request will be reviewed.
If you have any difficulty in doing this please email us on: [email protected]
Miscellaneous – Transport, Fit note and complaints
How do I…Request a repeat fit note for an ongoing problem?
Please make your request via our online request.
We have an employment support health coach working with the practice who helps to support patients in getting back to work.
We will either offer a fit note, arrange an appointment with our Health Coach or offer a GP appointment depending on the nature of your concern.
How do I…Make a complaint about my care?
Your concerns are important to us. If you wish to raise a concern please speak to a member of our team.
If you wish to make a formal complaint please email us on [email protected] or hand in a written letter to us at reception