Your GP practice is here to help you and your family in more ways than you think
Need to book an appointment?
GP practices can offer same day and pre-bookable appointments either:
- face to face
- on the phone
- or via an online appointment!
Appointments are available Monday – Friday 8am - 8pm.
If you need an evening or weekend appointment – you can use the GP practice extended access service and be seen up to 8pm on weeknights or 5pm on Saturdays.
This might not be at your usual GP practice, so you may have to travel.
Contact your GP surgery or use their online services, to book an evening or weekend appointment, or see your GP practice website for more details.
Who can you book an appointment with?
Sometimes, a GP might not be the right person for you to see.
Appointments are available with practice team members working in many different roles alongside GPs that can help with your needs. They are skilled health professionals who can assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe, and refer.
Depending up on your need, you may need to see or speak to:
- an advanced nurse practitioner
- a nurse
- a pharmacist
- a social prescribing link worker
- or another expert in the practice team
Your practice receptionist can help find the right team member for you.
GP phone lines busy?
GP phone lines can be very busy, especially in the mornings.
You can save yourself a wait by calling later in the day, if possible, for non-urgent appointments or test results.
Alternatively, if available, you can use your practice's online booking services, available on their website, or you can use the NHS app.
You may also be able to e-mail your GP practice for medication requests and other general queries.
Information on sick note requests, travel vaccination advice etc is also available on your GP practice website.
Using the NHS App
You can download the NHS App on your phone or tablet. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
You can use the NHS App to:
- book appointments
- order repeat prescriptions
- access a range of other healthcare services and advice
Find out more about the NHS app.
Not registered with a GP practice
If you are not registered with a GP surgery you can get information from the NHS website.