Think GP
Most coughs, colds, and sore throats will improve with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies, antibiotics won’t help, and your GP usually isn’t needed.
However, you should contact your GP if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience:
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss
- Constant fatigue and unexplained tiredness
- Persistent cough
- Yellowing skin
- Sudden, blinding headaches or migraines
- A new or growing mole
- A persistent high fever
- Changes in bowel movements
Your GP Practice is here for you - and it's more than just GPs
Meet Your Extended Healthcare Team
Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, GP practices now include a wider team of professionals to help meet growing demand and offer more appointments.
These teams include:
- General practice nurses
- Advanced nurse practitioners
- Healthcare assistants (HCAs)
- Clinical pharmacists (practice based)
- Paramedic Practitioners
- Social prescriber
- Physiotherapists
- Physician associates
- GP registrars
- Health and wellbeing coaches
- Mental health practitioners.
Each member brings specialist skills to support your health and wellbeing. You can find out a bit more about these different roles and how they can help you here.
How to contact your GP practice?
There are three ways you can get in touch with your GP practice:
- Online – Use the form on your GP practice’s website to book appointments, request sick notes, ask questions, or access self-help guides.
- Phone – Call during opening hours (usually Monday to Friday, 8am–6.30pm).
- In person – Visit your practice during its opening hours.
No matter how you contact your practice, your request will be assessed and directed to the right healthcare professional for your needs.
What is Triage?
Triage is a process used by GP practices to assess your needs and decide the most appropriate type of care. This might include:
- A face-to-face appointment
- A phone or video consultation
- Advice for self-care
- Referral to a pharmacist, optician, or another service
Use the NHS App
The NHS App gives you quick and easy access to healthcare services, including:
- Booking GP appointments
- Ordering repeat prescriptions
- Viewing your health records
- Accessing trusted health advice
Download the app today to manage your health at a time that suits you.
To find out more abut the NHS App services.
Registering with a GP
To register with a GP you need to complete and submit a new patient registration. These are available from the practice.
You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.
Once you have completed and returned the form, NHS England will transfer your medical records to your new practice and write to you to confirm your registration as a patient with that practice.
Temporary Residents
If you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one, you can receive emergency treatment from any GP surgery.
If you need treatment for more than 14 days you will need to register with that GP surgery as a temporary or permanent patient.
You can register as a temporary resident if you plan to live near the GP surgery for up to three months. You'll still remain registered with your permanent GP. Your temporary GP will pass details of any treatment you have to your GP, who will add the information to your medical records.
Booking appointments online
Many GP practices offer online services where you may also pre-book an appointment, however you are only able to do this if you are registered for online services. If you have not already registered please collect a Patient Access Form from your GP practice.
Once you have this, please click on this link and follow the instructions to complete your online services registration. Once registered you will be able to book or cancel appointments and request repeat prescriptions online.
