PLEASE NOTE - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated pressures the Unsworth Group Practice is suspending LATE SURGERIES on Tuesday and Wednesday until further notice.

Keeping COVID safe within our buildings from June 2021 onwards

As a surgery over the last 18 months both patients and clinicians in all different sectors have had to adapt their working on a day to day basis to help protect both patients and staff. We thank all our patients and colleagues for their cooperation in such challenging times.

There will be a new procedure in place for attending face to face appointments as the safety of patients and staff is paramount. We need to limit the footfall via the reception doors as there is a limited amount of waiting area for patients to be seated, socially distanced.

We ask that unless you have booked a face to face appointment that you still continue to use our other methods of contact for prescriptions, booking and general enquiries.

Thank you

The Partners, Unsworth Group Practice

Contacting us

Appointments

Please be aware appointments can be offered to ALL patients at either of our Blackrod or Westhoughton sites. Our reception staff will try to accommodate where possible your need. If you require a specific GP then you may be asked to attend another location to your normal site due to the availability of the clinician.

Routine Appointments

Please use the online consult. The admin staff will advise you within 48 hours, in response to your enquiry.

Urgent Appointments

If you feel your appointment is urgent, we ask you ring the surgery directly. We are aware this can be more difficult at this time but we ask you to be patient. A member of reception team will ask if your appointment can be dealt with over the telephone or would you prefer face to face. They will then advise you of the best availability for your requirement.

The Partners have asked for the receptionist to enquire as to the nature of the appointment, as this helps to allocate the most appropriate clinician.

We ask you do not attend for your appointment any earlier than your indicated time slot, you may be asked to wait outside if you do so.

Westhoughton reception team

01942 812525

Blackrod reception team

01204 697229

Prescriptions

Ordering

We are instructing patients to order prescriptions online via the following Prescriptions link

You are able to download a simple online registration form here.

Complete the form and email to sms.p82015@nhs.net

(If you cannot do this yourself, you could ask a family member to do this for you)

You will be contacted via email by a member of the admin team regarding ID requirements (if necessary)

Please ensure you provide clear writing for all your information, especially your email and mobile number.

An up-to-date mobile number enables us to keep you updated with any changes.

Picking up your prescription

Nominated Pharmacy

Please nominate yourself with a pharmacy (the easiest way is to contact them directly) - this ensures your prescription can be electronically sent from us, to the pharmacy, once ordered. The surgery will no longer be issuing prescriptions via paper. You can then pick your prescription up directly from your nominated pharmacy.

There are several pharmacies located around Westhoughton and surrounding areas—do not assume the closest one to the surgery can accommodate demand.

FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION QUERIES

Please call 01942 812525

General Enquires

General enquires can be submitted via the following routes

Non urgent - Please use the Online consult

or Email -  sms.p82015@nhs.net

If you require access to a healthcare professional, while the surgery is closed or at weekends call 0161 763 8940.

Alternatively, in an emergency, major injury or bleeding, sudden onset or loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, facial or limb weakness and difficulty in speech call 999.

Out-of-hours services are generally busy so please think carefully before asking to see a doctor and only do so if you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.

If you require a GP or nurse appointment during the evening or weekend you can contact the surgery and request a 7-day access appointment.

Locations:

• Winifred Kettle Centre, Leigh Road, Westhoughton
• Waters Meeting Health Centre, Waters Meeting Road, Bolton
• Urgent Treatment Centre, Royal Bolton Hospital

Available:

• 18:30 – 21:30 on weekday evenings
• 09:00 – 13:00 on Saturdays and Sundays

Please ring the surgery for more information.

111 online is a fast and convenient alternative to the 111 phone service and provides an option for people who want to access 111 digitally. 

Your needs will be assessed and you will be given advice about whether you need:

• Treat yourself at home
• Go to a Primary Care Centre

If you need face to face medical attention you may be asked to attend a Primary Care Centre.

Click here to access NHS 111 online or call 111 to speak to a staff member.