Please read before submitting a PATCHS request
WE AIM TO RESPOND TO YOUR PATCHS MESSAGE WITHIN 2 WORKING DAYS. IF YOUR PROBLEM REQUIRES AN URGENT RESPONSE E.G. YOU HAVE AN INFECTION OR A CONDITION THAT IS WORSENING, PLEASE CALL THE HEALTH CENTRE EARLY IN THE MORNING, INSTEAD FOR ADVICE FROM THE ON-CALL DUTY TEAM.
Please only contact the practice once. Duplication of requests via PATCHS, telephone or in person can delay how quickly we respond.
How to use PATCHS
PATCHS is a convenient way to seek medical advice for routine issues. It is important it is used appropriately to ensure those that need medical attention can get it in a timely manner. Below are some things to consider before you submit your request.
- Provide adequate information
Please provide a detailed description of your symptoms, how long you have had them and how they are impacting your life day to day. Attaching a photo is very useful for certain conditions such as dermatology issues or infections. Please note the photos will be uploaded into your medical record and please do not upload photos of private areas of your body.
- Self-limiting illnesses and self-management
Viral illnesses such as viral sore throat can feel very unpleasant and the symptoms can last for up to two weeks. As with a lot of viral illnesses you need to look after yourself and wait for your body to fight off the infection.
Please review the NHS website links below for advice on some common illnesses, what you can do to alleviate your symptoms, and when you should contact your GP for further advice.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tonsillitis/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/
NHS A-Z of all conditions https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
- Contacting your local Pharmacist
You should speak to a Pharmacist at your local pharmacy for advice on medicines or common problems like coughs, colds and rashes. They can offer medical advice and recommend medications. You can attend a pharmacy without an appointment or alternatively the patient coordinator can refer you to a community pharmacist who will give you a call usually later that day.
- Accessing our Physiotherapists
Our First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) team can help with back and joint pain issues. They will complete an assessment with you and offer treatment advice. They can also refer you for further physiotherapy treatment where appropriate. Please call one our of Patient Coordinators on 020 7584 6301 to book directly with an FCP.
You can also self-refer for physiotherapy without seeing a clinician at https://healthshare.org.uk/nhs-patients/
- Medication requests
Please provide details on how you are responding to the medication. If the medication has not been prescribed by the practice before, because you are a new patient or it was prescribed privately, then please send evidence of a recent clinical letter that discusses the medication.
For contraception pill requests please book an appointment with our practice nurses.
