At our practice we use a total triage system. This simply means that every request for help is looked at first by a member of our clinical team, so we can decide together the best way to support you.
Sometimes the right care will be a GP appointment, but often you may be better helped by another health professional such as a nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist or mental health worker. This way, you don’t have to wait longer than needed and you can get the right help more quickly.
When you contact us, we’ll ask you for a brief idea of what you need. This information is always treated in confidence and helps us to make sure you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. It also allows us to prioritise more urgent problems.
Anima is open from 8am – 6.30pm Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays). You can submit a request yourself online or you can ask a member of the administration team to submit it for you. (They will ask you the questions that you would be asked)
On average, around 500 appointments are lost each month because patients fail to attend. If you no longer need your appointment, please cancel it. This will help another patient to be seen sooner. You may find it helpful to store our telephone number (01634 890712) in your mobile phone. You should receive an appointment reminder 48 hours before and this too gives the option for you to SMS text back CANCEL as a response.
As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, GP practices are offering patients more choice in how they get help. At our surgery this means you can:
Using online services can save you time and make it easier to manage your health. Don’t worry if it’s new to you, our reception team is here to help you get started.
If you are too unwell to come to the surgery, a home visit can be arranged by calling before 11 am.
It is important that the very best use is made of all NHS services so that as many housebound patients as possible can be seen by NHS staff and teams. Home visits are a valuable resource and provide a real benefit to many patients.
A person who is unable to leave their place of residence without the support of an ambulance, two people, or where based on clinical judgment, would not be expected to attend the surgery.
If there are any changes to your availability for a home visit appointment please ensure you contact the relevant team to discuss this.
All patients who are sexually active and who wish to avoid pregnancy should be using contraception. Women continue to need protection until at least a year after the menopause. All methods are available free of charge including free condoms
Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms help to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception you’re using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health.
Contraceptive services are free and confidential, including people under 16 as long as they are mature enough to understand the information and decisions involved.
You can get contraception free from:
AT MPA group practices we offer a comprehensive contraception and menopause advice service, from a team of Doctors, Nurses and Advanced Nurse Practitioners.
We are able to offer advice on the combined and progesterone only contraceptive pill, the Depo-Provera 12 weekly contraceptive injection and hold clinics to advise and assess for placement of contraceptive implants and coils, and any routine changes of the device.
We can also advise women on menopausal symptoms, HRT and future management, from an advanced practitioner with a special interest in menopause and contraception.
The doctors and practice nurses are always happy to discuss contraception and sexual health. Young people can be assured of absolute confidentiality and we are especially keen to give advice to this group of patients.
