Pennine Surgery

We are receiving many requests to prescribe weight loss injections (Mounjaro) or similar . Greater Manchester ICB (the organisation responsible for overseeing NHS funding for practices in HMR) has issued instructions that this medication cannot be prescribed for weight loss. The website link below gives more information, including who may be eligible for this medication in the future.

https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/weight-management-in-greater-manchester/

We do recognise that this is a frustrating situation for many patients, and booking an appointment to speak about this will not change the outcome

The decision not to prescribe is NOT taken by the GPs / practitioners at the surgery - they have to follow the guidelines in place.

There are a number of our patients receiving Mounjaro (or similar ) for their diabetes management - this is allowed on the NHS and will continue.

We also recognise that some patients are accessing prescriptions from private pharmacies or online providers. Please ensure you let your private provider know about any other medications you are taking .

If you are receiving Mounjaro from a private provider AND taking the oral contraceptive pill or oral HRT, please contact us and book a medication review, as the oral contraceptive (or HRT) may not be as effective.

Contact us online using PATCHS.

PATCHS is an online service that allows you to quick and easily access GP Servcies online. 

What should I use PATCHS for?                                                         

  Anything non-urgent, including:

• Request fit/sick notes
• Medications and prescriptions queries
• Health advice 
• Cancel/amend appointments 
• Update contact details 

Please note, we are unable to BOOK appointments via PATCHS. If you require an appointment, please contact the surgery via telephone or alternatively use the NHS App.

If you have an new acute illness, you will need to be seen by a GP as we are unable to assess you via PATCHS. 

1. Click here to to register. You'll be asked to enter your email address and set a password.
2. Once you have registered, you can access PATCHS by going to their wesbite or opening the PATCHS app on your smartphone. Login by entering your registered email address and password. 
3. Choose the appropriate option and answer a few simple uestions to help your GP understand your problem.
4. Your answers are then sent to your GP who will respond as quickly as possible. In some cases, the administration team may be able to help and answer your questions. 

If we are unable to answer your questions online, we may contact you to arrange a follow-up appointment; either over the phone, video call or face to face. 

Download the latest NHS App update.

The NHS App has been redesigned to make it simpler and easier to access NHS services.

Some items have moved within the App, but all the health services you need are still available. Your settings will remain the same before and after the update too. 

The new, user-friendly version of the NHS App will start to be available from December 11th, making it easier to: 

• order repeat prescriptions 
• book appointments 
• access 111 Online
• view your GP record

Need some help using the NHS App? Use the in-app Help feature or visit nhs.uk/nhs-appfor guidance.

Are you pregnant? 

If you are pregnant, you no longer need to ring Sure Start. Click the image opposite to self-refer your pregnancy. 

How does Badger Notes work? 

Badger Notes allows you to:

• See a week-by-week timeline of your pregnancy.
• Access reading recommended by your Midwife.
• View your hospital’s full library of maternity leaflets.
• View booked appointments and information direct from your medical record.

Additionally, as you build a personalised care plan with your Midwife, Badger Notes gives you a place to record thoughts and questions about your antenatal care, birth plan, and postnatal care for your Midwife to review with you.

For care purposes, and once they've been granted access to Badger Notes by you, healthcare professionals such as GPs will also have 24-hour access to information.

Having problems with registering? 

Visit www.badgernotes.net/selfreferral and from the list that follows, select the Northern Care Alliance option for Oldham Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary, and then click the green button to beging your self-referral.