Local GP practices working together to offer more convenient appointment times for patients

As from 1st October, 2018, we will be part of a network of practices (known as ‘hubs’) in Shropshire, working together to offer patients ‘Extended Access’ to pre-bookable appointments - in the evenings, at the weekend and during bank holidays.

Part of the national agenda by NHS England, Extended Access means patients will be able to make pre-bookable appointments to see a GP, practice nurse, or other qualified healthcare professional, at a time which may be more convenient for them.

In Shropshire, local practices will work together in a network of ‘hubs’ to provide this service. The ‘hubs’ will take turns to provide the Extended Access appointments to patients. This means patients could be offered an appointment at their own surgery or at a nearby practice in the local area (part of the hub). Patients will be advised about appointment location at time of booking, enabling them to make an informed choice about their where and when they access care.

Locally the pre-bookable appointments will be available as follows:

• Weekday evenings (Monday to Friday) between 6:30pm and 8:00pm (at a local area hub)
• Saturdays between 8:00am and 1:00pm (at a local area hub)
• Sundays and bank holidays between 8.30am and 12.30pm  (at a single site in central Shrewsbury)

Arranging a pre-bookable evening, weekend or bank holiday appointment is easy to do - patients simply need to contact us, during normal opening hours, and speak to the practice receptionist or a member of the practice team who will be able to help. Appointments may not be with your registered GP but will be with a GP or other qualified healthcare professional.

Extended Access adds to the existing range of healthcare services already available in Shropshire to help patients, including pharmacists, NHS 111, the walk-in centre, minor injury units, and A&E (which is there 24/7 for life threatening serious emergencies only).

It is important to be aware of how long common conditions should take to clear up and always seek medical advice if you are unsure or if you feel it is an emergency.

Information to help patients understand more about Extended Access is available on the NHS England website

Shropdoc provides urgent primary care services for patients across England and Wales. We are a cooperative of GPs, providing a range of services, including the NHS 111 service and urgent care centres, helping to reduce the pressure on hospital admissions.

Visit the Shropdoc website

The Minor Injuries Unit offers treatment to anyone with a minor injury. There is no age limit.

This is a walk-in service and you do not need to be referred or to make an appointment, 

The Minor Injuries Unit is based in Ludlow Community Hospital, Gravel Hill, Ludlow  SY8 1QX, Tel:  01584 872201

It is open every day from 8am to 8pm

No appointment is necessary

Staff at the Minor Injuries Centre treat:

• Bites, human and animal
• Cuts and lacerations
• Foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears
• Fractures that require plaster only
• Minor burns and scalds
• Minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness)
• Soft tissue injuries, for example sprains and bruises
• Wound infections

If you need urgent medical attention and cannot get an appointment with your own doctor or are not registered with a GP Practice, the Walk-in Centre is available locally​

NHS walk-in centres (WICs) offer convenient access to a range of treatments. They are managed by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and deal with minor illnesses and injuries.

Including:

• infections and rashes
• blood pressure checks
• fractures and lacerations
• emergency contraception and advice
• stomach aches
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• hay fever
• insect and animal bites
• stitches (sutures)
• dressing care
• minor cuts and bruises
• minor burns and strains
• stop smoking support
• High temperatures in children
• Children and adults with breathing problems
• Severe headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Painful infections
• Bladder and other painful infections
• Dizzy turns
• Mild and moderate injuries and burns
• Worrying worsening of a long term condition

The closest Walk-in Centre to Church Stretton is:

Shropshire Walk In Health Centre
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Mytton Oak Road
Shrewsbury
Shropshire

Telephone: 01743 261138

It is open every day from 8am to 8pm. No appointment is necessary