What is Total Triage?
Total Triage will mean that our online consultation system will be open from 8am each weekday, and each consultation will be reviewed by a GP who will respond/signpost as necessary – no more waiting in the telephone queue! This means that the reception team will no longer be booking GP appointments directly, but instead be available to do the consultation with you if you need assistance – all consultations will go into the same ‘triage’ clinic to be reviewed. For any urgent enquiries or urgent medical issues outside of this timeframe, please contact the surgery directly.
Please take a look at our ‘How to Guide’ which shows a step by step of how to successfully submit a Blinx consultation form, by clicking on the tabs below:
Non-urgent advice: NHS Number
Your NHS number can be accessed via your NHS account.
Or alternatively, you can get this via visiting the following website ‘Find your NHS number’
FAQs
Why Blinx?
We use Blinx (PACO GP) as our chosen online consultation tool because it offers a secure, user-friendly way for patients to access care without the 8am phone rush. It supports total triage, allowing clinicians to assess requests efficiently and direct patients to the most appropriate service – whether that’s a GP, pharmacist, or another provider. Blinx helps us manage workload, improve access, and deliver safer, more streamlined care.
Do I need any login details?
No, you don’t need a username or password. Blinx just asks for your Date of Birth and NHS Number. Once you enter those, it sends a secure code to your mobile phone – this is an extra safety step to make sure it’s really you.
What if I don’t know my NHS number?
No problem! You can find your NHS number in the NHS App if you’re registered. If not, you can use the official NHS website to look it up: Find your NHS number – NHS
Can I just book an appointment?
To make sure you get the right care as quickly as possible, all GP appointment requests now need to be submitted through a Blinx form. This helps us understand your needs better and allows the GP to triage your request—meaning they can decide the best next step for you. You will hear back by the next working day.
By giving us more information upfront, we can reduce unnecessary appointments, improve access, and often help you without needing multiple visits or referrals.
What if my medical problem is urgent?
If your problem is life-threatening or very serious, please call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
If you submit a Blinx form and the GP deems it urgent, we’ll contact you for a same-day appointment.
We encourage patients to submit forms as early as possible, ideally before midday, so our GPs can review and respond promptly.
How do I book a blood test?
If a GP has advised a blood test, please call reception to book it.
If you haven’t seen a GP yet, or you have been asked to book one by the hospital, please fill in a Blinx form. Once reviewed, we’ll contact you with booking details.
How do I book a nurse appointment?
At Wood Lane Medical Centre, you can book a smear test by accessing our digital front door, which will check your eligibility.
For all other nurse appointments, please call reception or fill out a ‘Get help with a medical problem’ form via Blinx. A GP will review your request and, if appropriate, send you a booking link or the reception team will contact you to book the appointment.
How do I submit admin requests?
You can submit admin requests such as letters, sick certificates, referral queries, access to your medical records, repeat prescriptions, and more through our digital front door. It’s quick, secure, and helps us process your request efficiently.
Can I submit a form on behalf of someone else, such as my child or someone I care for?
Yes, you can. Just enter their date of birth and NHS number, and make sure you have access to the mobile number or email linked to their medical record to receive the secure code.
If you don’t have access to that, please call reception, and they can help submit the form for you.
What if I don’t know how to use Blinx or I don’t have internet access?
Don’t worry! Our helpful reception team can fill in the form for you over the phone.
We also run patient workshops and are always happy to help you learn how to use Blinx.
By supporting more patients to use our online system, we can respond faster and free up time to help those who need extra support.
Can I still use the NHS app?
Yes! The NHS App is the quickest way to request repeat medications, view test results, and access your medical record.
Blinx is here to help with requests you can’t make through the NHS App, like non-repeat medication requests or clinical queries.
Remember: if your medication isn’t on repeat, please submit a Blinx form.
Will I receive reminders about my appointments?
Once you have been booked an appointment you will receive an SMS or email reminder. In this reminder you can cancel or reschedule your appointment.