Before accessing Patchs using the link above, please review the following information which should help you decide which option to choose.
New Health Problem
If this is a new health problem that you have not spoken to your GP about before then please choose this option.
Ongoing Health Problem
If this is a new health problem that you have not spoken to your GP about before then please choose this option.
Admin Request
If you need a form filling in by someone at the practice or you may need a sick certificate, then this will be the best option.
Medication Request
The quickest way to request medication is through the NHS app. You will be able to choose from a list of your current medications and also be able to track to status of it once completed.*
Other
If your request does not fit into any of the other categories, then please use this option.
*For more information about signing up for the NHS app please click Online Services – Wood Lane Medical Centre (woodlanesurgery.nhs.uk).
Why is my GP practice unavailable?
If you see a message telling you that your GP practice is unavailable, it means that your practice has limited the number of Patchs requests they can receive that day.
Practices often do this because:
- The practice is closed. For example, you are trying to contact them outside of their normal working hours or if it’s a bank holiday.
- All the Patchs slots for that day have been filled.
- There are staff shortages, for example due to sickness.
- They have been particularly busy, for example they are dealing with medical emergencies.
What should I do if I see this message?
Your GP practice will be available again for Patchs requests when they are next open. So, if you can wait until then, please use try again later.
You can try and see if there are any available appointment to book on the NHS app.
If there are no appointments left and you need help today and your practice is open, please telephone them for help.
If you need help today and your practice is closed, please telephone 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
Examples of things you may need help with today include:
- Feeling suicidal, or wanting to harm yourself or others.
- Infections that may need antibiotics.
- Worsening of asthma.
- Many other things not listed here.
If you have a medical emergency you should not contact your practice and should instead call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
Non-urgent advice: What should I not do if I see this message?
If your practice is still available for certain types of requests, please use them correctly. For example, if your practice is still available for medication or admin requests, do not use this option to ask for help with a health problem or to ask for antibiotics.
This is because requests are automatically prioritised according to which option you choose, and if you use the wrong category, your request may not be seen in time for staff to help you.
What is Patchs?
PATCHS is the new easy way for you to contact your GP practice online. PATCHS has been designed by GPs to make it easier to contact your practice and save you time.
Just answer a few simple questions and PATCHS gets you the help you need quickly.
You can use PATCHS to contact your GP practice for health advice, condition monitoring, repeat prescriptions, fit notes, appointment bookings, and more…
Why use Patchs?
- You can create an account for Patchs from home
- Quick & easy to use – just answer a few simple questions to get started
- Avoid long waits for a GP appointment
- Access Patchs through your GP practice website or your smartphone, at a time that suits you
- You can access a range of services: GP consultations, health advice, fit notes, medications & more
- Video Consultations
How do I get started with Patchs?
You can create an account for Patchs via your GP practice website. Click on the link at the top of this page that says ” Contact your GP Online”. You’ll be asked to enter your email address and set a password.
We recommend registering for a PATCHS account so you don’t need to enter your details each time you use PATCHS. An account also gives you access to all our services such as repeat medication requests, condition monitoring and appointment bookings.
Once you have created an account, you can access Patchs by clicking the link on your GP website or through the NHS app under ‘Advice’ then ‘ask your GP for medical advice’. Login by entering your email address & password. You should only need to login the first time when using the NHS app.
Choose the appropriate option and answer a few simple questions to help your GP understand your problem.
Your answers are sent to your GP who responds as quickly as possible. Initial responses may be via online message or phone, with face-to-face or video consultation appointments scheduled if necessary.