Poorly children under 12 will now be offered same day GP appointments if urgent

Under 12s can be offered a same day appointment if clinically appropriate

Poorly children under the age of 12 in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale will now be offered a same day appointment to see the GP – if clinically appropriate.

Offering poorly under 12s a same day appointment is one of the arrangements the CCG has made with GP practices in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, by agreeing an extension to their contracts called ‘Core Plus’.

Dr Aggy York, local GP and Clinical Lead for Primary Care, said: “NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group introduced a scheme called Core Plus to improve patient access to GP appointments and improve quality and performance across the whole of the Rochdale borough.

“Core Plus was put in place in 2018 and it has seven themes. One of those themes is aimed at improving access to GP appointments. One of the schemes which has helped is called Active Signposting and every practice within HMR has trained staff who are able to direct patients to the most appropriate service after taking a few basic details from the patients. This ensures that patients are seen in a timely manner in the most appropriate service and with the most suitable health or social care professional. 

“Practices will also offer a clinical triage to all unwell children under the age of 12 and offer a same day appointment if it is felt by the clinician that the problem is urgent and cannot wait until a routine appointment is available. 

“If the problem is not deemed urgent the child may also be signposted to an alternative health care provider e.g. the paediatric nurse practitioners.”

Registered patients needing an appointment can be seen in the evening, at weekend and on bank holidays at ‘extended hours hubs’.

To book an appointment at an extended hours hub, please call the central booking line on 0161 763 8292.

For more information, visit: www.hmr.nhs.uk/your-health/there-for-you

You can also call NHS 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. This service is available for people who urgently need medical help or advice, but don’t have a 999 emergency.

You can also get medical help or advice from 111 online using your smartphone, laptop or other digital device. The service is free to use and helps to direct patients to the right care, first time.