Launch of NHS Pharmacy First advanced service
Patients can access the new service by walking straight into a chemist. They can also be referred by NHS 111, urgent treatment centres, emergency departments or their GP. Those who are not registered with a GP can still access the service.
If one of the seven conditions is diagnosed, pharmacists can give medicines to patients rather than sending them back to their GP. Patients who need more specialist or follow-up care will be referred onwards.
You can also get emergency contraception and blood pressure checks at most pharmacies in England. Some offer advice on how to stop smoking, how to lose weight as well as screening and treatment for chlamydia, a common sexually-transmitted infection.
Conditions that can be treated by your pharmacist:
Condition | Age range |
Earache | 1 to 17 years |
Impetigo | 1 year and over |
Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
Shingles | 18 years and over |
Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
Sore throat | 5 years and over |
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections | Women 16-64 years |
We have launched an Online Triage System!
Getting you the RIGHT help at the RIGHT time!
Our Online Consulting platform allows you:
- To seek self-help information from the NHS, through our surgery website. Services include self-help information, advice or help from local services which may be appropriate for your condition, such as self-referral services or help from your local pharmacy.
- To seek medical advice online from Royton & Crompton Family Practice for your condition.
- To seek general or administrative advice (e.g. for insurance forms, fit-notes, referrals, secure messaging to admin and reception staff, etc).
- Request repeat medication. We always recommend patients to use the NHS APP to request repeat medications but when this is not possible (e.g. requesting medications on behalf of children), you can use our Online Consulting form.
Why use Online Consulting?
- Since July 2020, General Practice in the UK has faced unprecedented demand (up to 40% more than pre-Covid levels). This demand has increased even further since the easing of lockdown in in Spring 2021. The ongoing GP retention and recruitment crisis has meant that the number of GPs in the workforce has not increased to meet the extra demand so tools such as online consulting are essential to ensure safe and efficient prioritisation of patients’ needs. Online consulting allows clinicians to gather as much information from patients as possible so that safe and appropriate management can then be planned.
- Another key benefit of Online Consulting is the convenience it offers you as our patient – meaning you can ask for advice from us without having to queue on the phone or wait weeks for an appointment which may not actually be required. You can complete the Online Consulting Form from the comfort of your own home, on a break at work, or on the train home.
- Queries can be clinical or administrative in nature, and in many cases, we may not need to see you face-to-face meaning those that really need to see a GP face-to-face are more able to do so.
- If you decide you want to manage your condition without contacting Royton & Crompton Family Practice , our Online Consulting Platform can guide you towards trusted medical advice as well as relevant local services, such as pharmacy support, which may be more appropriate than visiting the surgery.
Our Online Consulting Platform should not be used for emergencies.
Please note that the online consultation link/secure messaging is available only between 8am and 12pm on weekdays or until we reach capacity (excluding Bank Holidays) and is not available at weekends .
Please contact 111 during out of hours or 999 if this is an emergency.
We aim to respond within 2 working days. For urgent or emergency requests for example suspected urine infections, mental health concerns and children under 5 please contact the surgery on 0161 357 2315.
Enhanced Access
Patients who are registered with an Oldham GP can now make an appointment to see a GP in the evenings, between 18:30 and 20:00 and Saturdays 09:00 until 17:00. This service is based at Royton Health & Wellbeing Centre. At your appointment the GP will be able to see some of your medical records so that they are able to advise you accurately.
If you would like to make an appointment with this service please telephone: 0161 271 3180
Practice booklet
(Site updated 25/03/2024)