Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I find out what services my GP offers?
  2. Do I have to pay for GP Services?
  3. What do I do if I need to see a GP out of hours?
  4. How do I get involved with the surgery?
  5. How do I find out what I need if I am travelling out of the country?
  6. How do I make a comment about my local GP service?
How can I find out what services my GP offers?

To find out what services your GP offers, call into your surgery and collect a Practice Specific Patient Leaflet or check the NHS Choices website. (www.nhs.uk)

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Do I have to pay for GP Services?

If you are a UK citizen or visiting from an EU country you do not have to pay for the majority of GP services, with the exception of private employment and insurance reports, medicals and work-related or travel vaccinations.

If you are visiting from a non-EU country and require GP services, contact the local Primary Care Trust (www.sheffieldpct.nhs.uk) for information as to where to go. Please bear in mind that you may be charged for using GP services.

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What do I do if I need to see a GP out of hours?

All surgeries in the area allow you to contact a GP out of normal practice hours by simply calling your normal surgery phone number. You will be put through to an answering service that tells you how to get in touch with a GP.

For further details of services that are available out of your normal GP opening hours check the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) that lists details of Walk-In Centres and other clinics that are available in your area.

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How do I get involved with the surgery?

Most surgeries welcome public and patient involvement (PPI) and provide opportunities allowing you to sit in on meetings and influence change at your GP surgery.

Contact your surgery’s Practice Manager to see if such a group is available in your area. The Primary Care Trust (www.sheffieldpct.nhs.uk) will also be able to advise on PPI groups in the area.

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How do I find out what I need if I am travelling out of the country?

If you are travelling out of the country for any reason, most practices employ a trained Practice Nurse who can give you advice on travel vaccinations and precautions that need to be taken when visiting different parts of the world.

Contact the surgery or consult the practice leaflet to see if a dedicated travel clinic is available or whether you can make an appointment to have a chat about your travel plans.

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How do I make a comment about my local GP service?

If you have any concerns or wish to compliment a staff member or service please contact the Practice Manager in your surgery first.

If you feel you would like to speak to someone out of the surgery, you can contact the Patient and Liaison Service (PALS) on: 0800 085 7539 or Email: pals.manager@sheffieldpct.nhs.uk

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