Changes to the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

We currently DO NOT offer a Weight Loss Injections Service.

Dear Patients,

We wanted to inform you that our practice has made the decision not to sign up for the NHS Weight Loss Injection Local Enhanced Service (LES) at this time.

Unfortunately if you do submit a request for this we will be unable to help and your request will be rejected.

This decision was made after careful consideration of our current resources and the needs of our patients. We understand that weight management is an important aspect of health, and we encourage those interested in weight loss support to explore other available resources and services.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We remain committed to providing the best possible care to all our patients.

Warm regards,

Leatside Health Centre

This guide explains how general practices work and how you can best use them. You can read the full original document “You and your general practice” on the NHS England site.

Contacting Your Practice

• GP practices are usually open 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

• You can contact them by phone, in person, via their website, or through the NHS App.

• If your practice is closed, dial 111 (or visit 111.nhs.uk) for urgent help. For life‑threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E.

• When you request an appointment, the practice will assess your need and respond (by phone, text, or appointment) within one working day.

Who May Help You

• You might see a GP, nurse, pharmacist, or other practice staff, depending on your needs.

• If you have a carer, they can speak on your behalf (with your consent).

• You can request a particular clinician, but you may have to wait.

Appointments by Age / Special Help

• From age 16, you can attend or book appointments on your own.

• Under 16, you may still attend alone if the GP deems it appropriate.

• If you need support (e.g. translation, wheelchair access, longer appointment times), inform the practice—they will accommodate where possible.

Choosing and Registering with a Practice

• You can register with or switch GP practices at any time, usually by contacting the practice or using NHS online tools.

• You do not need ID, proof of address, or an NHS number to register—even if you are homeless or new to the UK.

• A practice may refuse registration only for valid reasons (e.g. you live too far away or the list is full). If refused, they must notify you in writing within 14 days.

Referrals & Rights

• When your GP refers you to specialist care, in most cases you have the right to choose which hospital or clinic you attend.

• Immigration status does not affect your right to register with a GP.

Cost & Treatment Standards

• GP services under the NHS are free. However, practices may charge for private work (e.g. reports, insurance letters).

• Practices must treat all patients fairly, respectfully, and without discrimination. In extreme cases (e.g. violence), a practice may remove a patient from their list.

How You Can Help Your Practice

To make things smoother for everyone, you can:

1. Prepare ahead—list your concerns or symptoms.

2. Be punctual or available for phone calls.

3. Cancel in advance if you can’t make it.

4. Use the NHS App or website to manage bookings, prescriptions, and results.

5. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss messages.

6. Order repeat medications in good time.

7. Join the practice’s Patient Participation Group (if available).

Feedback & Complaints

• If you’d like to give feedback or raise concerns, ask to speak to the practice manager.

• You can also escalate issues to your Integrated Care Board (ICB) or Healthwatch, who act as independent advocates for patients.