Extended NHS services

If a patient requires an appointment with a consultant, the practice will use the e-referral system (formerly known as Choose and Book) to book you into a clinic which is most convenient for the patient.

What is NHS e-Referral Service?

If you have been referred by your GP for an appointment with a healthcare provider, you may be able to book your appointment with NHS e-Referral Service, which replaced Choose and Book in June 2015. Most services are available via NHS e-Referral Service. You can choose the date and time of your appointment and your GP may be able to book your appointment there and then.

• Download the patient guidance to booking your appointment online (PDF, 5Mb)

However, you have the right to think about your choices, compare different options and book your appointment at a later stage. If so, you’ll be given an appointment request letter, which includes your unique booking reference number, NHS Number and a list of hospitals or clinics to choose from. In addition you’ll be given a password, which allows you to book your appointment via NHS e-Referral Service either over the phone using The Appointments Line 0345 6088888 or log in to NHS e-Referral Service online.

NHS e-Referral Service will also give you the ability to:

• plan and manage your appointments around any existing appointments, if you are currently undergoing treatment
• fit your treatment in with your other commitments, at home and at work
• choose appointments that fit with your carer’s schedule
• check the status of your referral and change or cancel your appointments easily, either over the phone or online

Speak to your GP about your choices and read the section about choosing a hospital for more advice.

I’m not good with the internet – where can I get help?

There are a number of different services for people who need internet training.  The best place to start would be your local library. On this site we created simple tips and instructions that can help you to become a more confident internet user, including how to keep yourself and others safe online.

More than 90% of healthcare providers allow you to book your appointment through NHS e-Referral Service online or via The Appointments Line. Where this is not possible, this will be indicated on your Appointment Request letter by a picture of a phone next to the relevant provider. You or your GP will then have to book directly with the hospital or service using the phone number indicated on the letter.

MINOR SURGERY

The doctors perform minor surgical procedures in the surgery. Minor ops clinics are run by Dr Frankland, Dr Dorsett & Dr Sharma. If you wish to discuss having a skin lesion removed then please make an appointment with any of the above doctors and they will be happy to advise you.

FAMILY PLANNING

We provide an in-house vasectomy service at Elmwood. This is a free NHS service available to anyone who is registered with a GP in Kirklees or Calderdale. Your doctor can refer you to us for this procedure using the e-referral appointment system or via a letter.

A number of our GPs provide contraceptive implant insertion and removals.

We are very proud to act as a hub for our patients to access a multitude of NHS teams and clinics. Working alongside these professionals on our sites allows us to have regular discussions to improve patient care. If you have any questions about these teams such as what they provide or how to access them please speak to your GP.

COUNSELLING AND THERAPY

You can now refer yourself to the IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) team who provide a choice of services for people experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, stress, panic and obsessive compulsive disorder. Please call them on 01484 434625  and read about their service here.

CAMHS

The child and adolescent mental health services team now operate from our surgery. More information about them is available here.

To be referred to their team please see your GP.

HEALTH TRAINER

Your doctor can refer you to see the Health Trainer in the practice to help advise you on a range of things from managing your chronic illness to benefits and allowances.

ALCOHOL SPECIALIST NURSE

Your doctor can refer you for support to help with problematic drinking as we now have a nurse working at the surgery on a weekly basis from Lifeline.

PAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES

If you have a long term condition which is causing you pain and discomfort then your GP can refer you to see the Pain team in the practice.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic patients are contacted to attend this eye screening clinic.

ANTENATAL CLINICS

Run by the Community Midwives every Tuesday by appointment or by telephoning the surgery.  At other times the Community Midwives may be contacted by telephoning 01484 343356.

WARFARIN CLINIC

Elmwood is now a hub for a large area of Huddersfield patients to have their warfarin levels controlled. This anticoagulaion service has the ability to test a patient’s INR (International Normailised Ratio, or blood clotting time) and alter their dosage of warfarin accordingly.

PHYSIOTHERAPY and PODIATRY

Sadly the funding for our “Practice-based” Physiotherapy and Podiatary Services has recently been withdrawn by the CCG. Patients who were usually able to see the Physio or Podiatrist in the Health Centre within a fortnight are now referred to Huddersfield’s central appointments system. The physio service waiting time is currently around 12 weeks. If you have been referred and would like to see where you are on the waiting list please contact the Physio Admin Team on 01484 728906.