Changes to Reception Services from 1st November 2025
From 1st October 2025, changes to the national GP contract requires all practices to provide online triage for administrative and non-urgent medical queries during all opening hours, 8:00am to 6:30pm.
From 1st November 2025 to meet these new requirements and improve patient access, we will be redirecting some reception resources to online triage and therefore are updating and changing how some services are delivered at our front desk Reception.
These changes will help us:
- Provide faster and more consistent service through digital channels
- Reduce unnecessary paper use, supporting a greener environment
- Ensure reception staff can better assist patients who do need in-person support
What’s Changing at the Reception Desk? / What does this mean for patients?
From 1st November, the following services will move to online or telephone access:
New Patient Registrations:
All registration forms must be completed online.
Register with a GP surgery: Peel House Medical Practice, Accrington
Prescription Requests:
Paper form requests will no longer be accepted. You can order prescriptions by:
- Using the NHS App - Get the NHS App
- Online via the Peel House Medical Practice website - Request a repeat prescription
- Leaving a message on the dedicated prescription answering machine service: 01254 964974, Option 2 - between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Fit Note continuation
Paper form requests will no longer be accepted. You can request:
Appointment Booking
Same-day acute appointment requests will no longer be taken at the reception desk and must be made by phone (01254 964974) in order for you to be care navigated to the most appropriate service.
Reception will still assist with routine pre-booked appointments, including GP Pre-bookable and Review appointments, Practice nurse appointments and Blood tests
Exceptions will only be made for vulnerable groups, for example, patients with a learning disability, communication difficulties, dementia.
What Can You Do Online? (via our website)
Available to submit anytime;
Available to Submit Monday to Friday 8am to 6:30pm only.
If your query requires an appointment a member of the team will either send an appointment booking link or contact you to offer an appointment with a suitable clinician.
We aim to respond to all queries within 3 working days.
What can you do via the NHS APP
- Contact the practice with a non-urgent medical query.
- Order your repeat prescription
- View your medical record including test results.
We appreciate your understanding as we implement these important changes. Our goal is to provide a service that is more efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible for all patients.
If you need assistance using the NHS App or accessing online services, our team is happy to help guide you.