Pennine Surgery

13/05/2026

Important Update

As of 27 May 2026, the way you contact us online will be changing.

We currently use PATCHS for online patient requests; this service will be replaced by Accurx.

Accurx is an online patient communication system already used by many GP practices across the UK. It allows patients to contact their GP practice online without needing to wait on the telephone.

Once the new system is live, the process will work as follows:
1. Access the online form via our website or the NHS App
2. Complete a structured form detailing your symptoms or request
3. Your request will be received securely by the practice
4. A member of staff or clinician will review (triage) your request and determine the most appropriate next step, which may include:
• same-day advice,
• an appointment,
• a prescription,
• referral to another service, or
• self-care guidance

Accurx is primarily designed for non-emergency medical and administrative requests, including:
• Symptoms and medical concerns
• Medical questions
• Fit notes
• Test result queries
• Appointment requests
• Administrative forms and requests

04/03/2026

Spring is almost here! 🌷
If you’re 75 years and over, you’re eligible for your COVID vaccination.
Please contact the surgery on 01706 374990 to book your appointment and start protected this season.

10/02/2026

We have currently 20 home blood pressure machines missing which have been loaned out and not returned.

If you have one of our home blood pressure machines at home, please return to surgery as soon as possible as we now have a waiting list of patients who require a machine.

14/08/2025

17/07/2025

TRAVEL IMMUNISATIONS

We offer a full travel advice and immunisation service at Pennine Surgery. If you are travelling abroad, please collect a Travel Assessment Form from surgery and return 8-12 weeks before you travel. Attentively, please visit https://www.penninesurgery.co.uk/travel-health and complete a form online.

24/06/2025

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a test to check if there's a swelling in your aorta, which is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the tummy (abdomen).

AAA screening is offered to all men over the age of 64. Anyone assigned male at birth who is over the age of 64 can have it.

For more information, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening/

23/06/2025

🚨WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION (Mounjaro) is currently not available for NHS prescription in Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale / Greater Manchester 🚨

We are receiving many requests to prescribe weight loss injections (Mounjaro) or similar . Greater Manchester ICB (the organisation responsible for overseeing NHS funding for practices in HMR) has issued instructions that this medication cannot be prescribed for weight loss. The website link below gives more information, including who may be eligible for this medication in the future.

https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/weight-management-in-greater-manchester/

We do recognise that this is a frustrating situation for many patients, and booking an appointment to speak about this will not change the outcome

The decision not to prescribe is NOT taken by the GPs / practitioners at the surgery - they have to follow the guidelines in place.

There are a number of our patients receiving Mounjaro (or similar ) for their diabetes management - this is allowed on the NHS and will continue.

We also recognise that some patients are accessing prescriptions from private pharmacies or online providers. Please ensure you let your private provider know about any other medications you are taking .

If you are receiving Mounjaro from a private provider AND taking the oral contraceptive pill or oral HRT, please contact us and book a medication review, as the oral contraceptive (or HRT) may not be as effective.

Information about specialist weight management services for people living in Greater Manchester.

12/05/2025

All machines are missing again. Please return to surgery at your earliest convenience if you have one of our blood pressure machines. Thank you

We have currently 20 home blood pressure machines missing which have been loaned out and not returned.

If you have one of our home blood pressure machines at home, please return to surgery as soon as possible as we now have a waiting list of patients who require a machine.

08/05/2025

We are about to complete the installation of Immersive Greenbooth, and I hoped you might be able to give us some contacts or ideas about informing groups and communities in Rochdale and the surrounding area about the interactive experience. It is aimed at encouraging communities that don't normally....

31/07/2024

We have recently upgraded our telephone system. We kindly ask patients to bear with us. Calls will be answered, however there may be a delay.

Many thanks,
Pennine Surgery

18/06/2024