North Road West GP Route Hub
Use this page to choose the right route quickly: phone triage, online doctor request, repeat prescription, test result, GP record, fit note, home visit, interpreter help, parking, registration, complaints or NHS 111/999.
Choose the Right North Road West Route First
| Need | Use this first | Exact useful detail | Avoid this mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine GP appointment | Call reception / telephone triage | Patients are usually offered a telephone appointment first; clinician decides if face-to-face is needed. | Do not insist on a named GP if that GP is emergency duty doctor that day. |
| Online doctor request | Official “Consult with a Doctor online” route | Use the practice appointment page start route for suitable online GP contact. | Do not use unofficial third-party forms. |
| Need GP out of hours | NHS 111 | Calling the surgery when closed tells you to ring 111 if the problem cannot wait. | Do not wait until Monday if urgent. |
| Life-threatening symptoms | 999 / A&E | Use emergency services immediately. | Do not use online services or a routine phone queue. |
| Repeat prescription | Written request, online link or email | Allow 3 working days from when request arrives; non-repeat medication may take up to 5 working days. | Do not phone routine repeat prescription requests. |
| Routine test result | Phone after 14:00 or use online services | Routine test results are usually available within one week; results only to patient or parent of child under 16. | Do not call too early in the day for routine results. |
| Fit note | Self-certify ≤7 days; request doctor note >7 days | If already seen for the illness, certificate may be sent within a week. | Do not book GP appointment for self-certification. |
| Home visit | Call reception before 10:00 | Only if housebound or too ill to visit; GP decides urgency. | Do not use a home visit as an ambulance substitute. |
Opening Hours and Best Time to Contact
| Day | Opening time | Best use | When closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00am-6:30pm | Call early for triage; use written/online prescription routes. | NHS 111 if urgent and cannot wait. |
| Tuesday | 8:00am-6:30pm | Routine GP, nurse, prescription and admin contact. | NHS 111 if urgent and cannot wait. |
| Wednesday | 8:00am-6:30pm | Appointments, results after 14:00, online services. | NHS 111 if urgent and cannot wait. |
| Thursday | 8:00am-6:30pm | Good day for routine follow-up before Friday pressure. | NHS 111 if urgent and cannot wait. |
| Friday | 8:00am-6:30pm | Sort prescriptions before weekend; do not leave repeat medication late. | NHS 111 if urgent and cannot wait. |
| Saturday/Sunday | Closed | No routine GP opening. | NHS 111 or 999 depending on severity. |
Appointments and Telephone Triage: What Actually Happens
Reception asks for details
The practice says giving reception as much information as possible helps patients get the right help.
Telephone appointment first
North Road West operates telephone triage. Patients are offered a telephone appointment first.
Clinician decides next action
The clinician assesses whether a face-to-face appointment, future appointment or investigation is needed.
Routine surgery windows
Surgeries usually run 08:30-11:30 and 14:30-17:45, though times vary and some afternoon surgeries may start at 13:30.
Named GP is not always possible
The practice tries to offer your preferred doctor or health professional, but routine appointments may not be available with a specific GP if they are emergency duty doctor.
Interpreter help
If your English is limited, tell staff which language you speak and they can instruct an interpreter for a planned appointment.
North Road West Medical Centre Doctors and Team
Doctors listed by the practice
The practice team page lists GP partners and GPs including Dr Andrew Potter, Dr Laura Dunn, Dr Ewan McConnell, Dr Josie Rosser, Dr James Powell, Dr Tiffany Hamley, Dr Olivia Murphy, Dr Alison Pickering and Dr Thomas Pavelle. It also lists GP registrars Dr Sagar Dhamala, Dr Ikechukwu Ekeh and Dr Gentleness Aruoture.
Not every problem needs a GP
The wider team includes a paramedic, physiotherapist, lead practice nurse, nurses and healthcare assistants. The homepage says the practice is run by three GP partners, supported by six salaried GPs, a paramedic, nursing team and practice manager.
Phone, Interpreter and Reception Tips
Main number
Call 01752 662780 for the surgery. When closed, the recorded message advises NHS 111 if the problem cannot wait.
Interpreter help
If your English is limited, tell staff your language. The practice can instruct an interpreter for a planned appointment.
What to say first
Name, date of birth, main problem, how long it has happened, medicines, allergies, and whether it is getting worse today.
Repeat Prescriptions: Written Request, Online or Email
Written request
Complete the request slip attached to your green prescription or a repeat prescription request form from reception.
Drop-off options
Use the reception letterbox or the post box near the front entrance out of hours. Letterboxes are emptied during opening hours.
Email route
The prescription page lists nrw.repeatscripts@nhs.net for repeat prescription requests.
| Prescription situation | Official detail | Patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Routine repeat | All requests must be in writing; telephone requests are not accepted for safety reasons. | Use written slip, online link, post or email. |
| Processing time | Allow 3 working days from the time request arrives. | Request before weekends and bank holidays. |
| Medicine not on repeat | May take up to 5 working days. | Explain why it is needed and who previously prescribed it. |
| Postal prescription | Practice can post prescription if you provide stamped self-addressed envelope. | Include envelope early enough for postal delay. |
| Fear of flying | The practice says North Road West does not prescribe sedatives for fear of flying. | Use travel/mental health support routes instead of last-minute sedative request. |
Test Results and Online Services
Routine results
The practice says routine test results are normally available within one week.
Best time to call
The practice says the best time to phone for results is after 14:00.
Who can receive results
Results can only be given to the patient, or to the parent of a child under 16.
GP Records, Summary Care Record and Data Sharing
| Record topic | Official detail | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Summary Care Record | All patients registered with a GP have one unless they opted out. | It helps other regulated healthcare professionals provide safer care away from your usual practice. |
| Core information | Includes allergies, medications and reactions to medicines. | Useful during urgent care, A&E or out-of-hours treatment. |
| Additional information | May include significant medical history, reasons for medication, care plan information and immunisations. | Some patients with long-term conditions may have agreed to share more. |
| Online access | Practice policies mention electronic appointment booking, repeat prescription booking and patient access to records. | Ask reception or use online services if you need access enabled. |
| Devon & Cornwall Care Record | Local record sharing can support care across services involved in your treatment. | Helps avoid repeating your history in urgent or community care settings. |
Sick/Fit Notes: 7-Day Rule and Extra Certificate Route
| Situation | North Road West detail | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Ill for 7 days or less | You do not need to see a doctor; complete self-certification. | Give self-certification to employer. |
| Employer wants a doctor note anyway | A doctor note under these circumstances involves a charge and employer is responsible. | Ask employer if they will cover it. |
| Ill for more than 7 days | You need a doctor’s certificate called a Fitness to Work certificate. | Request fit note through the practice route. |
| Doctor already saw you for illness | Certificate may be sent within a week. | Do not book emergency appointment just for certificate. |
| Need additional fit note | Doctor may not need to see you for the same illness. | Complete the additional sick/fit note form. |
Home Visits: Call Before 10:00 If You Truly Cannot Attend
Who can request
Only request a home visit if you are housebound or too ill to visit the practice.
Call before 10:00
The appointment page says patients can help by calling reception before 10:00.
GP decides urgency
Your GP decides whether your condition requires a visit and how urgent it is.
Clinics and Services: What North Road West Lists
Long-term conditions
Annual reviews are offered for conditions such as respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy and mental health problems.
NHS Health Check
Free NHS Health Check is listed for adults aged 40-74 to check risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Minor surgery
The practice lists minor surgery incisions/excisions, wart and verruca treatment, joint injections and cryotherapy where clinically indicated.
Physiotherapy
The practice provides in-house physiotherapy for back, neck, joint, soft tissue and muscular problems, plus first contact physiotherapist booking.
Cervical smears
Women aged 25-49 are usually invited every 3 years; 50-64 every 5 years unless clinical need says sooner.
Antenatal
Newly pregnant patients are directed to complete the midwife booking form route.
Talking therapies
Free confidential NHS talking therapy service is listed for people aged 16+ in Plymouth with depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Flu clinic
Patients with chronic illness are advised to book seasonal flu clinic appointments in October.
Registering With North Road West Medical Centre
Check catchment first
The practice welcomes new patients within its catchment area and provides a boundary map search.
Register every household member
The official registration page reminds patients to register all members of the household.
Prepare identity documents
Accepted examples include passport, driving licence, birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank card, bank statement, national insurance card, or paid utility bill, but not mobile phone bill.
Medication review
If taking regular medication, make a health check appointment within a month of registering.
Travel Clinic: Start 6-8 Weeks Before Departure
| Travel task | Official detail | Prepare this |
|---|---|---|
| When to book | Arrange travel consultation at least 6-8 weeks before departure if possible. | Do not leave vaccines until last minute. |
| Why early matters | Vaccines need time to take effect and some require a course over several weeks. | Give realistic departure date. |
| Destination detail | Travel form asks for region, country, resort/area and travel dates. | List all destinations, stopovers and rural/urban/altitude/beach travel. |
| Activity risk | Form asks about trekking, safari, adventure, accommodation and travel group. | Include activities, not just country name. |
| Medical history | Form asks about chronic conditions, allergies, medication, vaccine reactions, infection, fainting, epilepsy, mental health, chemo/steroids, pregnancy and travel insurance. | Complete honestly so vaccine advice is safe. |
Parking, Accessibility and Visit Preparation
Parking
The contact page says there is a car park for patients behind the surgery and free parking on some nearby roads including North Road West.
Wheelchair access
The practice lists a ramp to the front door for wheelchair access and says it is disabled-compliant.
Door help
If opening the door is difficult, ring the bell and reception will help. Toilet alarms are also fitted.
Complaints, Feedback and Email Address
Complaint email
The contact page lists d-icb.nrw.complaint@nhs.net for positive or negative feedback/complaints.
Other routes
You can send a letter, pick up a form from reception or ask to speak to the Practice Manager.
Friends and Family Test
The contact page includes a Friends and Family Test form for rating your experience of the service.
Map: North Road West Medical Centre Plymouth
North Road West Route Planner
Choose your situation to get a short action list.
Copy-Paste Scripts
Appointment / triage
Hello, I am registered at North Road West Medical Centre. I need help with ______. It started ______. I am not having 999 symptoms. Can this be handled by telephone triage, face-to-face appointment, nurse, pharmacist or another service?Prescription request
Hello, I need a repeat prescription for ______. My dose is ______. I am requesting it by ______. My pharmacy is ______. I understand routine repeat requests are not accepted by phone and can take 3 working days.Test result
Hello, I had a test on ______. It has been about ______ days. I am calling after 14:00 for the result. Can you confirm whether it has been received and reviewed?Home visit
Hello, I am requesting a home visit because the patient is housebound / too ill to attend. The main problem is ______. Symptoms started ______. The patient can / cannot speak on the phone.Official Links After the Explanation
North Road West Medical Centre FAQ
Where is North Road West Medical Centre?
North Road West Medical Centre is at 167 North Road West, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 5BZ.
What is the phone number?
The main phone number is 01752 662780.
What are North Road West Medical Centre opening hours?
The practice is listed open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:30pm, and closed Saturday and Sunday.
How do appointments work?
The practice operates telephone triage. Patients are usually offered a telephone appointment first, then the clinician decides if a face-to-face appointment or investigation is needed.
Can I request a named doctor?
The practice tries to offer your preferred doctor or health professional, but routine appointments may not be available with a specific GP if that doctor is the emergency duty doctor for the day.
How do I order repeat prescriptions?
All repeat prescription requests must be in writing. Use the request slip, letterbox, post, online link or nrw.repeatscripts@nhs.net. Routine repeat prescription requests are not accepted by telephone.
How long do repeat prescriptions take?
The practice says to allow 3 working days from when the request arrives. Medication not on repeat may take up to 5 working days.
When should I phone for test results?
Routine test results are usually available within one week. The best time to call is after 14:00. Results can only be given to the patient or parent of a child under 16.
How do I get a fit note?
If ill for 7 days or less, you can self-certify. If ill for more than 7 days, you may need a Fitness to Work certificate. If already seen for the illness, the certificate may be sent within a week.
Can I request a home visit?
Only request a home visit if you are housebound or too ill to attend the practice. Call reception before 10:00 where possible. The GP decides whether a visit is needed and how urgent it is.
Is there parking and wheelchair access?
The practice says there is a patient car park behind the surgery, free parking on some nearby roads, a ramp to the front door, reception bell help and toilet alarms.
What should I do when the practice is closed?
Use NHS 111 if your medical problem is urgent but not life-threatening and cannot wait until the surgery reopens. Call 999 for life-threatening symptoms.