Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions that we get at the practice.

If you are not sure who you should be making an appointment with, click here.

Have you thought about going to your local pharmacy? They are not able to deal with a wide range of minor ailments and often no appointment is necessary.

How do I register at Ritchie Street Group Practice?

You can register quickly and securely online by visiting our registration page:
👉 Register Online Here

Alternatively, you can visit the practice and complete a paper registration form in person.
No ID is required, though we recommend registering with a practice in your local borough if you receive ongoing hospital or community care.

Visit our New Patient Registration page for more information.

How do I request an appointment?

For many common health concerns, you don’t always need to see a GP.

You can:

Visit your local pharmacyor expert advice and treatment for minor conditions.
Explore our Pharmacy Services page to learn what your pharmacist can help with.
Use our self help information to access specialist NHS support directly, without needing a GP appointment.

If you still need to contact us:

The quickest way is to complete our online form Consult .
Alternatively, you can call the practice during opening hours, and our Care Navigators will help you complete a request form.

How to cancel an appointment?

To cancel an appointment on the NHS app, log in, select your upcoming appointment, and follow the prompts to cancel it.

Steps to Cancel Your Appointment

Log In
Open the NHS App on your smartphone or visit it through your web browser.
Sign in using your NHS login details or Face ID.
Go to Appointments
From the homepage, tap “Upcoming and past appointments.”
You’ll see a list of your scheduled and previous appointments.
Select Your Appointment
Under “Upcoming appointments,” choose the appointment you want to cancel.
Cancel the Appointment
Tap “Cancel this appointment.”
(If your GP surgery doesn’t allow cancellations through the app, you’ll be asked to contact the practice directly.)
Confirm Cancellation
When prompted, confirm that you’d like to cancel.
You can add a short reason if you wish, then tap “Cancel appointment” to finish.

Alternatively, you can call the practice to cancel your appointment.

How do I register for online services?

You can register and access NHS online services using the NHS App:

Visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
Download the app to your smartphone (available on iOS and Android)
Create your NHS account

The NHS App is available for anyone aged 13 and over and registered with a GP surgery in England.
You can also access NHS App services from the browser on your desktop or laptop computer.

If you experience any issues, please visit Online Services before contacting the practice for support.

How do I request a sick note (Med3/Fit Note)

If you’ve been off work for less than 7 days, you can self-certify your sickness.
Your employer should provide a self-certification form (SC2), or you can download one from the GOV.UK website.
If you’ve been unwell for more than 7 days, you’ll need a Fit Note from the practice.
You can request this by completing an online form

How do I request repeat medication?

If your medication has not been issued recently, please speak to a clinician (for example, our Pharmacist or Prescribing Nurse Practitioner).
For repeat prescriptions, you can:

Complete an eConsult online form
Request via the NHS App
Email medicinersgp@nhs.net

How do I request a home visit?

If you feel you need a home visit, please call us as early as possible (before 8:30 a.m.).
A clinician will call you first to decide if a home visit or a video consultation is needed.

How can I get my test or investigation results?

Allow at least one week before contacting us to ensure results have been received.

Please check your online medical record on the NHS App
Alternatively, you can contact reception to find out if your results are normal or if a follow-up appointment is required.

Where do I leave my samples?

Please place your sample in the black collection box located both inside and outside the practice.
Make sure it is labelled correctly with your name, date of birth, and the date the sample was taken.

What should I do when the practice is closed?

If you need urgent help, please:

Call 111 for non-life-threatening issues. Get help from 111 online.

Call 999 or visit A&E for emergencies. Find your nearest A&E

You can also call our main number to be connected to the Extended Access service (open until 8 p.m.)
for walk-in service options.

How do I update my address?

You can update your address easily using our [online form].
It’s important we have your correct details in case we need to contact you.

How do I make a complaint?

Please visit our [complaints page] for details on how to submit a formal complaint.

How can I join the Patient Participation Group (PPG)?

If you’d like to get involved, please email ritchiestreetgrouppractice@nhs.net with your contact details.
We’ll invite you to the next meeting.
Learn more about our PPG [here].

How do I change my nominated pharmacy?

Find a pharmacy – NHS

You can request a change on the NHS App, when ordering your repeat medication or discuss it at your next appointment.

For your convenience, we also have a pharmacy on site.

What are your fees for travel vaccinations?

Please visit our [travel vaccinations page] for details, fees, and how to book.

What are your fees for private medicals or letters?

You can download our [private fees document] for current charges.
All private work must be paid in advance.
Your can request online or Email ritchiestreetgrouppractice@nhs.net with your request.
Please note: our private admin team works Tuesdays–Thursdays only.

When are my child’s immunisations due?

Visit the [NHS vaccination schedule] for the most up-to-date information.
It’s important your child is vaccinated on time for protection against serious illnesses.

How long does a GP referral to hospital take?

Most routine GP referrals to hospital take around 2 to 4 weeks to be processed, though this can vary depending on the hospital and the type of service.
If your GP believes your referral is urgent (for example, a “two-week wait” referral), the hospital will aim to contact you within 2 weeks.
If you haven’t heard from the hospital after the expected time, please contact the hospital appointments team directly, as they manage their own booking systems.

How do I follow up on a hospital appointment?

Please contact the hospital directly. Information found here: Your Hospital Appointments – Ritchie Street Group Practice
Hospitals don’t always inform us of appointments, so we’re unable to chase them on your behalf.

Where do I go for a blood test (phlebotomy)?

You’ll receive a link to book your appointment online.
Please print your blood test form and bring it with you—clinics cannot print forms on site.
You can also collect the form from the practice beforehand.
For more information visit Blood Clinics page

How can I get support as a carer?

Please let us know if you care for a registered patient so we can record it on your file.
We can also connect you with a social prescriber for additional support.
Visit the [Islington Carers Hub] for more information.

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing connects patients with non-medical community support for issues like loneliness, stress, or housing.
Our link workers can help you find local activities such as exercise groups, art sessions, volunteering, or counselling.
It helps you manage your wellbeing in a way that suits your life.
Ask your GP or nurse for a referral.

Visit Social Prescribing for more information

How can I leave positive feedback?

We love hearing from patients!
You can share your feedback online by [clicking here].
It really helps to boost staff morale and improve our service.

Can I stay with the practice if I move out of the area?

It depends on your new address and healthcare needs. Please contact the practice to discuss your situation.

How do I see the same GP or clinician?

Continuity of care is important.
We recommend choosing two regular GPs (as they may not work every day).
You can view their working days on our [staff page] and book appointments in advance, subject to availability.