Get to know where to go for dentists, opticians and your GP surgery

This service is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays. Please be aware that this service can be busy, you may need to wait however your call will always be answered.

When you call, you will be assessed by a healthcare professional who may provide you with self-care advice for your symptoms, give safe pain relief advice, or book you a face-to-face appointment if needed. This can be at a location across Greater Manchester and you will be offered one that is most convenient for you.

Please note that the service operates on an appointment only basis, does not offer a drop-in service and does not offer routine care or check-ups.

There is an NHS patient charge of £27.40 for each appointment with this service but is free to children.

Get help with dental costs

Some people can get free dental care. This includes those under the age of 18 (or 19 if in full time education, pregnant women (up to 12 months after the baby has been born) and people on low-income benefits. Those who have a low income, but do not qualify for free dental care, may also be able to get help with costs. Check elibility for help with dental costs on the NHS website.

Patients are not registered with a dentist in the same way as they are with a GP so, if you need a check-up or dental treatment, you can go to a practice outside your local community.

You should have an eye test at least every two years, even if you don’t wear glasses. An eye test can help to spot problems or conditions like glaucoma or cataracts earlier.

The service is available throughout the week and, in some places, at weekends and evenings.  Always call first as this is not a walk-in service.

The service is available throughout the week and, in some places, at weekends and evenings.  Always call first as this is not a walk-in service.

Some practices will ask you to fill in a form online. This helps them to see people who are very unwell, and makes sure you see the best person for your needs.

Appointments may be online, on the phone or face-to-face and can be made at evenings and weekends.

Local GP practices work together to offer evening and weekend appointments. This means you can see a GP, nurse or other health professional at a time that’s convenient for you. Ask your GP practice for details.

Your GP practice can help with lots of different health issues, including:

• Persistent cough (3 weeks or more)
• Ongoing sore throat (1 week or more)
• Continuing earache (3 days or more)
• Headaches that keep coming back
• Cystitis (water infection) that won’t go away (3 days or more)
• A breast lump
• Blood in your wee or poo
• Worries about the menopause
• Feeling low or anxious
• Ongoing or long-term conditions

GP out of hours service

The GP out of hours service is there if you need urgent medical care when your GP practice is closed. For details on how to access the service, call your practice and listen to the recorded message.

When you call the service, you may be given advice over the phone or a face-to-face
appointment.

Everyone in Greater Manchester can and should register with a GP practice, regardless of housing or immigration status.

Enhanced access 

Your GP practice is part of a Primary Care Network. This is a group of practices which work together to make sure you can access a range of healthcare services at a time and a place that meets your needs. 

Enhanced Access offers pre-bookable urgent and routine appointments outside your practice’s usual opening hours

You can access a number of different appointments for routine care and the management of more complex, long terms conditions.

Find out more about enhanced access services in your local area.

If you visit NHS 111 online, you’ll be asked to enter your age, sex, postcode and main symptom.

You are then asked a series of questions about your health problem.

You can:

• find out how to get the right healthcare in your area, including whether you need to see a GP or seek urgent care
• get advice on self-care

NHS 111 online is the the quickest and easiest way to get the help you need.

NHS 111 offers a British Sign Language (BSL) service that is open 24/7.

If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK App or a text phone.