Saddleworth Medical Practice: appointments, hours, prescriptions, branches and NHS help
Saddleworth Medical Practice is an NHS GP practice at Smithy Lane, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6AH, with a Delph branch at 2 Gartside Street. This guide gives the exact patient route for online appointment requests, reception contact, repeat prescriptions, test results, fit notes, home visits, evening/weekend appointments, registration, access, parking and closed-hours help.
Use this number for: appointment access problems, reception help, home visits before 11am, urgent practice queries, special prescription requirements, registration questions, access needs, Delph branch questions, and if you cannot use online routes safely.
Saddleworth Medical Practice
Smithy Lane / Smith Lane
Uppermill
Oldham
OL3 6AH
The official contact page also lists a branch site at Delph, 2 Gartside Street, Delph, Oldham OL3 5DW.
Open directionsDecision hub: which Saddleworth route should you use?
Use this before travelling, phoning, or filling in the wrong request.
Life-threatening emergency
Call 999 or go to A&E. Examples: chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, serious injury or severe bleeding.
Urgent but practice closed
Use 111 online or call 111. NHS guidance says they will tell you what to do next.
Need GP or nurse appointment
Request an appointment online through the practice website, or call/visit during opening hours if online access is not suitable.
Need home visit
Call reception before 11:00 if housebound or too ill to attend. The GP decides whether and how urgently a visit is needed.
Repeat prescription
Use NHS App, Patient Access, or bring your repeat slip to the practice. Telephone requests are only for housebound or vulnerable-list patients.
Test result question
Do not ring unless 2 weeks have passed and you have not heard. Hospital-arranged tests should be chased with the hospital team.
Main surgery vs Delph branch: check before you travel
Saddleworth Medical Practice lists a main site in Uppermill and a branch site in Delph. Use the same phone number, but check where your appointment is booked before leaving.
| Site | Address | Phone/email | Access details listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Site: Saddleworth Medical Practice | Smithy Lane, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6AH | 01457 872228 gmicb-old.p85016@nhs.net | Car parking, disabled WC, wheelchair access. |
| Branch Site: Delph | 2 Gartside Street, Delph, Oldham OL3 5DW | 01457 872228 gmicb-old.p85016@nhs.net | Disabled car parking, disabled WC, wheelchair access. |
Opening hours and out-of-hours access
The official contact page lists opening hours as 0800–1830. The “You and your general practice” page says general practice access is from 8.00am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, and patients or carers can visit, call or go online during those hours.
| When | Access listed | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 8.00am to 6.30pm | Visit, call, or use online routes via the practice website/NHS App. |
| Appointment request | Online appointment request available from practice website | Use the online form where possible so the practice can assess clinical need. |
| Out of hours | 111 listed as out-of-hours route | Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if urgent and it cannot wait. |
| Emergency | 999 / A&E | Use for serious or life-threatening emergencies. |
Appointments: online request, one-working-day response and what to include
The official online page says to request an appointment by contacting the practice online. The “You and your general practice” guidance says when you request an appointment or medical advice by phone, online or by visiting, the practice team may ask details to assess what is best based on clinical need and tell you within one working day what happens next.
Use 999 for life-threatening symptoms. Use 111 if urgent and the practice is closed.
Choose the correct medical/admin option and give clear details so the practice can triage safely.
Write when symptoms started, whether they are getting worse, current medication, allergies, pregnancy/frailty/child concerns and what outcome you need.
The response may be an appointment, phone call, text response, or advice to use pharmacy or another NHS service.
If you need interpretation, wheelchair access, longer appointment, quiet space or a different format, tell the practice when requesting help.
| Appointment outcome | What it means | Patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment that day or later | The practice decides clinical priority and timing. | Check site: Uppermill or Delph. |
| Phone call | You may not need to attend in person. | Keep your phone available and answer unknown/NHS numbers. |
| Text response | Advice or next step may be sent by text. | Read the full message and follow any safety-netting advice. |
| Pharmacy or another NHS service | The practice may signpost based on need. | Use the service suggested rather than submitting duplicate requests. |
Hello, my name is [name]. My date of birth is [date]. I am registered at Saddleworth Medical Practice. I need help because [one clear sentence]. I cannot use the online request because [reason]. My symptoms started [when]. They are [getting worse/not improving]. Is this best handled by a GP, nurse, pharmacist, 111, or another route?
Do It Online: appointments, prescriptions and record access
The official “Do It Online” page gives three useful routes: contact the practice online for appointments, order prescriptions with Patient Access or NHS App, and request access to your GP-held record by downloading and returning the online services application form.
Repeat prescriptions: NHS App, Patient Access, in-person slip and 2 working days
The official prescriptions page says repeat prescriptions should be requested online using the NHS App or Patient Access, or in person. Telephone requests are only available to patients on the housebound or vulnerable list. The practice asks for two full working days to process repeat prescriptions.
NHS App
Use the NHS App route for repeat prescription ordering where your account is set up and the medicine appears correctly.
Patient Access
Use Patient Access if linked to your GP record. Check item name, strength and preferred collection route.
In person
Bring the repeat prescription slip to the practice and put it in the box at the reception counter.
Processing time
Allow two full working days. Items not authorised as repeat can take longer because doctor approval is needed.
| Prescription issue | Official detail / likely reason | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone request | Only for patients on the housebound or vulnerable list. | Use online or in-person route unless you meet the exception. |
| Pharmacy request | The practice says it does not accept requests for repeat prescriptions from pharmacies. | Order yourself through NHS App, Patient Access or in person. |
| Not authorised as repeat | Doctor approval is needed, so it takes longer. | Order early and explain why you need the item. |
| Regular prescriptions | EPS may allow prescriptions to go directly to a pharmacy. | Discuss Electronic Prescription Service with your chosen pharmacy. |
| Collection point | Prescriptions can be collected from Uppermill surgery or local pharmacies. | Confirm your nominated pharmacy or collection location. |
| Special requirements | The practice says to contact 01457 872228 to discuss special requirements. | Call before the request becomes urgent. |
Test results: when to chase and who should explain them
The official test-results page says if the practice arranged a medical test, they will tell you results by text, email, letter or phone. You can see your own test results if you have online access to your records. The page says not to ring unless two weeks have passed and you have not heard from the practice.
If the test was arranged by the practice, wait for the practice route. If a hospital doctor arranged it, contact the hospital/consultant team.
The official page asks patients not to ring unless two weeks have passed and they have not heard.
The practice says if a test result shows a serious illness, they will contact you immediately, usually by phone.
If you have online access, check your own test results in your GP-held record.
Sick notes and fit notes: 7 days or less vs more than 7 days
The official sickness certificate page says you do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may ask you to complete a self-certification form. If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask for medical evidence.
| Situation | Best route | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Off work 7 days or less | Self-certification with employer. | Ask employer for their SC2/self-cert process. |
| Off work more than 7 days | GP fit note / medical evidence route. | Condition, first day off, job role, and whether this is first note or extension. |
| Return-to-work support | Fit note can include work-impact information. | Explain what duties you can/cannot safely do. |
| Deadline from employer | Submit early. | Do not leave it until payroll or HR deadline day. |
Home visits: call before 11:00 and only when medically needed
The official home-visits page says patients should come to the surgery where equipment and facilities are available, but home visits may be possible when needed. If you need a home visit, the page asks patients to call reception before 11:00.
Who home visits are for
You may request a home visit only if housebound or too ill to visit the practice.
When to call
Call reception before 11:00 so the practice can plan and schedule visits safely.
Who decides
The GP decides whether your medical condition requires a visit and how urgently it is needed.
Other home support
Community nurses may visit if referred by a GP. Health visitors may visit after a baby or for newly registered families with a child under five.
The patient is housebound or too ill to attend because [reason]. The problem is [clear symptom/request]. It started [when]. It is [getting worse/stable]. The patient can/cannot answer the phone. The best contact number is [number].
Evening and weekend appointments through Oldham East PCN
The official evening/weekend page says local GP practices have teamed up to provide extra weekend and evening appointments at practices across East Oldham. Booking is essential and patients should request an appointment by speaking to a member of the practice team.
| Service | Who it covers | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Oldham East Primary Care Network evening/weekend appointments | Saddleworth Medical Practice, Pennine Medical Centre, Mooreside Medical Practice, Springfield House, Lees Medical Practice and Leesbrook Surgery patients. | Speak to a member of the practice team. Booking is essential. |
Register with Saddleworth Medical Practice or update your address
The official registration page says online registration is available, and in-person registration can be done by asking at reception. For address changes, the practice asks patients to notify them immediately and says to include full name and date of birth if emailing.
The practice offers online registration and in-person registration at reception.
Include name, date of birth, address, contact details and previous GP details where requested.
Order enough current medicine before records transfer delays create a gap.
The practice warns that failure to update address may lead to removal from the list by the Primary Care Trust/health system process.
Travel vaccinations: book early and complete the questionnaire
The official travel-vaccinations page says if you need foreign-travel vaccinations, make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements, including countries and areas within countries. It says the initial appointment should be at least 6 weeks before travel, with the second appointment at least 2 weeks before travel to allow vaccines to work.
| Travel task | Official detail | Patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Initial travel advice | Book with practice nurse to discuss destination and areas visited. | Do this at least 6 weeks before travel. |
| Vaccine appointment | A second appointment may be needed because vaccines have to be ordered. | Second appointment should be at least 2 weeks before travel. |
| Private vaccines | Some travel vaccines are private and incur extra charge. | Ask about costs before booking or ordering. |
| Questionnaire | Practice asks patients to fill in the online travel questionnaire before seeing the nurse. | Complete it with destination, dates and planned activities. |
Private non-NHS work and fees
NHS GP services are free, but some private work, such as letters, insurance forms or other non-NHS paperwork, may be chargeable. The practice has an official fees page for private non-NHS work.
Doctors, nurses and practice team
The official staff page lists GP partners, salaried doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, healthcare assistants, practice management, administration and reception roles. Staff lists can change, so use the official page for the latest named team details.
| Team group | Names/details listed officially | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Partners | Dr Rus H Hartley, Dr Marina Li, Mrs Sarah Hince as Nurse Partner, Dr Nicholas Milne. | GP leadership, clinical care, long-term conditions and practice services. |
| Salaried doctors | Dr Saleh Al-Ali, Dr Suzanne Day, Dr Zoe Littlewood. | GP consultations, reviews, diagnosis and treatment planning. |
| Nurse practitioner | Jane Storer. | Clinical assessment and nurse-practitioner care where appropriate. |
| Nurses | Joanne Grocott, Lindsay Stott, Lucy Hanson, Lynn McCann. | Injections, travel advice, family planning, HRT, emergency contraception and nurse clinics. |
| Healthcare assistant | Wendy Milnes. | Phlebotomy, blood pressure measurement, ECGs, new patient checks and chaperone support. |
| Practice management | Victoria Howard, Practice Manager; Emma Daws. | Practice systems, patient services, complaints/admin process and service development. |
| Reception | Receptionists are the first contact point for general enquiries and routing. | Basic service information, results routing, appointment routing, prescriptions and patient records tasks. |
Parking, wheelchair access and accessibility
The official contact page lists car parking, disabled WC and wheelchair access at the main Uppermill site. The Delph branch lists disabled car parking, disabled WC and wheelchair access.
Uppermill parking
The main site lists car parking. Allow extra time around village traffic and appointment changeovers.
Delph disabled parking
The Delph branch lists disabled car parking.
Wheelchair access
Both sites list wheelchair access and disabled WC.
Extra support
Tell the practice if you need interpretation, longer appointment, quiet space, communication support, wheelchair access or information in another format.
Map and directions to the Uppermill main site
Main address: Saddleworth Medical Practice, Smithy Lane, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6AH. Use this map for the main surgery only. For Delph appointments, use 2 Gartside Street, Delph OL3 5DW.
For a driver or carer
Send the full address: Saddleworth Medical Practice, Smithy Lane, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6AH.
For Delph branch
Use: Delph Branch, 2 Gartside Street, Delph, Oldham OL3 5DW.
What to do when Saddleworth Medical Practice is closed
When the practice is closed and you need urgent help for physical or mental health that cannot wait, use NHS 111 online or call 111. For serious or life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or go straight to A&E.
| Problem | Use this route | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 999 / A&E | Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, serious injury, heavy bleeding. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening | 111 online or 111 | Too unwell to wait for the practice to reopen. |
| Repeat prescription not urgent | NHS App / Patient Access / in-person slip when open | Order early and allow two full working days. |
| Test result not urgent | Wait for practice/hospital process | Do not ring unless two weeks have passed and you have not heard, unless symptoms are urgent. |
| Immediate mental health danger | 999 or crisis route | Risk to life, serious self-harm risk or unsafe situation. |
CQC and NHS profile snapshot
The practice homepage shows a CQC overall rating of Good dated 5 May 2026. The CQC inspection summary says its assessment date was 14 April 2026 and that feedback was mostly positive, although appointment access feedback was mixed. The NHS profile currently shows the surgery as accepting new patients.
Official sources used
This independent guide converts official information into a practical patient action page. Always use the official pages for final confirmation before travelling, submitting requests or relying on time-sensitive details.
Official practice website · Contact, branches and access · Do It Online · Appointments / YYGP guidance · Home visits · Evening and weekend appointments · Repeat prescriptions · Test results · Sick notes · New patient registration · Travel vaccinations · Practice team · NHS profile · CQC profile