Emergency first: This is an independent patient guide, not the NHS and not Beech Hill Medical Practice. Call 999 now for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, severe burns, seizure not stopping, severe allergic reaction, acute confusion, mental health emergency with immediate danger, or if someone is not responding. For urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
Wigan NHS GP action guide
Beech Hill Medical Practice Wigan: appointments, prescriptions, results, access and local NHS routes
Beech Hill Medical Practice, often searched online as Beechill Medical Practice Wigan, is an NHS GP surgery at 278a Gidlow Lane, Beech Hill, Wigan, WN6 7PD. This guide gives practical routes for urgent appointments, routine appointments, repeat prescriptions, test results, fit notes, new-patient registration, parking, interpreter support, extended-hours hubs, Leigh Walk-In Centre and CQC rating.
Use this before you phone
999
Emergency?Call 999. Do not wait for GP forms, reception or callback.
GP
Urgent GP requestaskmyGP form 7:30am–10am or phone 01942 368398.
Rx
Repeat medicineNHS account, Patient Access, paper form, email or post. No phone repeats.
111
Closed?NHS 111 online for age 5+; call 111 for children under 5.
Reception phone
Phone options: select option 1 for doctor appointments and prescription questions; select option 2 for nurse or blood-test appointments and test-result enquiries. Phone lines are listed as open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6:30pm.
Official practice address
Beech Hill Medical Practice
278a Gidlow Lane
Beech Hill
Wigan
Lancashire
WN6 7PD
NHS/CQC may list the address as 278 Gidlow Lane, but the official practice contact page uses 278a Gidlow Lane. Use the full postcode for sat nav.
Open directionsReception
01942 368398
Hours
Mon–Fri 8am–6:30pm
Prescription time
Usually 3 working days
CQC
Overall Good
Quick answer: Beech Hill Medical Practice is at 278a Gidlow Lane, Beech Hill, Wigan, WN6 7PD. Reception is 01942 368398. The practice is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6:30pm, and closed Saturday/Sunday. Urgent appointment forms are listed Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 10am; routine appointment forms are listed Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:30pm. Repeat prescriptions are not taken by phone and can usually be collected from the pharmacy 3 working days after ordering.
Decision hub: choose the safest route first
This quick guide helps patients, carers, parents and older people avoid the wrong queue, wrong form or unnecessary travel.
Life-threatening emergency
Call 999. Examples include chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, severe burns, serious allergic reaction or immediate mental health danger.
Urgent but not life-threatening
Use NHS 111 online for age 5+ or call 111. Call 111 if help is needed for a child under 5.
Urgent GP request
Use the appointment request form Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 10am, or phone 01942 368398 during opening hours.
Routine GP request
Use the appointment request form Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:30pm, or phone/visit the practice when open.
Minor illness or injury
Pharmacy may help for coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble, aches and pains. Leigh Walk-In Centre is listed for minor injuries and illnesses.
Evening/weekend GP access
Wigan GP Alliance hub appointments can be booked on 01942 482848 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Opening hours, phone options and best time to use each route
| Day / route | Official detail | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8am to 6:30pm | Use askmyGP early for urgent issues; phone if online access is difficult. |
| Tuesday | 8am to 6:30pm | CQC notes the practice opens from 7am on Tuesdays for nurse appointments. |
| Wednesday | 8am to 6:30pm | Check whether your appointment is phone, video, face-to-face, text or email. |
| Thursday | 8am to 6:30pm | Order repeat prescriptions before weekend pressure. |
| Friday | 8am to 6:30pm | Do not leave repeat medicines or urgent admin until late Friday. |
| Saturday/Sunday | Closed | Use NHS 111, pharmacy, Leigh Walk-In Centre or Wigan GP Alliance depending on need. |
| Phone option 1 | Doctor appointments and prescription questions | Use for GP appointment or medication query routes. |
| Phone option 2 | Nurse, blood tests and test results | Use especially for test results between 2pm and 3:30pm. |
Local timing tip: if your issue is urgent but not an emergency, use the online urgent appointment form as early as possible between 7:30am and 10am. If you call, be ready with one clear sentence about the main problem.
Appointments: urgent, routine, cancellation and home visits
1
Choose urgent or routine.
Urgent appointment form: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 10am. Routine appointment form: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:30pm.
Urgent appointment form: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 10am. Routine appointment form: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:30pm.
2
Understand the response rule.
The practice says it will respond within one working day. If your request is after 1pm, the response may be up to 1pm the next business day.
The practice says it will respond within one working day. If your request is after 1pm, the response may be up to 1pm the next business day.
3
Use phone options correctly.
When phoning, select option 1 for doctor appointments and option 2 for nurse or blood-test appointments.
When phoning, select option 1 for doctor appointments and option 2 for nurse or blood-test appointments.
4
Accept the most suitable clinician.
The practice uses your information to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional.
The practice uses your information to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional.
5
Know appointment formats.
You may be offered phone, face-to-face, video call, text or email consultation.
You may be offered phone, face-to-face, video call, text or email consultation.
6
Cancel early if you cannot attend.
Reply CANCEL to the reminder text, phone the surgery, visit reception, or email the practice.
Reply CANCEL to the reminder text, phone the surgery, visit reception, or email the practice.
7
Housebound?
If you are housebound and need an appointment, the practice says it will phone first to understand what you need. Request a home visit online, phone as soon after 8am as possible, or visit reception if appropriate.
If you are housebound and need an appointment, the practice says it will phone first to understand what you need. Request a home visit online, phone as soon after 8am as possible, or visit reception if appropriate.
Appointment request script
Hello, my name is [name]. Date of birth: [date]. I am registered at Beech Hill Medical Practice. I need help with [one clear issue]. It started [when]. It is [getting worse / not improving / affecting sleep or work]. I have tried [self-care or medicine]. Is this best for a GP, nurse, pharmacist, first contact service, NHS 111, Leigh Walk-In Centre or Wigan GP Alliance?
Before you submit the form or call: 12-point checklist
Full name
Date of birth
Best callback number
Main symptom or request
When it started
Getting worse or improving?
Medicines and allergies
Photos if skin/rash issue
Preferred appointment type
Interpreter need
Access/communication need
Work, school or care deadline
Good request = faster routing: say what changed, when it started, what you have already tried, why it cannot wait, and whether you prefer phone, face-to-face, video, text or email. The practice says preferred clinician/format cannot always be guaranteed.
Online services: askmyGP, NHS account and Patient Access
The practice says online forms can be used for appointment requests, sick-note requests, test-result questions and admin requests. NHS account or Patient Access can be used for repeat prescriptions, test results, parts of the health record, checking/cancelling appointments and vaccination record.
| Task | Use this | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment request | askmyGP form or phone/visit. | Use the urgent/routine time windows correctly. |
| Sick note request | askmyGP / online sick-note request. | Know your dates and employer deadline. |
| Test-result question | askmyGP or nurse reception option 2. | Use after the doctor has reviewed results. |
| Repeat prescription | NHS account or Patient Access. | Choose exact medicine and dose. |
| Patient Access setup | Visit surgery with photo ID. | Practice gives username/password; then register via Patient Access/app. |
| NHS account setup | NHS login. | Set up NHS login and download NHS App if using phone. |
Repeat prescriptions: order, collect, chase and avoid common mistakes
App
NHS account
Use NHS website or NHS App to order repeat prescriptions where available.
PA
Patient Access
Use the GP online system to see repeat medicines and dosage and choose needed items.
Paper
Paper / email / post
Bring the paper form to surgery, email the practice, or post the paper form to the practice address.
3d
Collection time
The practice says you can usually collect from the pharmacy 3 working days after ordering.
| Prescription issue | Exact answer | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Can I order repeats by phone? | No. The practice says it does not take repeat prescription requests over the phone. | Use NHS account, Patient Access, paper form, email or post. |
| How do I nominate a pharmacy? | You need to choose a pharmacy to collect from. | Change nomination on the app/website, at the GP practice, or at a pharmacy accepting repeat prescriptions. |
| I have a medication question. | Local pharmacists can answer questions about prescribed and non-prescription medicines. | Ask a pharmacist first for side effects, how to take it, or minor medicine questions. |
| I need to speak to the surgery about a prescription. | Phone reception during opening hours and select option 1, use the medication query form, or visit reception. | Bring medicine name, dose, pharmacy and problem details. |
| Medication review due. | The practice may ask patients on repeat prescriptions to attend regular reviews. | Book review when asked; delays may affect repeat supply. |
| Old or unused medicines. | Return to pharmacy or surgery. Do not bin or flush medicines. | Keep medicines safe until returned. |
Practical rule: order when you have at least 7 days left. Three working days does not include weekends, bank holidays, pharmacy stock delays or review delays.
Test results: timing, phone option and privacy
| Need | Official route | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| View reviewed results | NHS account via NHS website or NHS App. | Check only after the doctor has reviewed the result. |
| Ask online | Fill in the online test-results request form. | Useful for non-urgent result questions. |
| Phone or visit | Between 2pm and 3:30pm. | Ring nurse reception on 01942 368398 option 2. |
| Need more tests/treatment | The practice says it will contact you if results show more tests or treatment are needed. | Keep phone number updated. |
| Want to discuss result | Use the online form and someone will be in touch. | Ask what the result means and what action is needed. |
Sick notes / fit notes: when to request one
| Situation | What to do | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|
| Off sick 7 days or less | Usually self-certify with your employer. | Use GOV.UK employee statement of sickness if needed. |
| Off sick more than 7 days | Request a fit note. | Use online sick-note request form, phone, or visit surgery when open. |
| Hospital treatment | Ask the hospital doctor. | The hospital managing the condition should issue the fit note where appropriate. |
| Extension needed | Explain dates and why work is still affected. | Give exact start/end dates and employer deadline. |
Register with Beech Hill Medical Practice
1
Check catchment area first.
The official page says to check you are in the practice catchment area before filling the registration form.
The official page says to check you are in the practice catchment area before filling the registration form.
2
Confirm current status.
NHS currently shows Beech Hill Medical Practice as accepting new patients, but practice registration rules can still depend on address and catchment.
NHS currently shows Beech Hill Medical Practice as accepting new patients, but practice registration rules can still depend on address and catchment.
3
Prepare key information.
Name, address, date of birth, NHS number if known, previous GP, medication list, allergies, carer details and contact number.
Name, address, date of birth, NHS number if known, previous GP, medication list, allergies, carer details and contact number.
4
Plan medicine before switching.
Do not wait until medication is nearly finished. Order from your old GP/pharmacy before changing where possible.
Do not wait until medication is nearly finished. Order from your old GP/pharmacy before changing where possible.
Leigh Walk-In Centre and Wigan GP Alliance hubs
The practice contact and appointment pages list extra local routes for minor injuries/illnesses and evening/weekend GP access.
Official contact page
Wigan GP Alliance
Call Wigan GP Alliance hub booking
Call Leigh Walk-In Centre
| Service | What it is for | Timing / phone |
|---|---|---|
| Leigh Walk-In Centre | Experienced nurse treatment for minor injuries and illnesses such as sore throats, infections/rashes, viral infections, minor burns/wounds, fractures, sprains, limb x-rays, eye problems and minor head injuries. | 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 7am to 9pm. Phone 01942 264000. No appointment needed. |
| Wigan GP Alliance hubs | Extra GP appointments at hub sites including Shevington, Pemberton, Atherton, Tyldesley and Ashton. | Call 01942 482848. Appointments listed 6:30pm–8pm Monday to Friday and 10am–4pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. |
| Extended nurse appointments | Cervical smears, contraceptive pill checks and long-term condition reviews. | Weekday evenings 6:30pm–8pm and Saturdays 10am–4pm. |
Important: out-of-hours and hub services are for needs that genuinely cannot wait until the surgery reopens. Use 999 for chest pain, severe shortness of breath or life-risk emergencies.
Useful practice services patients often miss
Social prescribing
Mental health support
Appointments
Covid-19 and flu vaccinations
Prescriptions
Carers support
Online health management
Non-NHS services
Referrals
Clinics
Travel health
Long-term reviews
Non-NHS work: the practice says the NHS does not pay for some services such as private sick notes, insurance forms and holiday cancellation forms. Fees are displayed in the surgery.
Doctors, nurses and attached support team
| Team area | Official details | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GPs listed | Dr Malgorzata Misterek, Dr Coral Davies, Doctor Wala Elsafi, Dr Andrew Wilkinson, Dr Gemma Brierley, Dr Liliya Urkel, Dr Lauren Fairclough, Dr Pauline Pratumsuwan and Dr Remi Etti. | Diagnosis, complex problems, referrals, medication decisions and GP-led reviews. |
| Advanced Nurse Practitioner | Mrs Diane Barton is listed as Advanced Nurse Practitioner. | Assessment, prescribing and appropriate clinical advice where suitable. |
| Practice nurses / HCA | Practice nurses and healthcare assistant are listed on the team page. | Nurse reviews, blood tests, chronic condition reviews, contraception checks and vaccinations. |
| Community nurses | Team page lists central number 01942 807700; support page lists district nurses 0300 707 7700. | Housebound care, palliative care, wounds and post-discharge needs. |
| Community link worker | 01942 836967. | Money worries, debt, benefits, welfare, isolation, bereavement and housing support. |
| Midwives | Practice team page says maternity services are mainly by midwives based at Wigan Hospital, with weekly clinics. | Antenatal and maternity pathway questions. |
Mental health, community and local support numbers
| Need | Contact listed / route | When useful |
|---|---|---|
| Think Wellbeing | 01942 764450 | Mental health support route listed by the practice. |
| Empathy North West | 0303 303 1333 | Support route listed by the practice. |
| Samaritans | 116 123 | Free call at any time when you need to talk. |
| 24/7 crisis line | 0800 953 0285 | Urgent mental health support; if immediate risk to life, call 999. |
| Royal Albert Edward Infirmary | 01942 244000 | Hospital switchboard listed by the practice. |
| Community link worker | 01942 836967 | Social issues affecting health: debt, benefits, housing, bereavement, isolation. |
Access, parking, interpreter support and local travel tips
P
Parking
Official page lists car parking, cycle parking and disabled parking. Allow extra time at busy clinic times.
♿
Physical access
Official page lists disabled parking, disabled WC, wheelchair access, induction loop and step-free access.
BSL
Sign language support
Wigan patients can access sign language interpreter support. The page says contact Action on Hearing on 0845 685 8000 or by email.
Lang
Interpreter service
The practice can access Language Line telephone interpreter service. Tell staff when booking if you need this.
Local travel tip: the practice says you can access it by local bus route or train and links to Traveline. If mobility, interpreter or communication support is needed, ask before attending so the appointment can be prepared properly.
CQC rating and quality snapshot
CQC lists Beech Hill Medical Practice as Overall: Good. The latest inspection summary was updated/published 29 November 2022.
| CQC detail | What it says |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good. |
| Category ratings | Safe: Good. Effective: Good. Caring: Good. Responsive: Good. Well-led: Good. |
| Population at inspection | CQC reported the practice delivered GMS services to a patient population of 12,215 at the time of inspection. |
| Primary Care Network | CQC says the practice is part of Wigan North Primary Care Network and Wigan locality of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. |
| Training practice | CQC says the practice is a training practice for GPs. |
| CQC improvement note | CQC said the provider should continue work with patients to encourage cervical screening uptake. |
Feedback and complaints
| Need | Best route | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Compliment or suggestion | Feedback form, website, verbal feedback or in-practice survey. | Say what worked well or what could improve. |
| Personal response wanted | Use feedback route and include contact details. | Name, phone/email and what happened. |
| Formal complaint | Call the Practice Manager or write to the practice. | Dates, names if known, issue, impact and outcome wanted. |
Map, directions and arrival checklist
Address: Beech Hill Medical Practice, 278a Gidlow Lane, Beech Hill, Wigan, Lancashire, WN6 7PD. Use the map for travel planning only; confirm appointment format and opening details before leaving.
Before leaving
Check appointment type, clinician, time, phone number, access needs, interpreter needs, forms, medicine packets and hospital letters.
If someone else is driving
Send full address and postcode: 278a Gidlow Lane, Beech Hill, Wigan, WN6 7PD.
If you are late
Call reception if safe. Late arrival may mean shorter appointment time or rebooking.
If you need support
Tell reception about wheelchair access, induction loop, sign-language interpreter, Language Line or other communication needs when booking.
When the surgery is closed
| Problem | Use this | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 999 | Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, not responding. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening | NHS 111 online or call 111 | Too unwell to wait, unsure where to go, urgent advice. |
| Child under 5 | Call 111 | The practice page says NHS 111 online is for age 5+; call 111 for a child under 5. |
| Minor illness / medicine advice | Pharmacy | Coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble, aches and pains. |
| Minor injury / illness locally | Leigh Walk-In Centre | 7am–9pm, 365 days a year; phone 01942 264000 if needed. |
| Evening / weekend GP access | Wigan GP Alliance | Call 01942 482848 for hub appointments where appropriate. |
Official action links used
This guide explains the important steps first, then gives official links for final confirmation and action.
Official practice website · Contact, hours, access and extended services · Appointments · Prescriptions · Managing health online · Test results · Sick notes · Register with the surgery · Services · Team · Additional support contacts · NHS profile · CQC inspection summary
Beechill Medical Practice Wigan FAQs
Is it Beechill Medical Practice or Beech Hill Medical Practice?
The official name is Beech Hill Medical Practice. Many people search it as “Beechill Medical Practice Wigan” or “Beechill Medical Practice,” but the official practice website, NHS profile and CQC profile use Beech Hill Medical Practice.
What is Beech Hill Medical Practice phone number?
The reception phone number is 01942 368398. Select option 1 for doctor appointments and prescription questions. Select option 2 for nurse or blood-test appointments and test-result enquiries.
Where is Beech Hill Medical Practice?
The official practice address is 278a Gidlow Lane, Beech Hill, Wigan, Lancashire, WN6 7PD. NHS/CQC may list 278 Gidlow Lane, but the practice contact page uses 278a.
What are Beech Hill Medical Practice opening hours?
The official contact page lists Monday to Friday from 8am to 6:30pm. Saturday and Sunday are closed.
How do I request an urgent appointment?
Use the appointment request form Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 10am, phone 01942 368398 during opening times, or visit the surgery and speak with reception.
How do I request a routine appointment?
Use the appointment request form Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:30pm, phone the surgery during opening hours, or visit reception. The practice says it will respond within one working day, but requests after 1pm may be responded to by up to 1pm the next business day.
Can I cancel my appointment by text?
Yes. The official appointment page says you can reply CANCEL to your appointment reminder text. You can also phone, visit reception or email the practice.
Can I order repeat prescriptions by phone?
No. The official prescription page says repeat prescription requests are not taken over the phone. Use NHS account, Patient Access, paper form, email or post.
How long do prescriptions take?
The practice says you can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 working days after ordering.
When should I call for test results?
Phone or visit between 2pm and 3:30pm. The practice says to ring nurse reception on 01942 368398 option 2. You can also use NHS account or the online test-results request form.
Is Beech Hill Medical Practice accepting new patients?
The NHS profile currently says the surgery is accepting new patients. The official registration page says to check the catchment area before filling out a registration form.
Does Beech Hill Medical Practice have parking and disabled access?
The official contact page lists car parking, cycle parking, disabled parking, disabled WC, wheelchair access, induction loop, step-free access, sign language interpreter service and interpreter service.
What is Beech Hill Medical Practice CQC rating?
CQC lists Beech Hill Medical Practice as Overall: Good. The inspection summary lists Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led as Good.
What should I do when the surgery is closed?
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent non-life-threatening medical help. NHS 111 online is for age 5 and over; call 111 for a child under 5. Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency.
Independent directory disclaimer: medicalpracticeuk.org is not the NHS, not NHS 111, not CQC and not Beech Hill Medical Practice. This guide is for general patient information only. Opening hours, appointment routes, online form availability, phone options, prescription rules, test-result timings, registration status, facilities, staff details, support numbers, Wigan GP Alliance details, Leigh Walk-In Centre details and CQC information can change. Always confirm important details with the official practice website, NHS.uk, CQC, NHS 111 or the surgery before relying on them.
Beech Hill Medical Practice
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