Shipley Medical Practice Shipley: Alexandra Road, Westcliffe Road, Smart Triage and prescriptions
Shipley Medical Practice is part of Affinity Care and works across two central Shipley sites: Alexandra Road and Westcliffe Road. This guide helps patients choose the correct branch, use Smart Triage, order repeat prescriptions safely, register, check clinic routes, avoid phone-number confusion, and know what to do when the practice is closed.
Use this number first: Affinity Care’s official Shipley contact page lists 01274 580787. NHS and CQC profiles still show 01274 531153, so if one number fails, check the official practice website before assuming the surgery has changed.
Alexandra Road branch
Shipley Medical Practice
Alexandra Road
Shipley
BD18 3EG
Westcliffe Road branch
Westcliffe Medical Centre
Westcliffe Road
Shipley
BD18 3EE
The practice says the buildings are near each other on either side of ASDA. Nursing appointments are normally at Westcliffe; doctor appointments are normally at Shipley/Alexandra Road. Always check the location on your appointment message.
Decision hub: GP, Smart Triage, pharmacy, NHS App or 111?
Choose the right route before phoning, queueing, submitting a form or travelling to the wrong branch.
Call 999 now
Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, collapse, severe burns, seizure not stopping, overdose, severe allergic reaction, acute confusion, serious self-harm risk or someone not responding.
Need GP help
Use Smart Triage through the practice website. If you cannot use the website, phone the surgery and care navigators can enter your request into Smart Triage.
Need routine prescription
Use Airmid, NHS App, SystmOnline or the prescription box. The practice says repeat requests are not accepted by phone or at reception.
Need nurse review
Check your appointment location carefully. The practice says nursing appointments are normally held at Westcliffe Road.
Need doctor appointment
Doctor appointments are normally held at the Alexandra Road / Shipley site. Smart Triage may show the right clinician and timeframe.
Surgery closed
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent non-life-threatening medical help. Call 999 for emergencies.
Alexandra Road or Westcliffe Road: check before you travel
Shipley Medical Practice is a two-site practice. The branch difference matters because patients can easily attend the wrong building.
| Site | Address | What official pages say | Patient action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra Road branch | Shipley Medical Practice, Alexandra Road, Shipley, BD18 3EG | NHS profile and CQC list this as the main location. Affinity says GP team primarily works out of Alexandra Road. | Use this for most doctor appointment expectations, but always check your appointment message. |
| Westcliffe Road branch | Westcliffe Medical Centre, Westcliffe Road, Shipley, BD18 3EE | Affinity says nursing appointments are normally held at Westcliffe. CQC lists it as a branch surgery. | Use this when your appointment letter/text says Westcliffe or nursing clinic. |
| Local landmark | Near Shipley town centre / ASDA area | Affinity says the two buildings are near each other on either side of ASDA. | If being driven, send the exact branch postcode, not just “Shipley Medical Practice”. |
Opening hours and monthly staff-training closure
Affinity Care lists both Alexandra Road and Westcliffe Road as open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, and closed Saturday/Sunday. The practice also offers extended access in evenings and Saturdays at Shipley in the Alexandra Road building.
| Day / item | Alexandra Road | Westcliffe Road | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8am–6pm | 8am–6pm | Use Smart Triage for appointment requests where possible. |
| Tuesday | 8am–6pm | 8am–6pm | Check branch location before travelling. |
| Wednesday | 8am–6pm | 8am–6pm | Use online prescription routes for repeat medicine. |
| Thursday | 8am–6pm, but training closure applies monthly | 8am–6pm, but training closure applies monthly | Closed from 12:30pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month for staff training. |
| Friday | 8am–6pm | 8am–6pm | Avoid leaving prescription requests late before the weekend. |
| Saturday/Sunday | Closed | Closed | Use NHS 111 if urgent and not life-threatening. |
| Extended access | Evenings/Saturdays at Alexandra Road building | Not listed as the extended-access location | Check the official enhanced access link for current arrangements. |
Smart Triage: the new appointment booking route
Affinity Care says Smart Triage replaces PATCHS and is designed to reduce the 8am rush by asking clinical questions and offering the right appointment with the right clinician in the right timeframe.
Shipley Medical Practice started using Smart Triage from Monday 23 June. Use the Book an Appointment link on the official Shipley page.
The system uses your answers to offer the most appropriate clinician and timeframe.
Care navigators can enter your request into Smart Triage by phone or in person.
The official FAQ says you are not asked to log in, but identity is checked and the practice needs an email address where possible.
The Smart Triage FAQ says housebound/care-home patients needing a visit should call the practice.
| Smart Triage question | Official answer | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Do I need to queue at 8am? | The system is designed to avoid queueing outside or long phone waits. | Submit online early and clearly if you can. |
| Can reception still help? | Yes. Reception can submit the request for you if you phone or attend. | Have symptom details ready. |
| Can I request a specific GP? | Available GPs appropriate to your issue will be shown when booking. | Be flexible if another clinician is safer/faster. |
| Can nurses or first contact practitioners be offered? | Yes, depending on the presenting complaint. | Do not insist on a GP if the system offers a better route. |
| No appointment offered? | Reception will contact you within 2 working days. | Use 111/999 if the problem becomes urgent before then. |
My main problem is [one clear issue]. It started [date/time]. It is [getting worse/not improving]. I have tried [medicine/self-care]. I am worried because [red flag, work impact, sleep impact, child/elderly/frail/pregnant/immunosuppressed]. I can attend [Alexandra/Westcliffe/either] and my best contact number is [number].
Appointments: what to do before you request help
The new booking system works best when you provide useful details. Avoid vague requests such as “need GP” or “pain”; give the triage team what they need to route you safely.
Repeat prescriptions: Airmid, NHS App, SystmOnline or prescription box
Affinity Care says prescription requests are not accepted over the phone or at the reception desk. Use an online route where possible.
Airmid App
Affinity says Airmid is the easiest way. Use Medical Requests → New Request, select repeat items, add notes for the pharmacy team, then complete the request.
NHS App
Use NHS App to request repeat prescriptions, choose a pharmacy and view GP health record information where available.
SystmOnline
If you do not have a smartphone, SystmOnline can be used for prescriptions, appointment management and records. Ask the practice for user ID and password.
Paper slip
Use the tear-off slip and put it in the prescription box in the entrance lobby. Paper requests are processed by the end of the second working day.
| Prescription issue | Official rule | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Can I phone for repeat medicine? | No. The practice says phone/reception requests are not accepted. | Use Airmid, NHS App, SystmOnline or prescription box. |
| Airmid before 4pm | Ready by the end of the following day. | Submit before 4pm if you want faster processing. |
| Airmid/electronic after 4pm | Ready 24 hours later than the before-4pm route; around two days. | Do not leave urgent requests until after 4pm. |
| Paper request | Completed by the end of the second working day. | Use if online access is not suitable. |
| Medicine not on repeat list | Airmid notes box can include requests for items not on repeats list. | Explain why you need it and if it is regular medicine. |
| Pharmacy team needs more info | Airmid allows the pharmacy team to message you. | Check app messages after requesting. |
| Prescription charge | NHSBSA currently lists the England charge as £9.90 per item. | Check PPC/exemption before paying if you need regular medicines. |
Online access: NHS Login, Airmid, NHS App and SystmOnline
Affinity Care lists several online routes. Use the right one for the job rather than phoning for every task.
| Tool | What it helps with | Patient note |
|---|---|---|
| NHS Login | Access Airmid and NHS App. | You can request NHS Login through Airmid or NHS App without contacting the practice; ID check may take 24 hours. |
| Airmid | Notifications, medical record, medication, repeat prescriptions, appointment view, surveys and wearable integration. | Best for repeat prescriptions if you can use the app. |
| NHS App | Repeat prescriptions, pharmacy choice, appointments where enabled, health advice, GP record, NHS number and data-sharing choices. | Useful backup if Airmid is not your preferred app. |
| SystmOnline | Website route for records, appointments and repeat prescriptions. | Contact the practice for user ID/password and make sure your email is on record. |
| Smart Triage | GP appointment and admin request routing. | Not currently through NHS App according to the Smart Triage FAQ. |
Register with Shipley Medical Practice
NHS currently shows Affinity Care / Shipley Medical Practice as accepting new patients. The practice says Shipley has two locations and asks patients to check appointment location after registration.
NHS says most GP surgeries register people who live in the area they cover.
NHS registration asks for name/address, previous GP, NHS number if known, emergency contact, carer details, medical history, allergies, medicines, phone and email.
NHS says you do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register online with a GP.
If you take regular medicine, provide exact names, dose, pharmacy and remaining supply so there is no gap after switching.
Doctor appointments are normally at Shipley/Alexandra Road; nursing appointments are normally at Westcliffe.
Clinics and services at Shipley Medical Practice
The official Shipley clinics page lists the main clinic categories. Use these routes where appropriate instead of asking for a generic GP appointment.
| Need | Best route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes / cardiovascular review | Clinic/review appointment, often nurse-led. | Recent readings, medication list, home BP if requested, questions about symptoms. |
| Respiratory review | Respiratory/asthma/COPD clinic route. | Bring inhalers and spacers so technique can be checked. |
| Warfarin | Warfarin clinic. | Bring yellow book/anticoagulation record and mention bleeding/bruising/medicine changes. |
| Contraception | Contraception service. | Know current method, last period date if relevant, side effects and what outcome you want. |
| Young person’s support | Young person support route. | Ask about confidentiality if worried about privacy. |
| Wellbeing support | Local health services / wellbeing support. | Useful for stress, money worries, isolation, housing, activity and non-medical support. |
Parking, wheelchair access and branch arrival tips
NHS profile facilities list disabled parking, disabled toilet, induction loop, wheelchair access, step-free access, car parking and disabled parking. NHS facilities confirmation may be older, so check with the practice if access is essential.
Parking
NHS lists car parking and disabled parking. Allow extra time because Shipley town-centre traffic and ASDA-area parking can be busy.
Wheelchair and step-free
NHS lists wheelchair access and step-free access. If this is critical, call ahead before travelling.
Hearing support
NHS lists an induction loop. Tell reception if you need hearing support, extra time or written instructions.
Wrong-branch prevention
Check whether your message says Alexandra Road or Westcliffe Road. Send the exact postcode to a driver or carer.
Doctors, pharmacists, nurses and care navigation
Affinity Care publishes a large staff list for Shipley Medical Practice, including GP partners, doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, healthcare staff and practice staff. The practical point for patients is to accept the right clinician, not only a named GP.
| Team type | Examples from official team list | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GP partners | Mr William T Bolland, Dr Nick Hayward, Dr Matt Pickering, Dr Francesca Young. | Complex diagnosis, referrals, GP-led care, long-term planning. |
| Doctors | Includes Dr Yassar Altaf, Dr Aisha Butt, Dr Natalie Curtis, Dr Richard Dawson, Dr Lucy Elderton, Dr Joy Got, Dr Jude Hayward and others. | Medical assessment and GP consultations. |
| Nurse practitioners / nurses | Examples include Rob Daw, Martin McAleer, Paul Sullivan, Mick Alvey, Anna Hill, Safah Naz and Claire Ryder. | Minor illness, chronic disease reviews, nursing clinics, dressings, checks. |
| Pharmacists / medicines team | Examples include Salma Ahmed, Shamima Akhtar, Mobeen Faqir, Sarah Khan, David Loach and others. | Prescription safety, medication reviews, repeat/acute request handling. |
| Care navigation team | Reception/care navigation can enter Smart Triage requests for patients unable to use online. | Routing your request to the right clinician/service. |
Why different phone numbers appear online
For Shipley Medical Practice, official sources currently show different phone numbers. This is exactly the kind of detail that confuses searchers.
| Source | Number shown | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Affinity Care official contact page | 01274 580787 | Use this first because it is the practice’s own contact page. |
| NHS profile | 01274 531153 | NHS profile may be older; useful backup if official number fails. |
| CQC profile | 01274 531153 | CQC is for regulated-service profile and rating; not always the fastest live-contact page. |
| Vaccination booking line | 01274 424001 | Use only for Covid or flu vaccination booking as listed by Affinity Care. |
CQC rating: Shipley Medical Centre / Affinity Care
CQC lists the service as Shipley Medical Centre, also known as Affinity Care, at Alexandra Road, Shipley BD18 3EG, with a branch at Westcliffe Medical Centre, Westcliffe Road, Shipley BD18 3EE. CQC lists the overall rating as Good.
| CQC item | Official detail | Patient meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good. | CQC considers the service to be performing well and meeting expectations. |
| Latest report | Published 8 January 2025. | Use CQC for quality history, not live appointment availability. |
| Key questions | Safe Good, Effective Good, Caring Good, Responsive Good, Well-led Good. | All five displayed CQC categories are rated Good. |
| Patients served | CQC summary says services are provided to 20,243 patients. | Large practice; use digital routes where possible to reduce phone pressure. |
| Provider | Run by Affinity Care. | Shipley is part of a wider Affinity Care group of GP practices. |
Map, directions and branch checklist
Use the map for planning only. Confirm the exact branch on your appointment message before travelling.
Alexandra Road visit checklist
Likely doctor appointment site. Bring appointment text, medication list, hospital letters, glasses/hearing aids and any forms that need signing.
Westcliffe Road visit checklist
Likely nursing appointment site. Bring inhalers, BP readings, vaccination record, warfarin record, diabetes readings or other clinic-specific items.
Driver/carer note
Send the exact postcode: Alexandra Road BD18 3EG or Westcliffe Road BD18 3EE. Do not send only “Shipley Medical Practice”.
If unsure
Call before travelling. The two buildings are near each other, but attending the wrong branch can still make you late.
When Shipley Medical Practice is closed
Affinity Care says if you need to contact a doctor urgently when the Health Centre is closed, call NHS 111. They may help by phone advice, appointment or home visit if necessary. The practice asks patients not to request out-of-hours doctor care unless the problem genuinely cannot wait until the surgery reopens.
| 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, urgent advice, possible out-of-hours GP help. |
| Medicine problem | Pharmacy or NHS 111 if urgent | Running out, side effects, emergency supply. |
| Routine prescription | Airmid / NHS App / SystmOnline / prescription box | Repeat medicine requests during normal processing route. |
| Routine admin | Smart Triage / practice website / call during opening hours | Letters, fit notes, non-urgent forms, appointment follow-up. |
Official action links used
Use these after reading the practical route above. This article explains what each official link is for so patients do not land on the wrong page.
Official Shipley Medical Practice website · About Shipley Medical Practice · Official contact page · Opening hours · Smart Triage guide · Appointments · Book appointment / Smart Triage · Prescriptions · Online services · Register with Shipley · Clinics · NHS profile · CQC profile