Digital Front Door

In our ongoing effort to improve your experience, we will be transitioning to a new system called Blinx: Digital Front Door.

This will allow you to access many of the practice services online.

What the Digital Front Door means for you 

You’ll be able to go online and: 

  • Submit medical requests by completing health forms
  • Submit administrative requests by completing health forms
  • Book doctor and nurse appointments online using the appointment scheduler
  • Access a wider range of our services throughout the day online
Our new online system will allow you to access the practice online, in addition to our current methods of speaking over the phone and visiting the practice. The Digital Front Door can:

Allow you to complete a health form to request either a same day or pre-bookable appointment
Contact us digitally to update your personal information, such as your address or telephone numbers
Submit administrative requests, such as a Subject Access Request, online without visiting the practice
Access a range of our services, such as registering for the practice, though the online system
When you have a healthcare need you can use our Digital Front Door system. You can use a computer, tablet or smart phone to visit it.

After selecting your option, you will either be shown health information, an online health form or an appointment scheduler.

The use of online health forms allows us to gain information about you and your health in order to make informed decisions based on your needs. This includes being able to deal with some requests without you needing to visit the practice. The health forms can also help us to care navigate you and ensuring you see the right person at the right time to support your needs.
The appointment scheduler allows you to book appointments straight in to our appointment book.
You don’t need to create an account to use the Digital Front Door. Instead, the system recognises yourr NHS number and date of birth to log in. Verification is done via a code sent to your contact details on our system.

Locate Your NHS Number – You’ll need this for the new system. You can find your NHS number in your NHS account, NHS App, on any letter from the NHS like a prescription or appointment letter or through the dedicated service available via the link below; Find your NHS number – NHS
Following valuable feedback from our patients, we have chosen Blinx Digital Front Door to improve access to the practice and ease of use for using online systems. With Blinx, you no longer need to remember a username or password — simply log in using your NHS number and date of birth.
By using Blinx, we can also reduce the number of different systems we use in the practice. This will help us work more efficiently and improve the service you receive.

Your health remains our top priority and we are confident these changes will make your experience at the practice better.

Online access to your medical records (Prospective Access)

What you need to know

From 31st October 2023, all GP practices in England are required to provide patients with access to new information added to their medical records. This is called prospective access and includes anything added from that date onward. Access is available through the NHS App, NHS website, or any other service that uses NHS login (like Patient Access).

What will you see?

Your medical record may include:

  • Notes from consultations with GPs, nurses, and other clinicians
  • Test results (blood tests, scans, referrals, etc.)
  • Documents from other services (e.g., hospitals, mental health or counselling services)
  • Medications, allergies, immunisations, and coded diagnoses

This means you’ll be able to review your healthcare information in your own time, helping you feel more involved in your care.

You may see some medical abbreviations and shorthand in your record. There is helpful NHS page explaining what many of these terms mean — click here to view the abbreviation guide.

The benefits

  • See test results as soon as they’re filed
  • Review advice and plans discussed during appointments
  • Increased understanding of your health and treatment
  • Support for self-care and decision-making

Things to consider

Access to your record can be empowering, but it can also present risks if:

  • You’re viewing sensitive information without explanation or support
  • You’re in a vulnerable or pressured situation where someone else could access your login
  • Letters or notes contain upsetting information meant to be shared in person

We support your right to access your information. As your practice we also have a legal responsibility to protect your data and ensure access is appropriate for each patient.

Keeping your information safe

If you choose to use the NHS App or website, it’s vital to:

  • Keep your login details private
  • Log out of shared devices
  • Avoid sharing your password with anyone

Opting out

If you do not want online access to your record or are unsure whether it’s right for you, please contact the practice. We can disable access if it’s in your best interest to do so, and you can opt back in at any time.

Need help?

    Please speak with the Patient Services Team or learn more about your record here www.nhs.uk/gp-record

    Weight management services

    We have a variety of weight management services designed to support patients aged 18 years and over. These services aim to help patients make sustainable changes to improve their health and wellbeing.

    What’s on offer?

    The chart below outlines what services are on offer dependent on your need. You can also use the tool to calculate your BMI.

    Please complete the form below to start your referral process.

    Weight Management

    Name
    DD slash MM slash YYYY
    Which service are you most interested in? (refer to chart above)
    Have you previously been referred for help with your weight management?

    West and Central Cheshire Talking Therapies service

    West and Central Cheshire Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) service offers a range of talking therapies, advice and information for people aged 16 and over, who have mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

    You can find out more information on the service and find out how to self-refer by visiting the West and Central Talking Therapies website.

    Flu & COVID Vaccination Clinics

    Flu and COVID vaccinations will launch on Thursday 3rd October 2024 in Ellesmere Port town centre.

    The clinics will be held in two locations:

    *Weekdays: Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port

    *Saturdays: Old Job Centre, Port Arcades

    Please see below for clinic dates and times and eligibility criteria.

    Please do not miss this opportunity to protect yourself and those around you this Winter.

    Hope Farm Medical Centre is a part of One Ellesmere Port Primary Care Network (PCN). The PCN is a collaboration of the 6 GP Practices from across the town who are working together to develop better services for our patient population.

    Advice & support leaflets

    We have a range of leaflets, booklets and forms available for download on this page.

    Your clinician may advise you to download one of the following documents following your consultation.

    If you require any help downloading or viewing these documents please contact the Patient Services Team at the practice. Paper copies of these documents are also available from Reception if you would prefer to come in and collect a copy.

    Click on the links below to download the documents

    Vasectomy service

    Call the appointments hotline on 0300 247 0020 to book your appointment, no referral or prior GP appointment is required.

    The service is run by HCRG Care Group on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Integrated Sexual Health Service.

    Travel vaccinations

    If you are travelling abroad vaccinations may be required. Our practice nurses will be able to advise you which vaccinations you require depending on your destination.

    Please allow up to 8 weeks’ notice – this gives us chance to order the necessary vaccines from the manufacturer and also for them to take effect before you travel.

    Hope Farm Medical Centre is a designated Yellow Fever Centre.

    Child immunisations

    Practices play a key role in ensuring the health and well-being of children

    Child immunisations

    Child immunisation involves administering vaccines to children at specific ages to protect them from various diseases. These vaccines help build immunity and prevent serious illnesses. 

    You can read more about vaccines on the vaccine knowledge webpage.

    Child health surveillance

    Child health reviews are offered by the practice by letter, telephone or text for children at 8 weeks old. Reviews are offered to monitor children’s growth, development and overall health.

    Cancer screening

    Cancer screening involves three national screening programs: bowel, breast and cervical screening.

    Bowel cancer screening

    Bowel cancer screening checks if you could have bowel cancer and is available to everyone aged 60 to 74 years. Regular NHS bowel cancer screening reduces the risk of dying from bowel cancer as bowel cancer is the 3rd most common type of cancer. Screening helps prevent bowel cancer or detects it early when treatment is more effective.

    Getting Your Home Test Kit

    • Everyone aged 60 to 74 years registered with a GP in England receives an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.
    • The program is expanding to include everyone aged 50 to 59 years.
    • If you’re 75 or over, call the free bowel cancer screening helpline at 0800 707 60 60 to request a kit.

    Watch this video on using the NHS bowel cancer screening FIT kit.

    Read more about bowel cancer screening by visiting the NHS UK website.

    Breast cancer screening

    Breast cancer screening aims to detect early signs of breast cancer. Breast screening services use x-rays called mammograms to check for signs of cancer. Mammograms are offered automatically by letter in the post for women aged 50 to 71 years.

    Regular breast screening can find breast cancer before you notice any signs or symptoms and early detection leads to better outcomes.

    You can read more about breast cancer screening by visiting the NHS UK website.

    Cervical cancer screening

    Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.

    For those aged 25 and 49 years old there is a 3 yearly screening test, and those between 50 and 64 years of age have a 5 yearly test. This is a quick and painless procedure performed at the practice by one of our nurses (appointment is required).

    Read more about cervical screening by visiting the NHS UK website.