Our doctors receive a large volume of correspondence each day. To help ensure information is processed safely and efficiently, incoming mail is opened by trained reception and administrative staff on behalf of the clinical team.

This allows important documents to be:

• directed to the correct clinician,
• scanned onto the medical record where appropriate,
• and dealt with promptly.

All members of the practice team, including administrative staff, are bound by strict confidentiality rules and data protection requirements.

If you wish to discuss something privately with a doctor, the most appropriate way to do this is usually by booking an appointment rather than sending a letter marked “Private and Confidential”.

✅ Practice Update – Water Supply Restored

Our water supply has now been restored following the earlier mains pipe issue.

We are working through the impact on today’s appointments. Patients will be contacted directly if there are any changes to their appointment.

Thank you for your patience and understanding today.

Northlands GP Practice

From Tuesday 23rd September, please use Anima, our new online system, for all appointment and admin requests.

✅ Faster access ✅ Fairer system 💡 Need help? Our reception team can support you in person or by phone.

How will Anima work?

1️. Submit a request online

2️. The practice team reviews your request and determines the best course of action

3️. This could involve an appointment or a referral to another service. The team will contact you.

If You Can’t Use Online

Not online? Don’t worry. You can phone or visit the practice and the team can submit the exact same Anima request for you.

Why We’re Changing

We are trying to address increasing patient demand. We will prioritise care based on clinical need rather than “first come, first served.”

 Benefits for Patients

1. Improved access to care.
2. Patients can access care at their convenience, reducing the "8 AM rush" and wait times.
3. Fairer access to care, whether you contact us online, in person, or by phone.
4. Priority to urgent cases.
5. The practice can better manage their limited resources and avoid unnecessary appointments.
6. Reduce the number of phone calls to the practice.
7. Get updates by text and email.
8. Provide information without waiting on the phone
9. Use the system in different languages

Information for patients on availability of new weight-loss treatment

From Monday 23 June, a new weight loss drug called tirzepatide, sometimes referred to as Mounjaro®, will start becoming available for use in primary care settings.

In line with NHS England guidance, this treatment will only be available for patients whose body mass index is above 40 and have been diagnosed with four or more obesity-related health conditions*.

Patients are advised that prescriptions will not be provided immediately, and that 23 June is the date from which GPs may wish to begin a discussion with eligible patients about using tirzepatide as part of their overall weight-loss journey.

Access will be prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need, as the treatment is intended to support people living with health conditions caused or made worse by obesity.

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board is currently working with colleagues in primary care to ensure this new treatment is offered to those patients who fulfil this criteria.

At this time, patients are kindly asked not to contact their GP practice with requests for weight loss treatment.

All patients, including those who may be eligible for the new drug, are continued to be encouraged to access NHS-supported healthy living initiatives, such as diet support and activity groups, as part of their overall weight loss journey.

*To be eligible for tirzepatide, patients need to have a body mass index (BMI) above 40 and have been diagnosed with four or more of the following conditions:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Dyslipidaemia

My Planned Care gives you advice and support while you wait and helps you to prepare for your hospital consultation, treatment, or surgery. This includes giving you information about waiting times at your hospital and other supporting and local services while you wait.

This site is updated weekly and can be viewed by anyone, which means you, your family or carer as well as your NHS team can all see the latest information.

Your hospital team will be in touch with you as soon as they can. If you are looking for an update, please check this website before contacting your hospital or GP

My Planned Care NHS

Speak to someone if you need support such as your family, friends, midwife, GP or health visitor or visit Parents - ICON Cope

Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Practice

The document below provides further information:

Fit-note-template-letter-v-052020-1.pdf