There are a variety of services available that allow you to refer yourself directly, without the necessity of first consulting with a general practitioner (GP). By clicking on the links provided below, you can access more detailed information about each of these services and learn how to take advantage of them. Please also find more in dept detail regarding each referral below. 

Physio Direct

Podiatry Direct                                  

Living Well

Rochdale Carers' Hub

Talking Therapies

Minor Eye Conditions

Exercise referral scheme

Psychosexual Counselling Service

Unfortunately, currently, there is no locally funded NHS service in our area for these assessments. A previous service was closed due to serious safety and quality concerns, leading local commissioners to withdraw funding. This has affected all GP practices in our district, including ours.

What does this mean for you?

Without a local NHS service, we cannot refer you for assessment within the immediate area. However, you have the Right to Choose, a legal NHS entitlement allowing you to select a suitable provider anywhere in England for mental health services.

This right was introduced in 2018 and enables access beyond your local area.

How to find a provider

You can use this website to find providers accepting referrals under the Right to Choose:
https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/

Please review and research the providers carefully. The provider you choose must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure they meet essential safety and quality standards.

What happens next?

1. Contact your chosen provider(s) and send them the attached Local Medical Committee (LMC) form to complete.
2. You may approach multiple providers to help decide which suits your needs best.
3. We cannot proceed with a referral until we receive a fully completed LMC form from your final choice.
4. After receiving the completed form and any questionnaires required by the provider, book a GP appointment to finalize the referral.

Why is the LMC form important?

There is growing demand for adult ADHD and Autism assessments, and many new private providers now accept NHS funding. However, quality varies widely.

Some providers offer assessments without ongoing support or proper medication management, which can be unsafe. ADHD medications usually require careful monitoring under a Shared Care Protocol (SCP) involving your GP and specialist.

The LMC form confirms the provider’s commitment to working with your GP to provide safe, high-quality care and follow-up.

Who are the Local Medical Committee (LMC)?

The LMC is an official body representing GPs locally. They support safe, effective care and have recommended this referral process for ADHD and Autism assessments across Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale.

If you have concerns

We understand the absence of local services can be frustrating. If you wish to raise concerns or provide feedback, please contact:

• Email: gmicb-hmr.complaints@nhs.net
• Phone: 01706 672549

Your feedback helps highlight the need for improved local provision.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the referral process, please contact the surgery.

If you are aged 16 or over and experiencing a musculoskeletal issue, such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, or soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains, you can self-refer to Physio Direct in Rochdale. This includes conditions related to sports injuries, work-related injuries, or postural problems.

Please note that self-referral is intended for pain or symptoms affecting only one area of the body at a time.

How to self-refer:
You can access the service directly without needing a GP referral. Physio Direct offers a convenient and timely way to get professional assessment and treatment advice for your musculoskeletal concerns. After referral, you may receive telephone advice, a face-to-face assessment, or be directed to appropriate treatment based on your needs.

This service is designed to help you manage your symptoms effectively, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

For further details and to make a self-referral, please click here

If you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, or soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains), you can book an appointment with a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) at your GP practice. FCPs are specially trained healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and manage musculoskeletal conditions, helping you get quicker access to expert care without needing a GP referral.

Who can book?
This service is available for patients with musculoskeletal issues affecting one area of the body.

How to book:
To see an FCP, please contact your GP practice directly to arrange an appointment. The FCP can provide advice, treatment, and referrals to other services if needed, helping to manage your pain and improve your function.

If you’re unsure whether the FCP service is right for you, please speak with a member of the practice team who can provide guidance.

You can access a comprehensive foot health service that includes the diagnosis, management, and treatment of lower limb and foot problems, including pain, deformities, skin and nail conditions, and other related issues. This service supports patients with a wide range of podiatric needs, helping to improve mobility and quality of life.

If you meet the access criteria, your referral will be directed to the most appropriate member of the podiatry team for assessment and treatment.

How to self-refer:
You do not need a GP referral to access podiatry services. Simply contact the podiatry team directly to make a self-referral. This allows you to receive timely advice, assessment, and treatment tailored to your individual needs.

For more information or to self-refer, please click here or call 0161 206 0067.

The Living Well service is here to help you make and maintain healthy lifestyle changes that can improve your overall wellbeing. Whether you want support with quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, improving mental health, or enhancing oral health, this service offers tailored advice and practical help to meet your needs.

What support is available?

• Smoking cessation: Access guidance, resources, and support groups to help you quit smoking for good.

• Exercise and physical activity: Get personalized plans and encouragement to help you become more active safely and enjoyably.

• Mental and emotional wellbeing: Support to help you feel better overall, manage stress, and boost your mood.

• Oral health: Advice and help to maintain good dental hygiene and prevent oral health issues.

How to access the service:
You can self-refer to Living Well by contacting the team directly—no GP referral is needed. The service works with you to create a plan suited to your goals and lifestyle, offering ongoing support and motivation.

For more details or to get started, please click here or call 01706 751190.

Talking Therapies offers confidential support to help you manage a range of common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood. Whether you’re struggling with specific challenges or just need someone to talk to, this service provides practical tools and therapies to improve your emotional wellbeing.

What support is available?

• Individual counselling and therapy sessions tailored to your needs

• Stress management techniques and coping strategies

• Support for anxiety and depression through evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Group workshops and self-help resources to build resilience and confidence

How to access the service:
You can self-refer directly to Talking Therapies without needing a GP referral. Once referred, you’ll be contacted to discuss your needs and offered an initial assessment. Appointments may be available face-to-face, by phone, or online to suit your preferences.

For more information or to self-refer, please click here or call 01706 619 020.

The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) offers prompt assessment and treatment for recently developed minor eye problems. Delivered by MECS-accredited optometrists, this service is available to patients of all ages who are registered with a GP in Heywood, Middleton, or Rochdale.

Common conditions covered include eye infections, redness, soreness, minor injuries, flashes or floaters, and other sudden changes in vision.

Important: Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult at their appointment to ensure proper care and support.

This service provides a convenient alternative to GP or hospital visits for minor eye issues, helping you receive timely expert advice and treatment locally.

For more information or to find a participating optometrist, please click here.

The Direct to Midwife campaign is now live across Rochdale borough, led by local midwives from Rochdale Infirmary. This initiative encourages all pregnant women to contact their local community midwife as soon as they find out they are pregnant—there’s no need to wait for a GP appointment.

Getting in touch early means you can start receiving expert advice and antenatal care sooner, which is important for monitoring your health and your baby’s development. Early contact also allows midwives to identify any support you may need and helps ensure the healthiest possible start to your pregnancy journey.

Register your pregnancy now by using this link.

If you need to provide a semen specimen for analysis, you can self-refer by calling 0161 627 8356 to book an appointment directly with the Andrology service. No GP referral is needed.

Preparation for your appointment:

• Avoid ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before your appointment to ensure an accurate sample.

• Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before the test.

• If possible, avoid taking any medications unless advised by your doctor.

• Wash your hands and genital area before providing the sample.

What to expect:
You will be given a private room to produce the sample into a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory to assess fertility or other medical concerns.

If you have any questions or need further information, please ask when you call to book your appointment.

District nurses provide a broad range of nursing care and support, primarily delivered in patients’ homes. Their services include follow-up visits after hospital discharge, wound care, medication management, long-term nursing support, and assistance with managing chronic conditions.

They commonly support patients with:

• Wound and pressure sore care

• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and COPD

• Injections and medication administration

• Catheter and stoma care

• Palliative and end-of-life care

• Post-operative care and rehabilitation support

If you or a family member needs nursing care at home, you can contact the district nursing team directly for advice or to arrange a visit.

Contact the District Nurses on: 01706 517 702

For confidential sexual health services, please contact:

• Aged 19 and over: Call 0300 303 8565

• Under 19 years: Call 01706 202 444

Services offered include:

• Sexual health advice and education

• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Free and confidential contraception services, including emergency contraception

• HIV testing and support

• Pregnancy testing and advice

• Support for sexual health and wellbeing concerns

The clinic provides a safe, non-judgmental environment to discuss your needs and receive expert care.

If you need help with an urgent dental issue, please call the Urgent Dental Care Service on 0333 332 3800. The service is available every day from 8am to 10pm, including weekends and bank holidays.

Important:

• This number should NOT be used if you have a regular dentist and it is during normal surgery hours.

• The service is appointment only; there are no walk-in or drop-in options at any Greater Manchester locations.

Cost:
Each urgent dental appointment is subject to an NHS Band 1 charge, currently £27.40, payable every time you access the service.

Who is this service for?
Urgent dental care is provided based on strict clinical criteria. When you call, a clinical team member will assess your condition to determine if you qualify for urgent care. Urgent dental problems include:

• Dental and soft-tissue infections

• Severe dental or facial pain that cannot be managed with self-help advice

• Fractured teeth or tooth injuries

Locations:
The service operates across 20 locations in Greater Manchester, and you can choose the location most convenient for you.

Need an NHS dentist?
If you need help finding a regular NHS dentist, please visit www.nhs.uk.

Due to high demand and long waiting lists, the Tier 3 Weight Management service is currently not accepting new referrals. As an alternative, the Exercise Referral Scheme, offered by Rochdale Borough Council, offers a great way to stay active and support your health and wellbeing while you wait.

This scheme is designed to help individuals with medical conditions or lifestyle challenges engage in physical activity safely, with professional support and guidance.

Exercise referral scheme prices

Pay as you go:

• Gym: £3.80 per session

• Swimming: £2.50 per session

• Fitness Classes (e.g., Aqua Fit, Zumba, Legs, Bums & Tums): £4.70 per session

• Gym Induction: £10.00 (one-off)

• Gentle Exercise Classes (Walking, Water, Back Care Yoga): £3.00 per session

One-off payment:

• 12 week use of all facilities at peak time. Price includes the gym induction: £63.00

Health walks:

Health Walks at various locations across the borough: Free

Full Membership (Direct Debit only):

• £25.50 per month

• Cancel anytime with just 1 month’s notice

Please note: The Exercise Referral Scheme prices do not include access to the sauna and steam room at Rochdale Leisure Centre.

If you’re interested in joining the Exercise Referral Scheme or would like more information, please contact Rochdale Borough Council or visit your local leisure centre. Alternatively, please complete this referral form and send to exercise.referrals@rochdale.gov.uk