1. Register

Create an account on Anima or log in using your NHS app login details

Within your account dashboard you can see the status of any request you have made, book appointments and contact the practice.

2. Submit

Whenever you have a health concern, you complete a request on the Anima website.

You can submit requests for a variety of medical and administrative queries.

If you want to request a GP appointment please select the option “I want help with a medical issue”.

3. Review

This request is then reviewed by a GP the same day and an appropriate outcome will be updated on your Anima request via your account. You will receive a text and/or email to notify you to check your Anima account. 

What are the opening times for Anima?

We aim to have Anima open from 07:30 to 11:30, every weekday (excl. Bank Holidays).

Occasionally we may have to close Anima early, see below for more details.

Why Is Anima closed?

On some days, demand for a GP appointment far outweighs the safe capacity we can provide. On these days, we may have to turn anima off early because we are full. If you have an emergency in these situations, please call the reception team who will be happy to help.

Remember there are also out of hours services when we are closed - NHS111 and in an Emergency 999.

How soon will I hear back?

We aim to respond to all queries the same day.

Some more routine queries may take us a few days to get back to you. You can always check the status of your query via your Anima dashboard.

What happens if I can’t access the internet or don’t feel confident using it?

Our reception team are always happy to help.

Vulnerable patients have already been identified within the practice. The reception team are able to submit requests on behalf of those patients, who will then call them back to inform them of the outcome of their request.

The reception team can support and guide patients through the process to give you the confidence to submit your own requests in the future.

Submitting the online request yourself enables you to answer the questions freely and also allows the more vulnerable patients to get through quicker on the phone lines and access the support they need. 

Why have we changed to Anima?

GP practices are experiencing significant strain with declining GP numbers and increasing demand. Ensuring that patients are seen by the appropriate clinician in the right place and the right time means that patient care and experience is improved, and it reduces pressure on GP practices, allowing GPs to spend their time where it is needed the most. The idea behind a total digital triage is also to avoid the “8am rush” that has become a problem for many. This approach is supported by NHS England who have advised that GP surgeries consider this approach in future.

Can I use Anima to request a repeat prescription?

Currently, the process of requesting medication through Anima is not the easiest way however is still available but we would encourage you to use the NHS app to request your repeat prescriptions where possible.

You can also come into the surgery to request via a medication slip at reception and posting requests through the prescription box. 

Is Anima an App?

No, Anima is not an app currently. It can only be accessed through the website. The Anima team are working on integration with the NHS app and we will update you when this has happened.

Once on Anima, there is the option to use your NHS app login credentials, or create your own unique Anima username and password.

The reception team can help you to save the website as an icon on your homescreen so it easily accessible. 

Can I contact Anima directly?

Yes! We would encourage you to email Anima’s support team on support@animahealth.com if you have trouble using the website.

How do I add a dependant to my account?

You can add dependants to your Anima account if they are registered at the same GP practice as you. Once you add someone as a dependant, you will be able to submit Anima requests on their behalf - this may be useful to submit requests for children, or elderly relatives for example. For further help and a detailed guide, please click here.

If you require a “Special” appointment these can also be booked in advance via Anima (e.g. antenatal, coil removal, contraception inplant insertion and or removal, minor surgical procedure, insurance medical examination with a Doctor or asthma or COPD check, diabetes check, appointment for contraceptive pill with our Minor Illness Nurse etc). Please put as much information on your Anima request as to what the appointment is for so that you can be given a suitable appointment.

If you are unable to keep an appointment please let us know as soon as you can – this will enable another patient to be seen. 

Please only discuss a maximum of ONE problem per appointment. Should you require a longer appointment for multiple issues, please advise us when making your Anima request so we can book a double appointment for you.

As you might appreciate this creates problems within the appointment system and can waste Doctors’ valuable time. If you are delayed please telephone the Surgery wherever possible and we will rebook you in the next available appointment. If you arrive late (more than 5 minutes) you will not be seen and will be asked to rebook your appointment.

It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient.

If you fail to notify the Practice that you are unable to attend, you will be sent a letter informing you that you have defaulted your appointment.

Persistent defaulters may result in being removed from the practice patient list.

East Northants Hub is a GP led evening and weekend service where local GPs and other clinicians offer a range of services for patients registered with a GP practice in East Northants. Please visit the Hub Website for more information.

We also offer extra appointments on behalf of the surgery on a Monday and a Wednesday with our health care assistant, operating from Harborough Fields Surgery. This is 18:30 – 20:00, should you wish to make an appointment please speak with our reception.

Plesase Click here for more information regarding GP Enhanced Access Services.

Try and come to the Surgery whenever possible as the facilities are far better for examination and treatment. This includes children with a temperature or rash.

If you genuinely require a Doctor to visit you at home, please telephone the Surgery before 10.30am. Please be ready to give the patient’s name, address, telephone number and a brief description of the complaint. This will enable the Doctors to prioritise the visit appropriately.

Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit.

Test results can be requested between the hours of 13:00-15:00

Prescription enquires are between the hours of 14:00-17:00 on Mon, Tues, Thus & Fri. 09:00-12:00 on Weds.

Referral enquires are between the hours of 12:00-14:00

Insurance report enquires are between the hours of 10:00-12:00

We have a text message service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.

Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.

Higham Ferrers Surgery obtained training practice status on the 1st August 2011 something we are very proud of. This means qualified Doctors spend periods of between 4 months and a year with the practice and take part in surgeries and home visits. These GP Registrars are fully qualified and work in the surgery to gain experience in General Practice.

Occasionally these GP's may wish to video their consultations for training purposes only.Your permission is needed in order for the doctor to video the consultation and you will be asked to sign a consent form to say that you agree to the recording. If you do not want to be recorded while your consultation is taking place then you do not have to.