Today we’re talking about something that happens every single day in general practice — signposting.

When you contact the surgery, you might be asked a few questions about what you need help with. And sometimes, rather than being booked straight in with a GP, you might be directed to another member of the team or even another service.

But why do we do that? And who decides where you need to go?

Today, Jess and Sophie are going to explain what signposting actually means, why it has become such an important part of modern general practice, and — most importantly — how it can help you get to the right person, for the right care, at the right time.

They’ll talk about the different people and services now available to support our patients, why a GP appointment isn’t always the quickest or most appropriate route, and why our team may need to ask you a little more about what’s going on before they can point you in the right direction.

And don’t worry — they’re not being nosy! Those questions have a purpose. 😊

So, whether you’ve ever wondered “Why is the receptionist asking me that?” or “Why can’t I just see the doctor?” — this episode is for you.

🎧 Let’s hand over to Jess and Sophie…

Diagnosed at just 33, Leanne takes us through every stage of her experience—from fighting for a double mastectomy when she was initially offered surgery on one breast, to lymph node removal, six months of chemotherapy, and five weeks of daily radiotherapy.

She also talks about the lasting impact of treatment, including ten years of hormone therapy and being placed into medical menopause because her cancer was oestrogen receptor-positive.

The conversation goes beyond treatment. Leanne shares how she navigated cancer while raising very young children, while Jess offers the perspective of a sister watching someone she loves go through it.

Following Sarah's previous breast cancer episode, we wanted to share another lived experience to highlight that no two cancer journeys are the same.

Some listeners may find the themes discussed in this episode emotional. We hope Leanne's courage in sharing her story offers comfort, awareness, and encouragement to anyone affected by breast cancer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and should not be considered personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or medications, please speak to your GP, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional.

Together, they discuss how health can impact employment, the support available for people who are struggling to stay in work or return after illness, and how the Work and Health Team helps local residents overcome barriers to employment. They also explore the benefits of good work for physical and mental wellbeing, practical advice for employers and employees, and where to access support if you or someone you know needs it.

Whether you're currently working, looking for employment, or supporting someone on their journey back to work, this episode is packed with useful information and local resources.

jobsandskills@rochdale.gov.uk

01706 926657

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🎧 Tune in to learn how the right support can make a real difference to your health, confidence, and future.

They discuss why ordering medicines you don’t need can have a huge impact on the NHS, what to do with unused medication, and how small changes can help ensure medicines are available for those who need them most. They also explore why antibiotics don’t work for every illness, the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, and how we can all play a part in protecting these life-saving medicines for the future.

Join Kiran and Millie for practical advice, myth-busting, and simple tips to help you use your medicines safely and responsibly.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and should not be considered personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or medications, please speak to your GP, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional. 💊🎧

As the weather warms up and we all head outdoors, it's the perfect time to think about staying safe while making the most of the sunshine.

In this episode, we're joined by Jess our Lead Care Coordinator and Andrena, our Reception Manager, who chat about some simple but important ways to keep you and your family safe this summer.

From protecting yourself against the sun's UV rays and staying hydrated, to enjoying open water safely and recognising the signs of heat-related illness, they've got plenty of practical tips to help you enjoy the season with confidence.

Before you head out to enjoy the sunshine, spend a few minutes with us, you might just learn something that could keep you or someone you love safe this summer. 🌊💧

Please note: This podcast is intended for general information and education only and should not be considered personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your own health or symptoms, please seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional or contact your GP practice. If you think you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.

In this episode, Dr Mo Jiva MBE is joined by Darren, our Social Prescribing Link Worker, to talk openly about ADHD referrals, what happens during the assessment process, and the support available while families are waiting for answers.

Darren shares his passion for helping young people with confirmed or suspected ADHD to recognise their strengths, build confidence and thrive at school, at home and in everyday life. Together, they discuss practical strategies, sources of support, and why an ADHD diagnosis should never limit a child's ambitions.

💙 Every child deserves to feel understood.
⭐ Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.
🚀 And with the right support, they really can achieve anything.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

#PeterloosDailyDose #ADHD #Neurodiversity #SocialPrescribing #PrimaryCare #GeneralPractice #ChildHealth #TeenMentalHealth #ADHDAwareness #PeterlooMedicalCentre

Sarah talks openly about being diagnosed with breast cancer following her very first routine mammogram, just weeks before her 50th birthday. She reflects on the emotions of receiving the diagnosis, the treatment and support she received, and the challenges she faced along the way.

Most importantly, Sarah shares the incredible news that she was declared cancer free the day before her 50th birthday – a moment she describes as the best gift she could have received.

This episode highlights the life-saving importance of breast screening, the value of early detection, and offers hope and encouragement to anyone affected by cancer.

Please note: This episode discusses cancer diagnosis and treatment, which some listeners may find emotional. This podcast is intended for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice from a healthcare professional.

The conversation explores QRISK3, the tool used to estimate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years, and why factors such as age, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, and cholesterol levels all matter. Dr Jiva and Emma also explain what cholesterol is, the difference between "good" and "bad" cholesterol, and how lifestyle changes can help improve heart health.

The episode also introduces our new Health MOT service at Middleton PCN Hub, available for patients aged 25–84. Find out what to expect from a Health MOT, how it can help you better understand your health, and why prevention is one of the most powerful tools in modern healthcare.

Whether you're interested in reducing your risk of heart disease, learning more about cholesterol, or finding out if a Health MOT could benefit you, this episode is packed with practical advice and useful information.

Please note: This podcast is intended for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Find out what listeners can expect from future episodes, including conversations with GPs, nurses, healthcare professionals, and members of our wider team.

We'll be exploring important health topics, NHS updates, prevention and wellbeing, new services available to patients, research opportunities, and the challenges and innovations shaping modern general practice.

Whether you're a patient, healthcare professional, or simply interested in healthcare, Peterloo's Daily Dose aims to make primary care more accessible, understandable, and engaging.

Join us as we begin this exciting new journey and bring you your daily dose of everything general practice.