Appointments
Appointment FAQ's and a new way to contact us from 5th January 2026
Making an appointment (Routine or Urgent)
To make an appointment with a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner, we are using an online consultation platform called PATCHS.
If you have internet access, please submit your request through PATCHS by clicking the banner above and creating a PATCHS account or logging in to your NHS App. Whether you choose to call, visit us in person, or submit a request online, all requests will be processed in the same way through this system.
If you do not have access to the internet then you can still call Reception or come and see us face to face where a member of the Reception Team will process your request on your behalf.
The majority of appointments are routine and as such are booked in advance and not on the day of request. Urgent appointments, on the other hand, are typically seen either the same day or within 48 hours but we ask that you contactus with urgent requests before 12pm on the day to allow us to prioritise.
All requests are reviewed by a Triaging GP and the appropriate action taken. Routine requests may take up to 2 working days to be responded to.
Until 5th January 2026, please continue to call Reception to book all appointments.
Requesting a Fit Note
A med-3 (sick/fit note) can be requested by clicking on the PATCHS banner above.
Patients should self-certify for 7 days before contacting us.
Cancelling an Appointment
- Call Reception on 01354 695888 where a member of the team will be happy to help.
- Via PATCHS– You can view your appointments from the Appointments tab on the ‘My Requests and Messages’ page. Click on the appointment and select cancel
- Via the NHS App
Consultation Types
Some concerns can be dealt with over the telephone and some require an in-person consultation, this will be determined by the triaging GP however we will take in to consideration the communication needs and preferences of the patient were possible.
Home Visits
Home visits are intended for people who are unable to leave the house (housebound). If you are unable to attend our surgery and require a home visit, please contact the practice before 11 am on 01354 695 888. Our receptionists will continue to submit a PATCHS request on your behalf which will be reviewed by the GP and contact made.
Extended Access
We offer a mix of consultations evenings and weekends with a range of staff including Practice Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and GP's.
Medical Advice when we are closed
If you need help now, use NHS 111 online or call 111 (For people aged under 5years you call NHS 111 as the online service is not available)
If you are in Mental Health Crisis call 111 and select option 2
If you or someone you know is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk then please call 999
Text Reminder Service
We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.
To have this service you will need to provide us with your mobile number and consent to us sending you SMS messages, you can do that here
Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address
Interpreter/Communication Needs
If you require an interpreter or support with your communication needs to attend with you when you see your Doctor please notify the receptionist and who will arrange this for you.
PATCHS has a translate feature for both patients and staff allowing patients with English as a second language or patients who are non-english speaking to have full access.
Medical Assessment Appointments
This can include:
- DVLA medical
- Insurance medical
- Adoption medical
- School medical
- Firearms Licence Medicals
- Other Reports
Medical assessments are non-contractural private NHS work and therefore a charge will apply and may well be subject to VAT.
Please contact the Administration Team by calling us on 01354 69588 and selecting option 2 to discuss your request before booking an appointment.
Appointment Transport
Community Car Scheme
Volunteer run service who can take you to and from appointments.
You will normally be charged a nominal sum per mile to cover fuel costs etc. See the page on our Further Information menu below.
Hospital transport
You must live at least three miles from the hospital and have no other means of getting to your appointment, i.e. own vehicle, family, friend, public or voluntary transport. If you suffer severe physical or mental problems, or are attending for treatment which has physical side effects, you may qualify for transport.
If you think you qualify for transport, please contact the patient and carer line on 0345 603 8117. Lines are open 8am - 6.30pm, seven days a week.
As much advanced notice as possible is needed but bookings must be made at least 48 hours before your appointment. Patients are asked to be ready to travel TWO HOURS prior to their appointment time.
If your hospital appointment is cancelled for any reason, please call the above number as soon as possible in order for the service to use their vehicles and staff in the best way possible.
How do I get an appointment?
Our receptionists are available from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Please call 01354 695888 and select option 1 to speak to a member of our Reception team.
For Administrative queries (Referrals, Subject Access Requests, Medical Reports etc) please call 01354 695888 and select option 2
(please note the Administration team are unable to book appointments)
Opening Times
Page created: 04 December 2019