Appointments

If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or Call 111.

NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

If you feel that you need to be seen urgently on the day, an appointment may be arranged for you with the duty doctor.  You will be asked to supply a brief description of the problem as this can help us to book you in with the most relevant clinician. Our Care Navigators are trained and subject to the same levels of confidentiality as our clinicians.

To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday):

• phone us on 01244 351000, Monday to Friday from 8am

We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.

To request a routine appointment in the next 7 days:

• phone us on 01244 351000, Monday to Friday
• Submit an ONLINE request
• use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) to book a screening test or vaccination
• use our online system - Patient Access

Appointments can be offered in a variety of ways, including:

• By phone
• Face-to-face at both practices
• Via video call

This allows you to choose the option that best suits your needs.

When you book an appointment, our care navigators will ask a few questions to ensure you are directed to the most appropriate clinician at the right time.

To cancel your appointment:

• use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
• using the GP online system - Patient Access
• phone us on 01244 351000, Monday to Friday from 8am
• reply CANCEL to your appointment reminder text message

Your local pharmacist can now treat you or give you medicines for some illnesses without you having to see a doctor first.

Pharmacists can now help if you have:

• an earache and you may have a high temperature
• a dry, scratchy or sore throat
• a urinary tract infection (UTI) which can feel like a burning or a pain when you pee
• sinusitis which can be a blocked or bunged up nose
• shingles which can give you a rash and make you feel unwell
• impetigo which can give you an itchy rash
• infected insect bites which can be red and sore

You do not have to book an appointment.

Find out more at How pharmacies can help - NHS

Help Us Help You - See your pharmacist

Please tell us:

• if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to see
• if you need a chaperone
• if you need an interpreter
• if you have any other access or communication needs

If you are housebound then please telephone 01244 351000 between 8am and 11am. State clearly the name and address of the patient and describe the symptoms. This helps the doctors to decide the urgency of the calls and plan their rounds.

A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse or a paramedic or indeed arrange a hospital attendance.

The Enhanced Access  Service makes it easier for you to get an appointment at a time that suits you, including evenings and weekends.  The service offers pre-bookable, routine primary care appointments with GPs, ANP, Nurses and Health Care Assistants. The service is provided by us at Garden Lane Medical Centre and will be booked by our Care Navigators. 

Enhanced Access

We offer appointments, in our enhanced access service up to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

These appointments are held at Garden Lane Medical Centre and can be booked through our reception team up to two weeks in advance.

Enhanced Access Team

In this service we offer GP, Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and Practice Nurse (PN) appointments and you will be booked with the most appropriate clinician by our highly skilled reception team.

All clinicians will be able to update your medical records and order investigations at the time of your appointment, the same as if you were at your own practice.

Appointment Cancellations

If you are unable to attend your appointment, you can contact your usual practice or if outside of our core hours, call or text this number 07458016505 to advise the enhanced access team.

Your medical record will, with your consent, be available to the clinician that sees you. Your record will be updated at the time of your appointment. An appointment with this service will be just like an appointment at your own GP practice.

The Elms Medical Practice is an approved 'Training Practice'.  We currently train GP Registrars and Medical Students. 

GP Registrar

A GP Registrar will usually be with the practice for a year, helping them become a fully qualified GP.  They will hold their own surgeries and may sit in with GP's during their clinics.  Registrars will consult patients alone as they are qualified doctors specialising in General Practice.

Medical Students

A Medical Student is a healthcare professional in training. As part of their training the students spend time at the GP practice being mentored by GP trainers.  You may see the Medical Student on their own but the GP will be on hand if they need to seek advice or the GP may even sit in during the appointment.

If you do not feel comfortable with having an appointment with a Medical Student or them being present during an appointment you are under no obligation to agree to this, please inform a member of our reception team when you book your appointment or when you come to the surgery.

Video Recording

Video recording is sometimes used for training purposes but you will be asked for your permission by signing a declaration beforehand.  The video content is confidential and solely used for training purposes and assessment only.