Appointments

We are delighted to offer either face to face or telephone appointments. You may request to be treated by the GP of your choice, however you may receive an earlier appointment if you elect to see any available GP.

For patients with long term conditions (LTC) you will be invited to book your annual review in the month of your birth. If we have your mobile number recorded this invite will come via SMS text.

Urgent appointments

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

When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.

We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.

Routine appointments

You can request a routine appointment in advance during opening times.

When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.

We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.

Get medical advice from a doctor

To ask a non-urgent medical question:

We will respond within 2 working days during opening times.

Enhanced access clinics

Enhanced access clinics are provided to help people who need an appointment outside of normal surgery hours. The clinics are based at The Chipping Surgery every weekday morning, 7am to 8am. One additional Friday session (PM) is also provided, spaced throughout the month.

The clinics are staffed by our partner GPs, salaried GPs and HCA.

How do I access a clinic?

By calling The Chipping Surgery as normal, the reception team will inform you of what is available. All appointments need to be pre-booked, either in advance or on the day. This is not a walk-in service and does not replace the service provided by our local Minor Injuries Unit or A&E.

What sort of problems are suitable for enhanced access?

Enhanced access is suitable for people with medical problems that are new such as tonsillitis, or medical problems which have worsened, for example someone with COPD (also known as emphysema) who may have a chest infection that needs treating quickly.

Are there problems that are not suitable for enhanced access?

Usually, if you have already seen your own GP about a problem, or the appointment is about a long term medical condition, it would be more appropriate if you continue to see your own GP who already knows about your condition, including tests and treatments that you have received. When you call reception, they will be able to advise whether enhanced access is suitable for you.

Do enhanced access clinics have access to my medical records?

Yes, GPs will be able to access your records if you give them permission to do so.

Cancelling or changing an appointment

To cancel your appointment:

If you need help when we are closed

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 need help with your appointment

Please tell us:

  • if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
  • if you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
  • if you need an interpreter
  • if you have any other access or communication needs

Home visits

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:30am. Please always give the receptionist a contact phone number when requesting a home visit.

You may request a home visit if the patient is housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. The duty GP/matron will call the patient or their representative for fuller details, to ascertain the appropriateness of the request, and the speed of the response needed. The receptionist will confirm the contact telephone number at the time of the visit request, as well as the address (in case the patient is staying at an alternative address during their illness). Please have all this information available when booking a home visit.

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

Related information

Health A to Z

Sick notes

Test results