Working together during a very busy time
Like many GP practices across the NHS, we are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for appointments and clinical support.
More people are living longer with long-term and complex health conditions, which means more ongoing care, reviews, and follow-up appointments. At the same time, seasonal illnesses such as colds, flu and winter infections add extra pressure to already stretched services.
In addition, ongoing resident doctor industrial action is placing further strain on NHS services. While this does not directly involve GP practices, it has a knock-on effect, with increased demand shifting into primary care as hospital services are reduced or delayed.
Staff illness also affects what we can do. When members of our team are unwell, we have fewer people available to help, which can lead to longer waiting times:
- When Doctors are off sick, there are fewer appointments available.
- When Nurses are unwell, there may be delays with blood tests or reviews.
- When Admin staff are absent, prescriptions and paperwork can take longer to process.
We understand how frustrating this can feel — we feel it too. Our aim is always to provide timely, safe and compassionate care, even when circumstances are challenging. While some pressures are outside our control, we are doing everything we can to manage demand fairly and safely.
How We Prioritise Care
Our priority is to ensure that patients with the greatest clinical need receive care as quickly as possible.
Every request submitted through eConsult is reviewed by our team. This allows us to make sure each patient is directed to the right type of care, at the right time, whether that is an urgent appointment, advice, or support from another member of the team.
By urgent, we mean a problem that needs attention today. You might ask yourself:
- Am I significantly worse today than I was yesterday?
- Has something changed that means I need help today, when I didn’t before?
If the answer is yes, your concern is urgent, and we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.
How You Can Help Us Help You
Using our online services wherever possible helps us care for everyone more efficiently:
- Completing an eConsult request allows the surgery to review your problem quickly.
- Ordering repeat prescriptions or requesting sick notes through the NHS App goes directly into our system and is often processed faster.
- Checking test results or chasing hospital referrals can also be done via the NHS App, without needing to call the practice.
For minor illnesses and common health concerns, your local community pharmacy is an excellent first point of contact. Pharmacists can advise on:
- Colds and coughs
- Aches and pains
- Minor infections
- Medication queries
You do not need an appointment or to see a GP first. This is part of the Pharmacy First service.
Our website also offers helpful information on conditions, self-care advice, referrals, practice policies, and materials in different formats, with easy-to-use filters to help you find what you need.
A Kind Reminder
Please be patient and kind to our team. Every member of staff is working incredibly hard under significant pressure. Your understanding, courtesy and calm approach make a real difference.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in our practice.
Published on 18 December 2025