Appointments
Contact us online
Use our Patient Triage Form for non-urgent appointments, follow ups, fit note requests and queries. If you have multiple queries, please complete a form for each one.
If you believe your symptoms are life threatening, please phone 999.
Our online consultation service is open to requests 8am-6:30pm weekdays. Your request will be read and reviewed and responded to by the end of the working day. Requests received outside of core hours will be responded to by the end of the next working day.
Got a minor ailment? Consider Pharmacy First
What is Pharmacy First?
Patients across England can now get prescription-only treatment for seven common conditions at their local high street pharmacy, without needing to see a GP.
This can include prescribing and supplying antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
What conditions can be treated at my pharmacy?
Your local pharmacy can now supply prescription-only treatment, if they believe you need it, for the following conditions:
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year-17)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
- Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
- Shingles (aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
Will I have to pay for my advice or medication?
The appointment and advice from a pharmacist are free to access.
If you are recommended an over-the-counter medication, you will pay the costs of buying this.
If you are supplied with a prescription-only medication, usual prescription charges would apply unless you qualify for free prescriptions.
How does it work?
If you are feeling unwell with any of these conditions, you can go to your local participating pharmacy without appointment and ask for a private consultation with the pharmacist. They will ask questions, may perform an examination and must get your consent to access your medical records. The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action based on your clinical needs. This might include issuing prescriptions for antibiotics where necessary or advising you on over-the-counter treatments that could help.
Follow-Up Appointments
We recognise the importance of continuity of care, widely recognized as a cornerstone of high-quality general practice, delivering better health outcomes, increased patient safety, and higher satisfaction for both patients and clinicians.
Clinician Initiated Follow-Ups
To support continuity of care the clinical team will now send you a text message with a clear time window and booking link to arrange a follow-up.
Patient Initiated Follow-Ups
We are asking that any patient who wishes to initiate a follow-up appointment with a named GP to complete an online triage form to allow us the opportunity to assess your request and ensure you are booked in with the most appropriate clinician and time frame.
Booking Appointments for Blood Tests, Nurses and GPs
Appointments can be booked in the following ways:
- Online via the NHS App - click here for more information
- By calling 02476 266370
- Requested online: CLICK HERE to submit an online consultation
Extended Hours Appointments
Sowe Valley PCN offer pre-bookable evening and weekend appointments across their patch. These appointments are available by appointment only. Please contact reception to book an appointment.
NHS111 provides out of hours medical cover for patients with urgent medical problems from 6:30pm to 8am and all weekend. For urgent medical attention during out of hours periods please call 111.
Interpreters
Interpreter services are available to all patients registered with Forum Health Centre. Please inform a receptionist if you require an interpreter.
Nurse Minor Illness Appointments
Our experienced practice nurses are available each day to deal with the following:-
- Sore throats, Coughs and Colds, Rashes and Earache
- Cystitus and Urinary problems
- Womens Health/Mens Health issues
Please consider our nurse minor illness clinics. This allows doctors more time to deal with more complicated issues and will often mean that you can get seen sooner – and shorten the waiting time for those needing to see a GP.
Nurse Appointments
Our experienced practice nurses are usually available to deal with the following:-
- Heart, Diabetic. Asthma and Epilepsy reviews
- Imminisation and Travel vaccinations
- Ear syringing
- Oral contraception, Smear tests, “morning-after” pill, coil checks
- Dietary advice and "Stop Smoking!"
Help us to Help You:
- Arrange appointments for as far in advance as is appropriate - please consider telephone and nurse appointments.
- Please help other patients by not requesting an urgent appointment for a problem that can wait a day or so (Mondays are especially busy).
- If you cannot keep your appointment please let us know as soon as possible as it can always be used by someone else.
- Please report to reception on arrival for your appointment.
Chaperones for intimate examinations
We understand that it can be embarrassing or difficult to see the doctor or nurse alone for many problems. A chaperon can be provided by the practice to:
- Provide support, comfort and reassurance to patients
- Assist in the examination of patients
- Act as an interpreter
- Provide protection to healthcare professionals
If you feel you would like a chaperone present at your consultation with a Doctor or Nurse, please inform Reception who will be more than happy to organise one of our specially trained members of staff to support you.
Midwife appointments
We no longer book midwife appointments here at the surgery. There is a QR code in our reception area which you can scan and fill out the online form. The UHCW midwifery team will then be in touch to book in your first appoitnment. The appointments are held at The Forum health Centre.
Always remember to bring to your appointments a sample of urine for the midwife to test. (which reception can provide you with)
If you have any pain,bleeding or gush of fuild please ring 024 76 967333, which is stated on your green book.
MAT B1 forms are given at over 20 weeks.
Antibiotic policy
Our policy is NOT to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics. Click here for more details about the NHS antibiotic awareness campaign.
Retinal Screening - Your Guide to Diabetic eye screening
The retinal screening examination is specifically targeted at diabetic eye disease and the aim of the service is to examine the back of the eye to detect changes from diabetes which could threaten sight.
Screening is offered every year to anyone with diabetes aged 12 and over.
''Why should I be screened?''
Diabetic Eye Screening is important as it helps to prevent sight loss. As someone with diabetes, your eyes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy. Screening can detect the condition early before you notice any changes to your vision.
''What is diabetic retinopathy?''
This condition occurs when diabetes affects small blood vessels, damaging the part of the eye called the retina. It can cause the blood vessels in the retina to leak or become blocked. This can affect your sight.
''Why is screening important?''
Eye screening is a key part of your diabetes care. Untreated diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of sight loss. When the condition is caught early, treatment is effective at reducing or preventing damage to your sight.
Remember, diabetic eye screening is not covered as part of your normal eye examination with your optician. Screening does not look for other eye conditions and you should continue to visit your optician regularly for an eye examination as well.
''What will happen?''
- We put drops in your eyes to temporarily make your pupils larger. You may find the drops sting.
- We take photographs of the back of your eyes. the camera does not come into contact with your eyes. We send the photographs to an expert to review.
- The appointment will last approximately 30 minutes
- We send a letter to you and your GP within 6 weeks letting you know your screening results.
''What do I need to think about on the day?''
Practical hints and tips:
- Bring all the glasses and contact lenses you wear along with lens solution for contacts
- Bring sunglasses as your eyes can feel sensitive after the eye drops
- You may want to bring someone with you to the appointment
- Eye drops may affect your vision for a few hours, so you should not drive after your appointment.
If you wish to change or cancel your diabetic eye screening appointment, please call:
You can help to reduce your risk if you:
- Control your blood glucose as effectively as possible
- see your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure is not raised
- Attend your diabetic eye screening appointments
- Get advice if you have a problem with your sight
- Take medication as prescribed
You can read more about eye screening and diabetic retinopathy at:
diabeticeye.screening.nhs.uk or www.diabetes.org.uk/retinopathy
