Letter to our Patients

Dear Patients,

We are writing to you not just as your surgery, but as a team of people who genuinely care about your health and wellbeing.

Primary care today is facing unprecedented challenges. Demand for appointments continues to grow, while resources and staffing remain limited. Every day, our team works hard to meet the needs of all our patients, often balancing urgent cases alongside routine care, all within the time and capacity we have available.

We want you to know that each and every one of you matters to us. Behind every appointment request, phone call, or message is a person we are committed to supporting. However, the reality is that we cannot always provide immediate access or the level of service we would ideally wish to offer. This is never due to a lack of care, but simply the constraints we are working within.

We are doing our very best—every single day—to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to our community.

We kindly ask for your patience, understanding, and support during these challenging times. A little kindness and understanding go a long way, not only for our team but for fellow patients who are also navigating the same system.

How You Can Help and Take Control of Your Care

There are a number of ways patients can access the right care more quickly, while also helping reduce pressure on GP services. It is estimated that a significant proportion of GP appointments could be avoided by using alternative services that may be more appropriate for your needs.

1. Self-Care and Self-Management Many minor conditions—such as coughs, colds, sore throats, headaches, or minor injuries—can be safely managed at home with advice and over-the-counter treatments. Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet and using trusted resources such as the NHS website or app can help you manage these effectively. If you live with a long-term condition, regular monitoring and use of self-management tools can help prevent flare-ups and reduce the need for urgent care.
2. Use Your Local Pharmacy (Pharmacy First) Community pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice and treatment without the need for a GP appointment. They can assess and treat several common conditions, including earache, sore throat, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and urinary tract infections. They can also support you when starting new medications and advise on treatments for minor illnesses.
3. Choose the Right Service For urgent medical advice when the surgery is closed, NHS 111 (online or by phone) can guide you to the right place. Urgent Treatment Centres and walk-in services are appropriate for minor injuries such as sprains, burns, or suspected fractures.
   • For eye or dental problems, please contact an optometrist or dentist directly, as they are best placed to help.
4. Making the Best Use of Appointments Our wider clinical team includes nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other specialists who may be able to see you more quickly than a GP. Our reception team is trained to help direct you to the most appropriate professional, so being open about your needs helps us support you better. Where possible, consider booking routine appointments later in the week, when demand is often lower.
5. Using Digital and Self-Referral Services Ordering repeat prescriptions through the NHS App helps reduce delays and administrative workload. Many services—such as physiotherapy or mental health support—offer self-referral options, meaning you do not always need to see a GP first. You can also request sick notes and administrative support through online services rather than booking an appointment.

By using these options, you can often receive care more quickly and conveniently, while helping ensure GP appointments remain available for patients with more complex or urgent needs.

Thank you again for your understanding, support, and trust.

With sincere appreciation, Your Surgery Team