Please try and book routine appointments with your usual doctor. It may be that you have to book more than a week ahead to get an appointment with a doctor of your choice.
If you have a new problem it is generally best to book an appointment with your usual doctor. However if an appointment is not available soon enough, then book for a different GP. The doctor will either manage this problem for you or suggest that you see your usual doctor for follow up.
Urgent appointments
To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday) during opening times:
- phone us on Underwood Surgery 01242 580 644 or Park Campus 01242 714 400
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
To request a routine appointment in advance during opening times:
- phone us on Underwood Surgery 01242 580 644 or Park Campus 01242 714 400
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) or Systmonline to book an appointment, screening test or vaccination
- in person
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.
Triage service
If there is no appointment available soon enough and you need advice immediately, then the receptionist will ask if you would like to speak to the triage doctor. Every morning and afternoon there is a duty doctor available who can phone you back: this is the triage doctor. The doctor will listen to your problem and may book you into a reserved appointment slot later that day or at a later time.
Improved access appointments
We offer enhanced access appointments outside normal surgery times. You will not see your usual GP at these appointments, and you may need to give permission for your medical record to be shared with the doctor. The receptionist will answer your questions about these appointments if you are offered one.
Enhanced access clinics are for routine matters only: for any urgent care during these hours you should contact the out of hours service in the usual way by telephoning.
Please note that because there is no hospital laboratory collection service during the evening sessions, the doctors cannot take blood samples, swabs or smears. They are happy to see patients for any routine matters but if any of these tests are required, you will need a follow-up appointment with a nurse or phlebotomist during our normal working hours between 8:30am and 6pm.
Your appointment
However you choose to contact us, we may offer you a consultation:
- by phone
- face to face at the surgery
Appointments by phone can be more flexible and often means you get help sooner.
Cancelling or changing an appointment
To cancel your appointment:
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Systmonline
- phone us on Underwood Surgery 01242 580 644 or Park Campus 01242 714 400 during opening times
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 or face-to-face.
- if you need an interpreter
- if you have any other access or communication needs
Home visits
It helps the doctors to plan home visits if your requests could be made before 10:30am. Any medical information you can give to our staff is helpful to the doctors, as a visit may not be clinically necessary.