Consultations are by appointment. We actively discourage patients from queuing outside the building which is both unnecessary and unhealthy especially in the winter months. To make an appointment please telephone 01206 570371 or book via the internet using the link on this website.

For more information about how our appointment system works please see our explanation page.

Care Navigators will ensure that those who need to have a consultation with a clinician on the day will do so. This will apply to both Creffield Medical Centre and Layer Road Patients. They will also ensure that the doctors see those who are most in need of treatment with less serious conditions being treated appropriately by the person most suitably qualified to do so. There will be appointments for patients who need to be examined which will be booked by the duty team once they have assessed the patient via a telephone or online consultation.
Please note that it is not always necessary to speak to a clinician to obtain test results, medication, sick certificates or medical reports. You will be asked questions by our care Navigators to see if you can be helped without having to attend an appointment.

Monday is our busiest day so if possible please choose another day. Approximately one third of our GP appointments are available to book in advance. These can by booked by calling the above number or you can use the internet booking service via the above link. If you require information, please ask at reception. All appointments with our nursing team or for blood tests should be booked in advance.

Most appointments last ten minutes and it is usually best to concentrate on one health problem during the consultation. Your doctor may ask you to make a further appointment to discuss the problem in more detail. However, if you have a number of problems you wish to discuss, you will need a longer appointment, therefore please let the receptionist know when you book.

If you want to consult your GP about a family member too, please make a separate appointment rather than trying to cover it during your own consultation. If your case is urgent we will see you the same day but it may be one of the other partners who sees you if your own doctor’s surgery is fully booked.

Advanced Nurse Practitioners

Our Nurse Practitioners are available on a daily basis and are able to deal with most new problems, such as infections, minor injuries, & sudden onset of acute symptoms. They are able to prescribe from the practice formulary & also have access to GP opinion should that be required. You will be routinely offered an appointment with a nurse practitioner for all new problems.

Extended Hours

During evenings and weekends, you may be offered a pre-booked appointment at Creffield Medical Centre, West Bergholt Surgery or Nayland Surgery. For more information please call the reception to find out more.

Nurses

The treatment room, phlebotomy, HCA & Specialist nurses operate an appointment only system. Patients should contact the surgery on the appointments line 01206 570371 or in person at the reception desk.

Telephone Advice

It is not always necessary to see a doctor and your GP is happy to give telephone advice in this case. Please telephone 01206 570371 and book a telephone consultation. This is also appropriate for medication queries.

Chaperone

If you feel you would like a chaperone present at your consultation, please inform your doctor or nurse, who will be more than happy to arrange this for you.

Cancellations

If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else. When we are closed a message can be left on our cancellation line 01206 570371 option 2.