How do I book an appointment?
- request an appointment online using Patient Access
- visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday, during opening hours
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) to book a screening test or vaccination.
- phone us Monday to Friday. Our phone lines are busiest at 8am to 11am and 4pm. Please try to avoid contacting us at our busiest time unless you have to.
- If you need to cancel an Extended Access appointment, please call the surgery or if we are closed, the cancellation number for this service is 07864 652 026.
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.
Non-urgent advice: Urgent appointment requests
Nurses, healthcare assistants and allied health professionals
We have an experienced nursing and allied professional team who offer different skills. One of our team will book you with the appropriate person for your needs. Please do not be offended when they have to ask you the reason for your appointment.
Extended Access
Dacorum Extended Access offers face to face appointments in addition to those available at the Practice. This GP service operates throughout the weekday from 8:30am until 10:00pm, Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 6:00pm and Sundays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. It is an appointment based primary care service. The slots can be booked via the Practice reception team.
It is staffed by local GPs and they have full access to your medical notes which will be updated appropriately following your consultation.
The service also includes an early morning phlebotomy clinic.
If you need to cancel an Extended Access appointment, please call the surgery in hours (8:00am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday) or out of hours, the cancellation number for this service is: 07864 652 026.
Access the GP online appointment system
Manage your appointments via our online service:
Login for Online Services Register for Online ServicesNon-urgent advice: Emergencies
What is an Emergency?
Whatever the time of day, if you or someone else experiences the symptoms below and you feel it is so serious that it cannot wait, go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999.
Symptoms include;
Non-blanching rashes (the glass test)
Possible anaphylactic shock (swelling of mouth and throat)
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 – Patient Access
- phone us
- If you are late for an appointment you may be asked to re-book.
If you need help now or 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 by face-to-face
- if you need an interpreter
- if you have any other access or communication needs.
Home visits
If you are housebound and need an appointment, we will do a home visit. We will phone you first to understand what you need.
To request a home visit, it’s helpful if you phone the practice as soon after 8am as possible.
Help from your pharmacy
Did you know that your local pharmacy can help you with a lot of minor ailments; and a lot of treatments are covered by the Pharmacies.
Additional information about your appointment with us
Can I bring someone to accompany me to the Appointment?
We are generally very happy for patients to bring with them a carer, relative or even a friend. This often helps, particularly when they know you well and it allows them to tell us any observations they would make about you, which can help us in undertaking our assessment. Ultimately this will lead us more quickly to make an accurate diagnosis and therefore help you more.
Also, having someone with you means they can prompt you to ask questions that you may have forgotten, and after the appointment they can help in reminding you what was discussed.
Occasionally we might ask for them to leave but this would be unusual.
If you require interpretation services please contact us in advance of you appointment and we will arrange this.
Chaperone Policy
We will always respect your privacy, dignity and your religious and cultural beliefs particularly when intimate examinations are advisable – these will only be carried out with your express agreement and you will be offered a chaperone to attend the examination if you so wish.
You may also request a chaperone when making the appointment or on arrival at the surgery (please let the receptionist know) or at any time during the consultation.
Giving Consent for Treatment
You have the right to accept or refuse treatment that is offered to you, and not to be given any physical examination or treatment unless you have given valid consent. If you do not have the capacity to do so, consent must be obtained from a person legally able to act on your behalf, or the treatment must be in your best interests.
Your valid consent (agreement to the course of action) is needed for the treatment that’s offered to you before any physical examinations or treatment can be given. If you haven’t given your consent, you can accept or refuse treatment that’s offered to you.
It’s important to be involved in decisions about your treatment and to be given information to help you choose the right treatment. When making treatment choices, you’ll often discuss the options with your doctor or another healthcare professional.
If you have a suspected infectious disease
Please inform reception if you suspect an infectious disease, as this will enable us to deal with it appropriately during your visit to protect you, other patients and staff.
Interpreter
If you require an interpreter to attend with you when you see your Doctor please notify the receptionist and this will be arranged.
Intimate Examinations
During your care, a doctor may need to examine you in order to provide you with the best care. Occasionally this may involve an examination of intimate areas. We understand that this can be stressful and embarrassing. If this sort of examination is necessary:
- We will explain to you why the examination is necessary and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
- We will explain what the examination will involve, including whether you can expect it to be painful or uncomfortable.
- We will obtain your permission before carrying out this examination You will be offered a chaperone.
- At all times we will respect your privacy during the examination and while dressing and undressing.
Your doctor and the nursing staff will be happy to discuss any concerns you have about this.
Private Medical Examinations
Medical examinations for special purposes such as pre-employment, fitness to travel, elderly drivers, fitness to undertake sports etc, will require longer than a routine appointment.
These examinations do not form part of NHS Services, you will be charged for any such examination. Please check the fee chargeable when you require to arrange any such examination.