NHS interpreting services

We want everyone to get good care, whatever language they speak. That’s why we offer free NHS interpreters, including support for patients who are deaf or deaf-blind.

Key points:

• Free service – you don’t pay
• Professional interpreters – we don’t use children as interpreters
• How to book – tell our team or your hospital department as soon as you get your appointment letter, and we’ll arrange it for you
• Feedback – please let us know if you have any concerns or ideas to improve this service

For more information, visit Healthwatch – Does the NHS provide an interpreter?

Patient transport service

The Patient transport service provides ambulances for patients who need assistance getting to and from their healthcare appointments or for hospital admissions and discharges due to medical or clinical reasons.

If you require patient transport, please visit the NHS website for more information or speak with one of our staff members who will be happy to assist you.

Advocacy service

An advocate is an independent person who helps you share your views and makes sure your voice is heard. They are not part of your family, the NHS, or Social Services.

What an advocate does:

• Go with you to meetings or appointments
• Help write letters or speak on your behalf
• Make sure your rights and choices are respected

How they can help:

• Explain information and services
• Support you in making decisions
• Stand up for your rights

For more details on how to find an advocate visit the NHS Advocacy Service page or ask our Social Prescriber for help.

Non-NHS services (with charges)

Most NHS care is free, but some services are not included in the NHS contract. In these cases, GPs can charge a fee.

Examples of chargeable services:

• Travel vaccines (some types)
• Medical reports for insurance companies 
• Insurance forms and certificates
• Letters for schools or clubs
• Holiday cancellation forms

Please note:

• GPs may need extra time to complete forms because they must check your records carefully.
• Even simple signatures take time and care.
• Bring all your forms together and allow time for processing.

For a full list of fees, please see our Non-NHS services and fees page or ask reception.

Getting your test results

The easiest way to see your test results is on the NHS App.

This means you don’t need to phone the practice. Your results will only show once a doctor or nurse has checked them.

Understanding Your Results

If you’d like to learn more about your tests, you can visit the Lab Tests Online website. It explains:

• What each test is for
  
• What normal results look like
  
• What unusual results might mean
  
• How to get ready for tests
  
• Any risks or limits of tests
  

This information is helpful, but it’s still important to talk to your doctor or nurse about your own results.

Important to know

• Receptionists can only give you information the doctor or nurse has asked them to share. If they can’t give you your result, it may be because the doctor wants to speak with you.
  
• We can only share your results with someone else if you’ve agreed this with your clinician or given written permission.
  
• If your test was done at the hospital, the results are usually sent straight to you, not the GP practice.
  

How long do results take?

• Blood tests: 1–7 days (usually within 3 working days)
• Urine tests: 3–4 working days
• Smear tests: Up to 8 weeks
• X-rays: Up to 3 weeks (often within 10 working days)
• Other hospital tests (like scans): Around 2 weeks, sometimes longer

What if I don’t get my results?

If you haven’t seen your results after the usual waiting time, please contact the practice.

Sometimes the doctor may want to speak with you before we can give out results.

Don’t worry — if something needs urgent attention, we will contact you directly.

Sick notes / fit notes

• If you are off work for 7 days or less, you can tell your employer yourself. This is called self-certification.
• If you are off work for more than 7 days, you will need a Sick/Fit Note (MED3 Certificate) from the GP.
• It takes 2 working days for the GP to prepare your note.
• If you need a renewal of a sick note, this also takes 2 working days.
  

How to get a sick / fit note

If you have been off work for more than 7 days:

Contact us online or speak to our reception team to request a sick/fit note.

For more information, visit the official NHS page:Taking sick leave

Do I need a note to go back to work?

No — you do not need a GP note to return to work.

Help with admin requests

Need help with things like reports, medical notes, or letters?
The quickest way is to use our online consultation system.

• Choose “I have an admin request”
  
• Your message will go straight to our team
  

This saves you waiting on the phone or coming to the surgery

Other questions or feedback

For non-medical questions, feedback, or problems you can:

• Use our contact form
• Call us
  
• Visit reception to speak with a member of our team
  

Update your details

Need to update your details?

You can contact us online and click "I have an admin request", or speak to one of our receptionists in person. 

Help for patients over 75

We have a special helpline for patients over 75.

Please ask at reception for the number.