Non-Urgent Appointments

If your issue can safely wait more than five days, or you need to see a member of the Nursing Team or Physiotherapist, you can book an appointment directly through reception. 

Non-urgent appointments can be booked online via our NHS app or SystmOnline account. Please see our 'About Online Services' page for more details. (Please note that online appointment booking will be temporarily suspended from 2nd June 2025 whilst we introduce a new appointment booking system - see 'Urgent Appointments' below)

Urgent Appointments

If you feel that you need to be seen by a GP within 5 days, instead of booking directly, a receptionist will take details about your symptoms. A trained clinician will then review your request and decide the best next step (please try and provide as much information as possible when requesting the appointment to help the clinician assess you quickly). 

Appointment Requests can Be made by phone, in person at the practice or online

Requests made online, in person and via the telephone will be treated equally and reviewed throughout the day.

All requests made before 12 noon will be actioned the same day (requests made after this time will either be dealt with the same day if clinically urgent or added to the list for assessment the next morning – no need for you to call back).

After a clinician has reviewed your request you will be contacted by phone or text. If you would prefer to receive an electronic booking link for an appointment rather than a call back then let us know when you make the request.

All consultations with GPs and Nurse Practitioners are of 10 minute duration. If you wish to discuss more than one issue please request a double appointment.

Appointment duration with our Practice Nurses and Healthcare Assistant varies according to the appointment type.

Patients have a right to express a preference of clinician. Where possible we will accommodate this request.

Please note that we are not licensed to treat dental problems (including providing antibiotics for dental problems). If you have a dental problem you must visit a dentist. Patients without a dentist or who require emergency dental treatment should call NHS 111.

Church Lane Medical Centre sends automatic appointment reminders to all of our patients with recorded mobile numbers in a text message. We may also text you from time to time if we are unable to get in contact with you or to inform you that you are due for a review or eligible for a vaccination. 

If you DO NOT wish to receive text messages please inform a member of staff. 

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. 

You may request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Please note, lack of transport is not an acceptable reason for requesting a home visit.

A clinician will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

Please attend your appointment on time, if you are late you may not be seen. If you are not seen you will not be able to rearrange your appointment until the next working day-except in the event of an medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

For patients who do not have English as their first langauge, the practice is able to offer translation services for appointments. Please note we need to be informed prior to your appointment in order to arrange this and you will need to book a longer appointment.