Appointments


Routine Appointments

You can request a routine appointment in the next 7 days by:

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.

Urgent Appointments

You can request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday) by:
We will respond within 48 hours when we are open. Monday to Friday, see our opening hours

  • Visiting the surgery and speak with a receptionist
    We are open Monday to Friday. 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.

Your Appointment

However you choose to contact us we may offer you a consultation:

  • By phone
  • Face-to-face at the surgery
  • On a video call
  • By text or email

Appointments by phone, video call or by text or email can be more flexible and often means the doctor or nurse can help you sooner.

We usually provide a telephone appointment and then offer a face-to-face appointment if needed.  However, if you prefer a face-to-face appointment, please tell us. 

If you need help with your appointment, please tell us:

  • If there’s a specific doctor, nurse or another health professional you would prefer to respond
  • If you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
  • If you need an interpreter
  • If you have any other access or communication needs.

Chaperones

We are committed to maintaining professional standards. For certain examinations during consultations an impartial observer, called a chaperone, will be required. 

This impartial observer will be a practice Nurse, Health Care Assistant or chaperone trained receptionist who is familiar with the procedure and be available to reassure and raise any concerns on your behalf. If a chaperone is unavailable at the time of your consultation, then your examination may be re-scheduled for another time. 

You are free to decline any examination or chose an alternative examiner or chaperone. You may also request a chaperone for any examination or consultation if one is not offered to you. The GP may not undertake an examination if a chaperone is declined. 

 The role of a chaperone: 

  • Maintains professional boundaries during intimate examinations. 
  • Acknowledges a patient’s vulnerability. 
  • Provides emotional comfort and reassurance. 
  • Assists in the examination. 
  • Assists with undressing patients, if required. 

Cancelling or changing an appointment

It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient. If you fail to notify the Practice that you are unable to attend, you will be sent a letter informing you that you have defaulted from your appointment. Persistent defaulters maybe removed from the list.

You can also complete our appointment cancellation notification request form. This can only be used if your appointment has been arranged for more than 24 hours in advance. (excluding weekends and public holidays). You can also text to cancel your appointment.

Cancel your appointment online

When we are closed

NHS 111

If you are very unwell and you cannot wait until the surgery has opened, please call NHS 111 by dialling 111, and they will be able to advise on the care that you need. They can organise emergency services or an ambulance if needed. The NHS 111 is staffed by fully trained advisers supported by experienced nurses, pharmacists, and doctors. The NHS 111 service is available if you require urgent medical help, but it is not a life-threatening situation.

Late Night Pharmacies

As qualified healthcare professionals, community pharmacists can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example, they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

All pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

You can find out your nearest open pharmacy on the NHS.uk website.  Once you have searched for the location, you can select ‘only show pharmacies open now’ if you are searching outside of usual business hours.

Extended Access Service

Sheringham Medical Practice provides bookable appointments outside the core hours under the new ‘Enhanced Access’ contract. We offer a range of general practice services including routine services such as well woman screening, vaccinations, and health checks, in line with patient preference. There is a mix of Face to Face and Telephone Consultations. The ‘Enhanced Access’ hours will be as follows:

  • Monday – 18:30 – 20:00
  • Wednesday – 07:00 – 08:00
  • Thursday – 18:30 – 20:00
  • One Saturday a month between 09:00-17:00

This is part of a coordinated initiative across our Primary Care Network to provide additional appointments within the new National Primary Care Network Core Hours to the benefit of all of our patient populations. Sheringham is part of the NN1 Primary Care Network which includes Fakenham, Holt, and Sheringham Medical Practices.