Urgent Care

We have a dedicated Urgent Care Team who deliver all of our ‘on the day’ care for urgent, high priority medical problems. This team is made up of GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Paramedics, Physiotherapists and Mental Health Practitioners.

Routine Appointments

Important Patient Update – Changes from 1st October 2025

From 1st October 2025, all GP practices in the UK must follow new requirements set out in the GP contract. We are required to make changes to the way our booking system currently operates. This means there are changes to how you will access appointments at Ash Trees Surgery.

Why is this change happening?

• The change is part of NHS England’s commitment to improving patient access.
• Contractual changes with the Government GP contracts.
• Many patients requests can be safely managed online, often with a reply within hours.
• This avoids long waits on the phone and ensures appointments go to those most in need.

What does this mean for you, as a patient of Ash Trees Surgery?

• Instead of phoning the practice directly, you can now request routine appointments using an online triage form.
• The form can be completed on a smartphone, the NHS App, or our practice website. Here, you will provide details about your symptoms or admin request. You can download the NHS app on the QR code above or via the link here – 
• A senior clinician will review your form and decide the most appropriate next step.

How will we respond?

Once assessed, we will contact you to explain how your request will be managed. This may include:

• A face-to-face or telephone appointment with a member of our team.
• Signposting you to a more suitable service.
• Providing healthcare advice or digital guidance without the need for you to come into practice.

Support for patients

• If you cannot access the form online, our reception team will still be available by phone to help guide you through completing online form.

How to help us help you

To make sure we can triage your request effectively, please provide:

• How long you’ve had your symptoms.
• The severity and impact on your daily life.
• Any treatment you’ve already tried.
• Only include one problem per form.
• Keep your phone, email, and text details up to date so we can contact you with your preferred method of contact in a timely manner.

Appointment types available

• Same day – for urgent requests/problems (we will contact you to confirm your same day urgent appointment).
• Within 1 week – for less urgent needs.
• Within 4 weeks – for routine appointment requests. 

Out of hours

• Ash Trees Surgery is open Monday to Friday during our core hours of 08:00 – 18:30. Please note you will not be able to submit a request for an routine appointment outside of our core times.
• For advice when we are closed, please contact NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

Message from Ash Trees Surgery

Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. We want to ensure you feel supported as we move through this time of transition. These changes are as new for us as a practice, as they are new for you as our patients.

We anticipate there may be some challenges along the way, but we’re confident that together we can embrace these changes positively and continue to provide the best possible care for our community.

All members of staff are strictly bound by the NHS code of confidentiality so you can discuss your needs with them in complete confidence.