You may be aware that our check-in screens have recently been unavailable due to a fault that was outside of our control. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
We are currently sending out our January 2026 newsletter, which contains lots of helpful patient information, including Bucks Health Services, our wonderful Berrycroft Companions, vitamins D, eating well and support for parents with poorly babies and young children. This can also be found in the Patient Leaflets & Newsletters section of this website and on Facebook.
In order to improve our services, staff training will take place on Thursday 15th January and our health centre will be closed from 1pm. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am please go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Friday 16th January.
Please note our next training afternoon will be on Wednesday 11th February 2026.
Thank you for your understanding.
Please do not come to the health centre today unless absolutely necessary. The paths and car park are very slippery. If you have to travel, please take care and wear appropriate footwear.
The paths and car park are very slippery this morning. If you are coming to the health centre, please take care and wear appropriate footwear.
Please click on the link below for the latest pharmacy opening times over Christmas and New Year 2026.
Due to unexpected staff illness, our call handling team is very short-staffed on 18th and 19th December. To help answer queries, please use our website wherever possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding if there is a delay in answering your call.
In order to improve our services, staff training will take place on Tuesday 18th November and our health centre will be closed from 1pm. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am please go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Wednesday 19th November.
Please note our next training afternoon will be on Thursday 15th January 2026.
Thank you for your understanding.
By requesting repeat prescriptions through the NHS App, your request is sent directly to your GP’s inbox, allowing it to be processed more quickly and easily.
With the NHS App you can:
Demand for GP services is currently very high, and using the NHS App helps to save valuable time, enabling your GP to focus on patient care.
The NHS App can provide instant access to the information that you need. You can find out more, and sign up, using the link below.
If you are a parent, carer, or help someone manage their repeat medication, you can request proxy access to place requests through the NHS App. Please complete an admin request, using the link below, indicating that your request is for Proxy Access. You will be contacted by email – usually within 5 working days. Children can access the NHS App from age 13.
https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/Y01964
Thank you for your support.
On Armistice Day, Tuesday 11th November, we will join the nation to pause for a two-minute silence at 11am, to reflect on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces make on our behalf.
Dear Patients,
The Government has announced a 6-month review of the current GP funding formula, to deliver fairer distribution of funding and address health inequalities.
For service provision, every GP surgery is dependent on funding which we receive from the NHS. This funding is complicated but broadly based on the number of patients and a formula called the Carr-Hill Formula which looks at rates of disease and other factors such as age, gender etc. The area of North-West Aylesbury, our catchment, contains the most deprivation in Bucks, yet it receives the lowest funding per patient in the whole of Bucks, Berkshire West and Oxfordshire. Between 2004 and 2014 there was a degree of protection given to practices in deprived areas called the MPIG (Minimum Practice Income Guarantee). From 2014 this began to be phased out by the Government, and since 2021 (just before we opened the new building) no longer exists. This has saved the NHS some money but it exposes practices like ours to severe funding stress.
We know that appointment availability is of concern to many patients, and we share those concerns. Your voice is powerful, and raising awareness at a political level can help push forward the broader changes and funding that general practice so urgently needs. Whilst we await the outcome of this review, we respectfully encourage you to contact your local MP with your concerns.
Please see the link below for further information.
Patients in poorer areas to get better access to GPs - GOV.UK
In order to improve our services, staff training will take place on Wednesday 15th October and our health centre will be closed from 1pm. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am please go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Thursday 16th October.
Please note our next training afternoon will be on Tuesday 18th November.
Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you for your feedback on our new system, launched 10th September.
We are delighted to have received many positive comments, as well as helpful suggestions on how we can further improve your experience.
Updated Start Time
To improve logistics, our online forms will now usually be available between 8am and 4pm.
· Admin request forms remain available until 4pm.
· Appointment request forms will close once we reach clinical capacity. At that point, you can either submit a form the following day or, if you feel you need to be seen that day, call NHS 111.
On training days, our forms will need to close earlier due to the decreased capacity, however they will re-open the following morning at 8am.
Should there be any further changes in these areas, we will share updates through the ‘Surgery Updates’ section on the front page of our website and via our Facebook page.
Although it is still early days, our new system appears to be helping us direct you to the right person, at the right time, first time. However, appointment availability remains limited due to the resources currently available to us.
Your voice as a patient is powerful. Raising awareness at a political level can help drive the wider changes and funding that general practice urgently needs. If you have concerns about appointment availability, you may wish to contact your local MP, who is best placed to influence positive change in this area.
Repeat prescriptions
A new form is available on our website for repeat prescription requests. However, we still recommend using the NHS App, which allows you to track your prescription from request through to collection from your pharmacy.
Sick/Fit Notes
A new form on our website will guide you through providing the information needed to support your request.
Test Results
The quickest way to view your results is via the NHS App. If you cannot use the app, you can now request results through a dedicated form on our website. If your results are normal, but you are still experiencing symptoms, please complete a form to request an appointment so that any relevant further investigations can be arranged.
All of the above forms are available on the ‘Request an Appointment or make an Admin Enquiry’ button on the front page of our website.
Here to help
If you need any assistance completing a form, our reception team will be happy to help.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to improve our service.
We are currently sending out our September 2025 newsletter containing further details of our new system from 10th September 2025. This can also be found in the Patient Leaflets & Newsletters section of this website and on Facebook.
We Have a New Way for you to Contact Us - Right person, right time, first time!
1. Same-Day Medical Request Screening—Every medical request will be looked at and reviewed by a clinician on the same day you submit it.
2. Improved Patient Access: Right Care, Right Time, First Time—Our aim is to make sure you get the right medical care at the right time, the first time you contact us.
3. No More Queues or First Come, First Served—From 7:30am each day, patients with in-ternet access will use our online form— easier and faster than phoning or visiting in person. Those unable to use the form will be able to contact us more easily, as queues on the phone and at the front desk will be reduced.
What is changing
Starting from 10th September, we are changing how you contact and get help from the health centre. From this date, all requests for a GP appointment, as well as admin queries, will need to be submitted through a special form. You can find this form on our website or, if you are unable to use the internet, you can call us or visit the health centre in person and we will complete the form with you.
The form will enable you to tell your health story or detail your admin request. Depending upon the type of request, a clinician or a team member will review your form within one working day and assign it according to priority. You will then receive either an appointment, advice on the most appropriate service, or a response to your admin enquiry within the specified timeframe.
Why are we making this change?
NHS England has asked GP practices to introduce online systems that make it easier for patients to request appointments and improve the care you receive. Our team is working hard to meet these goals. By using the online request form to share important information about your needs, our clinicians can quickly decide the most appropriate care and support for you.
Here to help!
We are here to support you with these changes. If you need help filling out the request form, just ask, and a member of the reception team will be happy to assist you. Please be patient as we all adjust to this new system. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Previous updates can be found below and on Facebook
Our new, fairer system for booking consultations and making general enquiries will go live on
10th September 2025.
Our goal is to:
• Remove long 8am telephone queues
• End early morning queues at our front desk
• Support patients who are not digitally connected
What’s Changing
All requests for appointments and admin tasks will be made using a simple online form, which outlines response timeframes. This ensures no method (phone, in-person, or online) has an unfair advantage. You can use the form to request appointments or submit admin queries such as Fit Notes, test results and private letters.
Support for All Patients
The form is quick and easy to use. For those needing help or without digital access, you can still call us or visit the health centre – our team will support you to complete the form or, if you do not have digital access, complete the form with you. With most requests submitted remotely, we expect significant reductions in our telephone and desk queues.
What to Expect After You Submit a Request
Once your request is reviewed, within the previously specified timeframe you will receive:
· An appointment or
· Advice on the most appropriate service or
· A response to your admin enquiry
Full details will be sent to all patients soon, and updates will be shared on our website and Facebook page.
Thank you for your continued support as we improve your access to care.
Missed our Initial Update? You can find it in the Surgery Updates section of our website or on Facebook, where we introduce our plans for a new, fairer system for booking consultations and making general enquiries, to be launched in the autumn.
FOR DIGITALLY CONNECTED PATIENTS
If you haven’t already done so, we strongly recommend registering for the NHS App. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ which will offer the fastest and most convenient option for booking appointments and handling admin tasks. With the app, you can:
Sign up now to help you prepare in advance for the launch of our new system. Please remember to turn on notifications, so that you can receive messages from us immediately. Managing NHS App notifications - NHS App help and support - NHS
FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE NOT DIGITALLY CONNECTED
Our new system is designed to improve fairness and accessibility for everyone. Alternative options will be available for those who do not use digital tools.
We will continue to share updates on our website and Facebook page in the coming weeks. We will also write to patients who do not have text or email access, before the launch, to keep everyone informed.
Thank you for your continued support as we improve your access to care.
We currently have a significant shortage in our reception team. This means that it will take longer to answer your calls or deal with your queries. Please be assured that we will answer your call or deal with your query as soon as we can. We apologise for any inconvenience and kindly ask for your support in treating those staff who are working with courtesy and respect.
Our July patient survey has been sent to a selection of patients to gain feedback on patient experiences in making appointments. This will help us assess access before and after the launch of our new system this autumn. If you did not receive a link and would like to contribute, you can scan the QR code or fill out a paper form in our reception area.
This survey is available until the end of the day on 5th August 2025.
Thank you for your feedback.
Following valuable feedback from patients and staff, both directly and through past surveys, we have been working closely with our local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to improve access to our health centre. We are pleased to announce that a new, fairer system for booking consultations and making general enquiries will be introduced in the autumn.
What’s Changing and Why
The new system is designed to make access easier for everyone by:
· Removing the long 8am telephone queues for appointment booking
· Ending the early morning queue at our front desk
· Providing better support for patients who are not digitally connected
How It Will Work
Our new digital triage solution will feature a brief, on-line questionnaire. An alternative solution will be available for those who are not digitally connected.
Once your request is triaged, we will contact you with:
· An appointment or
· Information on the most appropriate service for your needs.
What Happens Next
This positive change will benefit both patients and staff. We will be working hard over the coming weeks to prepare for the launch.
Thank you for your continued support as we improve your access to care.
Why We Introduced the Parking System
We understand that parking can sometimes feel stressful, and we truly appreciate your patience. Our system was introduced to solve some very real issues: patients were experiencing difficulty parking for appointments, cars struggled to exit at certain times of the day, and, most importantly, emergency vehicles needed reliable access to our site.
Free Parking for Appointments
If you have an appointment with us or with Berrycroft Dental, parking remains free during your visit, providing vehicle details are correctly entered on the touch-screen devices provided before leaving the health centre.
Double-Check Your Vehicle Registration
Please make sure the full and correct registration number is entered. For example, we are advised that sometimes the number “0” is entered instead of the letter “O” (and vice versa). Entering an incorrect registration will lead to a Parking Charge Notice (PCN). A quick check can help avoid any unnecessary issues later.
If You Receive a PCN
If you do receive a PCN, please follow the instructions on the document if you wish to appeal. We understand this can be frustrating but unfortunately, we are unable to act on your behalf. Doing so would take time away from supporting patient care and might also affect your appeal process.
Clear Information and Signage
The terms and conditions set by Creative Car Parks, who operate our car parking system, are displayed in our car park and on our website. You will also find multiple banners and posters around the building as parking reminders.
We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. This system was put in place to keep our site safe and accessible for everyone—patients, visitors, and emergency services alike.
Thank you for helping us make this possible.
We currently have a significant shortage in our reception team. This means that it will take longer to answer your calls or deal with your queries. Please be assured that we will answer your call or deal with your query as soon as we can. We apologise for any inconvenience and kindly ask for your support in treating those staff who are working with courtesy and respect.
The media is reporting that Mounjaro is now available under the NHS. It is important to know that this treatment will only be for patients with very specific criteria, over the age of 18, with a BMI of 40+, or 37.5+ if you’re from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background, and have four or more weight-related health conditions, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
We cannot offer any weight loss drug for cosmetic or general weight loss.
Weight loss support is available here https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
Please do not call the practice to enquire about this service. We know who our eligible patients are, and they will be contacted in due course.
Thank you for keeping our lines clear for those who need urgent medical help.
Our supplier has advised us that our water supply will be turned off between 10am and 2pm on Thursday 19th June.
The health centre will be open as usual, however we will have no toilet facilities. Please come prepared.
Thank you for your understanding
We currently have a significant shortage in our reception team due to sickness. This means that it will take longer to answer your calls or deal with your queries. Please be assured that we will answer your call or deal with your query as soon as we can. We apologise for any inconvenience and kindly ask for your support in treating those staff who are working with courtesy and respect.
Our supplier has advised us that our water supply will be turned off between 10am and 2pm on Tuesday 27th May.
The health centre will be open as usual, however we will have no toilet facilities. Please come prepared.
Thank you for your understanding
Please note that there is currently an issue with the above. Our website provider is working to resolve this and we will let you know once this work is complete. In the meantime, please use one of the other methods outlined on our website, noting that we would strongly recommend using the NHS App, as this enables you to view the progress of your repeat prescription.
https://www.berrycroftcommunityhealthcentre.co.uk/prescriptions
Thank you for your understanding.
Our supplier has advised us that our water supply will be turned off between 10am and 2pm on Tuesday 6th May.
The health centre will be open as usual, however we will have no toilet facilities. Please come prepared.
Thank you for your understanding
Dear Patients,
We want to begin by thanking you for being part of our community and for your continued patience and support. We understand how frustrating it can be to experience delays in accessing appointments, and we want to acknowledge the impact this may be having on you and your families.
We know many of you have shared concerns about appointment availability. For more information about the current situation, please refer to the Appointment Statement available on our website under the Patient Leaflets and Newsletters section or view the copy at our reception.
Our reception team is currently receiving a significant number of calls and comments related to appointment availability. We truly understand your frustrations and appreciate that delays can be upsetting. However, it is important to recognise that repeated negative interactions can take a toll on our staff’s wellbeing, impacting morale and staff retention—further affecting service levels and telephone wait times. We would also remind you that we have a zero-tolerance policy for abuse towards our staff.
Our team members are compassionate individuals who come to work each day to help and support you—they are mothers, fathers, children, partners—just like you. We kindly ask that everyone treats them with kindness and respect, even when situations are challenging.
For each patient who calls, it may feel like a single moment to share concerns or frustrations. However, for our reception team, hearing the same difficult messages repeatedly throughout the day can feel like a relentless barrage of negativity—and at times, rudeness—about an issue that is beyond the control of both the patient and the staff member. Currently, we are seeing around five appointment requests for every three appointments available in the local area, which unfortunately means that not everyone will be able to secure the slot they are hoping for.
Once all available appointments are booked, our reception team cannot create additional slots. However, they are trained to help you find alternative sources of support. This might include local pharmacies, NHS 111, or specialist services such as community mental health teams.
We completely understand the need to raise concerns when things don’t go as expected. If you wish to make a complaint, we ask that you do so through the appropriate channels so that we can properly address and respond. You can:
If your concern relates specifically to appointment availability, we encourage you to read the detailed Appointment Statement previously mentioned and to make your voice heard through the NHS Change Survey (open until 5pm on 14th April 2025) or by contacting your local MP. This helps ensure that feedback is directed to the places where real change can be initiated, particularly around the issue of funding for general practice.
We are aware of recent posts on social media, especially Facebook, regarding appointment frustrations. While we absolutely empathise with these concerns, social media is not a suitable platform for handling individual issues, and we do not have the capacity to monitor it. Due to patient confidentiality and the limitations of these platforms, we are unable to engage publicly. This is to protect your privacy and ensure matters are handled appropriately.
We would like to thank those who have taken the time to post constructive and encouraging feedback—this is always appreciated. However, we have had negative posts brought to our attention from individuals who are either not registered patients or are using pseudonyms. If you are a patient and have concerns, we urge you to contact us directly so that we can help you appropriately.
We do use the valuable feedback we receive through official channels to improve our services. Maintaining a respectful and trusting relationship with our patients is incredibly important to us, and we are committed to working with you to create a positive experience for all.
We acknowledge that we won’t always get everything right, but we are always ready to listen, learn, and improve. If you have encountered a problem, please let us know. The information provided will include what to do if you are unsatisfied with our response.
Thank you again for your understanding, patience, and cooperation.
Kindest regards,
Berrycroft Community Health Centre
We currently have a significant shortage in our reception team due to sickness. This means that it may take longer to answer your calls or deal with your queries. Please be assured that we will answer your call or deal with your query as soon as we can. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Dear Patients,
We are receiving an increasing number of enquiries regarding the private prescription of weight loss injections (GLP-1), such as Mounjaro and Wegovy. If you are considering these treatments privately, please review the following important information:
Medication Safety Guidelines
Private prescribing clinicians must follow established medication safety guidelines (e.g., NICE). This includes conducting proper examinations and regular patient monitoring. For weight loss medications, this should involve accurate weight measurement at initial assessments and during regular reviews. Please note that private providers are not expected to ask NHS GPs to carry out these assessments on their behalf.
Important Medication Considerations
If you are currently taking any of the following medications, please be aware that their effectiveness or side effects may change when using GLP-1 medications. If you have concerns, please discuss them directly with your private GLP-1 prescriber. In some cases, it may be advisable to avoid GLP-1 medications.
This list is not exhaustive, and we strongly advise discussing any concerns with your private GLP-1 prescriber. It is your responsibility to book necessary monitoring while on GLP-1 medications.
Contraceptive Considerations with Mounjaro
Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptive medications. It is recommended that you use a barrier method of contraception (e.g., a condom) or switch to a non-oral contraceptive method for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
If you have any questions or concerns about these treatments or medications, please contact your GP, pharmacist, or your private GLP-1 prescriber directly. Please be aware that if we receive notification that you are receiving a GLP-1a medication privately, we are unable to clinically screen your case or advise on any additional monitoring requirements you may need. Your private provider should be aware of this.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,
BCHC
For pre-booked nurse appointments at the health centre between 7:00am and 8:00am, please use the side door next to the main entrance and press the buzzer for access.
Thank you
Thank you for your patience whilst our provider worked to resolve the issue with our telephone system this morning. The disruption was caused by a server issue at one of their data centres, which has now been fully resolved.
We are currently experiencing issues with our phone lines due to a national outage beyond our control. While we are still receiving calls, you may experience longer wait times, and some calls may drop unexpectedly. Our provider is working urgently to resolve the issue and we will update you as soon as it is resolved. Thank you for your patience and support.
When calling the health centre, please see below the option numbers and telephone opening times. Please note that if you select the wrong option, you will be asked to re-dial.
1 = Test Results
2 = Prescription Enquiries - Line open Mon, Tues & Thur from 2pm to 5pm, Wed & Fri from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
3 = Appointments
4 = Registration & Deceased Patient Enquiries - Line open 11am to 3pm
5 = Insurance Enquiries - Line open 10am to 1pm
6 = On-line Access Enquiries
From Monday 3rd March, we are only able to accept samples up to 1pm, to ensure they are accurately recorded and available in time for our laboratory collection.
Please note that any samples dropped off with us need to be:
Thank you for your support and understanding.
In order to improve our services, staff training will take place on Thursday 13th February and our health centre will be closed from 1pm. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am please go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Friday 14th February.
Please note our next training date on Wednesday 12th March
Thank you for your understanding.
For reasons of clinical safety and information security we are not allowed to carry out consultations with you if you are not physically present in the UK. This includes answering written or digital requests for medical advice, and we are also not able to issue repeat prescriptions.
If you travel abroad often, or will be taking a trip outside the UK which will last for more than a couple of weeks, please plan ahead and order prescriptions in plenty of time before you travel. Please see the link below for prescription ordering information.
Prescriptions - Berrycroft Community Health Centre
If you become ill whilst abroad please seek local medical advice or contact the local British Embassy for assistance. If you receive treatment, please keep any written documentation and bring it home with you so that we can review it and put it in your medical record.
Please see the update below that has been added to the prescriptions page of our website:
From 3rd March 2025, we are making important changes to how repeat prescriptions are ordered. Going forward, we will no longer accept prescription requests via email, and pharmacies will no longer be able to order prescriptions on your behalf.
What does this mean for you?
If you request your prescription directly from the surgery, nothing will change, and your dispensing and delivery arrangements will remain unaffected. However, we will no longer process prescription requests via email after this date. To help reduce administrative steps and ensure your prescription reaches your GP’s inbox directly, we are introducing the following approved methods for ordering repeat prescriptions:
Please note: When ordering medication online, please ensure that only medication-related requests are included in your notes. Any other requests, such as appointment bookings or discussions about your health, will not be processed. For appointments or medical concerns, please contact the surgery directly using the usual methods, so we can assist you in the appropriate way.
Why is this happening?
We’ve received feedback from patients and healthcare professionals about concerns over medicine waste and the current prescription system. After reviewing the system, we found that when patients order their own prescriptions, it helps reduce waste, ensures medicines are correctly prescribed, and gives patients greater control over their medication.
Ordering directly from the surgery also eliminates unnecessary administrative steps and potential errors, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. Over-ordering medications costs the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds each year, and we believe this money should be used to provide essential health services.
Things to Consider When Ordering Medication:
We will not process prescription requests if our records show you have more than a 2-week supply of medication remaining, unless there is a specific reason for requesting it earlier. For medications that are taken ‘when required’ (e.g., pain relief), please only order more if you need a further supply.
What Happens After Ordering?
Once your prescription is ordered, the process remains the same. Your prescription will be sent to your nominated pharmacy. You can use the NHS App to track your request, see when it is approved, and change your nominated pharmacy if needed. If you haven’t nominated a pharmacy, the NHS App will generate a barcode that you can take to any pharmacy of your choice.
For more details, see: Request or View Prescriptions – NHS App Help
Please see the update below that has been added to the prescriptions page of our website:
Please note that any urgent medication will be prescribed and provided by the hospital.
Non-urgent medication: Your hospital may send us a request for a prescription recommendation. If your GP approves the request, please allow up to 10 working days for processing. Your hospital doctor is aware of this timeframe.
Urgent medication: Your hospital doctor will issue the prescription during your visit. They can prescribe for the hospital pharmacy or as an FP10 prescription for any community pharmacy. If you are unable to have your medication dispensed at the hospital pharmacy, please ask your hospital doctor for an FP10 prescription to take to your community pharmacy. Your GP will not initiate urgent prescriptions.
Please be sure to discuss any urgent medication needs with your healthcare team during your hospital visit.
Please see the update below which has been added to the prescriptions page of our website:
If you have a long-term condition, you will first be invited to a face-to-face pre-annual review appointment around your birthdate. This appointment helps us review your results and prepare for the next step. You will then be invited to a second appointment (either face to face or telephone) for your annual long-term condition and medication review with a nurse, pharmacist, or GP. This review ensures that your medications are prescribed appropriately, optimised, and are safe. You will receive up to two reminders for both appointments. If you do not book or attend these appointments, your GP will be informed and may reduce your medication supply to a two-weekly basis. This is done for patient safety and will be reversed once the annual review is completed.
In order to improve our services, staff training will take place on Tuesday 14th January and our health centre will be closed from 1pm. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am please go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Wednesday 15th January.
Please note future training dates below for your information:
Thursday 13th February
Wednesday 12th March
Thank you for your understanding.
When calling the health centre, please see below the option numbers and telephone opening times. This information can also be found on the 'Contact Us' website page. Please note that if you select the wrong option, you will be asked to re-dial.
1 = Test Results
2 = Prescription Enquiries - Line open from 10am to 1pm
3 = Appointments
4 = Registration & Deceased Patient Enquiries - Line open 11am to 3pm
5 = Insurance Enquiries - Line open 10am to 1pm
6 = On-line Access Enquiries
In response to recent security concerns and for the safety of our patients and staff, the main doors will now be locked daily from 3pm. If you have an appointment, or require access to the surgery for medical reasons after this time, please use the buzzer located by the side door to the left of the main entrance. Thank you for your understanding.
To ensure you have sufficient medication to last over the Christmas/New Year period, please ensure you have submitted your repeat medication requests by the 12th December. Any prescription requests received after the 12th December are unlikely to be processed before 4th January 2025. Thank you for your support.
Going forward, this section of the website will feature updates relevant to the daily functioning of the Health Centre. You can select the button approximately half way down our home page for our Facebook page, which will also carry these updates in addition to health advice. For instance, information about antibiotic usage, coughs and cancer awareness.
You are invited to light the UK in purple on 21st November to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. You can also choose to take on Challenge 24.
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM) - Pancreatic Cancer UK
'Mind & body' is the theme for this year's Self-Care Week. Taking time to look after ourselves can help us to live longer and healthier lives. Simple steps in self-care like getting outdoors can help both our physical and mental health, and best of all - it's FREE.
National Self-Care Week - Self Care Forum
If you have a cough for three weeks or more, a change in a cough you've had for a long time, a chest infection that doesn't get better or repeated chest infections, chest or shoulder pain that doesn't get better or a hoarse voice for three weeks or more, then make an appointment to see your GP. Also, if you're feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason, coughing up blood, losing weight for no obvious reason or feeling tired, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your GP practice. These could be potential signs of lung cancer, and while most won't be, it's important to get checked. Lung Cancer Awareness Month
It's World Diabetes Day. Across the globe, millions of people live with diabetes and good management of their condition ensures that they stay fit and healthy for the long term. World Diabetes Day
We don't often look into our mouths to check that they're healthy, but it's important to keep a look out for potential signs of mouth cancer, which can include lumps, red or white patches, and changes to the roof of your mouth. Mouth Cancer Action Month | Home | Oral Health Foundation
In order to improve our services, staff training will take place on Wednesday 13th November and our health centre will be closed from 1pm. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am please go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Thursday 14th November.
Please note that there will be no training day in December. Our January training day will be on Tuesday 14th January.
Thank you for your understanding.
Keeping warm in winter is vital to overall health and studies show that being cold (under 18 degrees indoor room temperature) has a negative effect and increases the risk of ill health, especially in those who are vulnerable. Winter vaccinations and winter health - NHS
There are some simple steps you can take to stay feeling healthy and happy through the winter. Your physical health is important, and so is your mental health. 5 ways to stay healthy in winter - BHF
Stress can cause both physical and mental symptoms. Recognising signs of stress in yourself and in others is important. Mind has a brilliant guide about the signs and symptoms of stress, and if you recognise these symptoms in yourself or others, perhaps it's time to take action to reduce your stress. Signs and symptoms of stress - Mind
On Armistice Day, Monday 11th November, we will join the nation to pause for a two-minute silence at 11am, to reflect on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces make on our behalf.
As the cost of living increases and more people become vulnerable, there's an increased risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition happens when people don't have access to enough food, a well-balanced diet or where their body isn't able to absorb all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. UK Malnutrition Awareness Week | BAPEN
The theme of this year's Anti-Bullying Week is 'choose respect'. This week encourages us to respect individuals and ensure we treat others with thought and kindness. Anti-Bullying Week 2024: Choose Respect
The National Bullying Helpline is available to give advice and to offer support, regardless of your age, if you're suffering from bullying. About the National Bullying Helpline
Children aged 2-3 can get their flu vaccination from their GP surgery now. For children who are in an at-risk group, you can book an appointment through the surgery if you don't want to wait for the schools' programme. Children's flu vaccine - NHS
** Update - EMIS have corrected the issue and our systems are now running normally. Thank you for your patience. **
Our clinical system EMIS is currently out of service, this is a national fault beyond our control. This means that we are unable to book appointments or see patient records.
EMIS are aware of the issue and are working to get the system back up and running ASAP.
There may be delays in us being able to book/see patients, so please be patient with our staff when calling or visiting the surgery today. We will update you when we are up and running.
Thank you for your support.
It's Movember; time to grow the 'mo' to raise awareness of men's issues such as mental health, suicide, prostate cancer and testigular cancer. Movember - Changing the face of men's health - Movember
One in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime; do you know the warning signs? Symptoms of a stroke - NHS
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke. Keeping physically active, choosing sensible food and drink and keeping an eye on your blood pressure are all steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a TIA or stroke. World Stroke Campaign | World Stroke Organization
You can easily find your NHS number through your NHS app, or by using the Find your NHS number service. Find your NHS number - NHS
Support from those who understand is incredibly important if you're diagnosed with cancer. Breast Cancer Now helps those who are newly diagnosed and those who have been dealing with their diagnosis for some time.
We're Breast Cancer Now | Breast Cancer Now
By being active, you can reduce your risk of breast cancer by up to 20%. See how small changes can make a big difference.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Breast Cancer UK
This month, take the opportunity to think about how you can maintain a healthy level of cholesterol throughout your life. Diet and other factors like your weight, smoking and alcohol consumption can all make a difference.
National Cholesterol Month 2024
ADHD is often being discussed in the media at the moment. It's important to recognise that ADHD can significantly impact the important relationships in your life. ADHDAwarenessMonth 2024
ADHD is a form of neurodiversity. 'Neurodiversity' is a word used to explain the unique ways in which people's brains work, meaning that someone's brain works in a different way to the 'average' or neurotypical brain. Neurodiversity can bring challenges, but it can also bring advantages. October is ADHD awareness month - ADHD Aware
For 2024's World Osteoporosis Day, let's focus on the things that we can do to reduce our risk of osteoporosis. Walking, running , climbing stairs, lifting weights and joining a gym are all brilliant ways to help you minimise your risk of osteoporosis.
World Osteoporosis Day October20
For 2024, World Menopause Day focuses on Menopause Hormone Therapy to help and support women experiencing the menopause. With 50% of the population being affected by menopause at some point in their lives, we can help to improve that transition.
World Menopause Day 2024 - International Menopause Society (imsociety.org)
In order to improve our services, staff training will be taking place on Thursday 17th October and our health centre will be closed from 1pm. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am please go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Friday 18th October.
Please note that our November training day will be on Wednesday 13th November.
Thank you for your understanding.
Update: This issue has now been resolved and we are now receiving registration emails again. Thank you for your patience.
We have been informed, by the external team that registers new patients with the NHS, that there is currently an ongoing issue where patient registration emails sent to practices are being delayed.
We received some new registration forms during Friday, so believe that the issue started either later in the day on Friday or during Monday. We are advised that all submissions sent will be re-processed once the incident is resolved, and that the team is working to fix the problem as fast as possible.
This issue is beyond our control, however we can advise that patients are still able to register at our reception desk. We will let you know once the situation is resolved.
Thank you for your understanding.
Why a new parking system?
Introduced on 20th August 2024, the new system ensures free parking for patients with appointments at the health centre and visitors to the dentist and Reena Café, while maintaining access for ambulances and emergency vehicles. A ten-minute grace period allows for those dropping off a patient or prescription request. This grace period begins when you enter the car park and ends when you leave, allowing you to do so safely.
How did we inform patients?
Patients were notified on 6th August. Additionally, we posted updates on our website and Facebook page. The car park has 19 signs outlining the rules, and considerable additional signage is placed throughout the building, including at reception, check-in screens, and in clusters. Staff also remind patients to sign in when possible.
What if I get a PCN?
If you forget to enter your car registration, you need to follow the instructions on the PCN notice as appeals are handled by an external company. You can however contact us for an appointment printout to support your appeal.
We are unable to intervene further, however we hope you can see that this system has been introduced for the right reasons and we have made every effort to keep patients informed.
Have you considered a career as an Allied Health Professional (AHP)? There are 15 unique roles that make up the AHP community, including emergency response, podiatry and physiotherapy amongst others. We are allied health professionals | Health Careers
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be debilitating for those who experience it. OCD is an anxiety disorder. Support and understanding can help to make this condition easier to live with. OCD Awareness Week (rethink.org)
Putting your mental health first is important! If you need additional support, you can find the help you need here: Mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
'No mind left behind' is the theme of this year's World Mental Health Day, ensuring that anyone experiencing poor mental health gets the support and treatment they need. World Mental Health Day - Mind
Losing a baby at any stage of pregnancy can be devastating. Baby Loss Awareness Week aims to highlight the number of people that loss affects, and to ensure that the impact is not forgotten. Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss (babyloss-awareness.org)
Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your overall health, reducing your long-term risks of many health conditions. Ex-smokers report having more energy, feeling healthier and benefitting from improved breathing after just two weeks! https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Did you know that if you stay smoke free for just 28 days, you're five times more likely to quit for good? Why not try it this October? You can find a local stop smoking support service here: https://www.nhs.uk/.../find-your-local-stop-smoking-service/
Have you ever thought about going sober for October? Giving up alcohol for a short period can be beneficial, and longer term an overall reduction in the amount of alcohol you drink can have health benefits. Go Sober | Macmillan Cancer Support Why not try giving up alcohol for the next 31 days? You may find you benefit from better sleep, improved immunity and a sharper memory.
Dyspraxia is a condition that can affect fine and/or gross motor skills. Intellectual ability is in line with the general public, but individuals may have physical challenges that affect their daily lives. Dyspraxia (DCD) - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
Your life, your choices. No one else should have any input regarding what contraception you choose, and choosing the right one for you can be difficult. Hormonal contraception, barrier methods and more are available to you, and it’s important that you choose the right one. Your GP or local sexual health clinic can help you decide what might be right for you, and they can discuss possible outcomes with you.
https://www.your-life.com/en
A woman’s right to choose the number, timing and spacing of her children is fundamental. World Contraception Day aims to ensure that women all over the world are given access to methods of contraception.
https://www.unfpa.org/events/world-contraception-day
This year is the 30th year of the Organ Donor Register, so the focus is on the impact that organ donation has had on so many lives so far, and to say thank you to all the people who have donated organs. This Organ Donation Week, the theme is ‘paint the sky pink’ and pink lights will represent organ donation to say thank you to those who have donated. Recognising the importance of organ donation is crucial, and organ donation will continue to save many lives in the future.
https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-ca.../turn-the-skies-pink-for-organ-donation-week/
Two million people in the UK are struggling with sight loss that’s severe enough to impact their daily life. Making sure you’re attending your eye tests and regularly checking on your eyesight can prevent it from getting any worse. Sight issues can cause eye strain and headaches, and can cause issues more complex than just your eye health. Making sure you’re taking care of your eyes is important, and if you’re often in front of screens, you could try buying blue-light glasses, which can help to preserve the health of your eyes.
https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/
1 in 7 people live with migraines consistently. Often being thought of as ‘headaches’, migraines are actually a neurological disorder. Migraines can affect not just your head but also your vision, awareness and ability to complete day-to-day tasks. Migraines can also affect your stomach, and cause vomiting and nausea. Migraines are painful and there isn’t really a cure, but taking pain medication and over-the-counter painkillers can help.
https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/what-do-we-currently-know-about-migraine/
In order to improve our services, staff training will be taking place on Thursday 19th Spetmeber, from 1pm. The surgery will be closed. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am plesae go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Friday 20th September.
Thank you for your understanding.
Please click the link for infomration and guidance regarding your Blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Poster due 9.09 1.pdf
🌎 Did you know? 🌍
All used inhalers need to be returned to a pharmacy to be disposed of safely. Inhalers should not be put in waste bins as they can be harmful to the environment. 😞
In some cases, pharmacies have access to inhaler recycling, which means the plastic and gases can be recycled. 👍
"Don't forget to return your used inhaler to your pharmacist"
Important Announcement from Berrycroft Community Health Centre regarding withdrawal of unfunded service.
For some time, we have been providing an unfunded post-operative wound care service for the convenience of our patients, despite the funding to provide post operative care being received by the hospitals. This service has been especially valuable for those who need regular care but struggle to get to Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
We regret that due to increasing demands on our nursing team and financial pressures on NHS General Practice overall (https://www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-centre/responding-to-the-new-gp-contract-for-202425
We can no longer continue to provide this service for which the hospital receives payment as continuing to do so compromises our ability to deliver our core General Practice Services.
What does this mean for you?
Thank you for your understanding and support.
We have recently become aware of concerns raised by two patients on Facebook regarding their experiences at our health centre. As we do not have the capacity to actively monitor social media, these concerns only came to our attention when a very positive thread, featuring many supportive comments from our patients, was shared with us. We are grateful for these encouraging remarks, which have been shared with our team.
We greatly value all feedback and use it to enhance patient experiences. However, social media platforms like Facebook are not suitable for addressing individual concerns or complaints. Even when comments come to our attention, these platforms may not fully capture the complete context and are written subjectively. Due to the importance of patient confidentiality, we are unable to engage in any discussion on such public platforms.
Such communications can strain the relationship between the Health Centre and the patient. We trust you understand the challenges of providing care when there is uncertainty about what might be shared on social media. It is important to use the appropriate channels to address and resolve concerns and complaints effectively.
We acknowledge that we may not always get everything right and, if you have encountered an issue, we encourage you to let us know directly so that we can use any learning to improve our services and your patient experience. For more information about how to raise a concern or complaint, please ask for a leaflet in our health centre or search ‘How to raise a concern or make a complaint’ on our website. You will also find information there detailing what to do if you are unhappy with our response.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease (a disease with an unclear cause that is characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system) that causes inflammation in the body.
Lots of information can be found on the National Psoriasis Foundation website, please use this link The National Psoriasis Foundation.
We experienced a nationwide IT outage yesterday that was beyond our control. Unfortunately, this also impacted our ability to update and communicate with you through our website. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we worked to resolve the issue.
Please note that parking restrictions apply to all visitors to our site, including customers of Reena Cafe and Berrycroft Dental. Please read the parking notices on display from 20th August and ensure you enter your vehicle details on the touch screen devices provided before you exit the Health Centre, including your full, correct vehicle registration.
Further to our communication yesterday, please be advised that our new car parking system includes a ten-minute grace period for dropping off a patient or prescription. This grace period begins when you enter the car park and ends when you leave, allowing you to do so safely.
For those with multiple appointments requiring a longer stay, our system accommodates extended parking as long as those attending our health centre have registered their vehicle details.
PLEASE NOTE
With effect from Tuesday 20th August, Berrycroft Community Health Centre is implementing a car park monitoring system. This scheme is managed by Creative Car Parks. All vehicles will be photographed upon entry and exit.
Why are we doing this?
To ensure patients with appointments at Berrycroft Community Health Centre have ample parking space and to guarantee access for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Please note that Berrycroft Community Health Centre do not receive any income from this initiative.
Patients and Visitors:
General Public:
Creative Car Parks Terms and Conditions:
We use ANPR, CCTV, and manual patrols to monitor this private property. We may contact the DVLA to request the Registered Keeper’s details to issue a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
There are different types of alopecia, and various medical conditions that cause hair loss. More information on some of the most common hair loss conditions can be found on the Alopecia UK website.
To learn more please use this link https://www.alopecia.org.uk/ it offers support and advice, research information, news and events, ‘how to get involved’, FAQs page and much more.
Please click the link to watch the video on GP's are on your side: GPs Are on Your Side: a message for patients in England | British Medical Association (youtube.com)
Ensuring your skin is kept safe whilst in the sun is very important to prevent issues like cancer. The most effective ways of keeping yourself protected are using suncream, staying in the shade and wearing covering clothing. It’s important that your sun cream is at least SPF30, and UVA approved with 4 or 5 stars. It’s also important to remember that it’s not just hot weather that can burn you, and even if it doesn’t look sunny outside, the UV may still be high.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
We have been notified that our IT systems are now back up and running. However, due to the outage on Friday and over the weekend, we have a backlog of appointments and prescriptions to catch up on. It may therefore take slightly longer to process prescriptions and this may also affect appointment availability so we would appreciate it if you could contact us with anything less urgent later on in the week. Thank you to all our patients for your understanding and we apologise for any inconvenience the national IT issue may have caused.
In order to improve our services, staff training will be taking place today, Wednesday 10th July, from 1pm. The surgery will be closed. For urgent help between 1pm and 8am plesae go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.
We will re-open as usual at 8am on Thursday 11th July.
Thank you for your understanding.
The health centre will be closed on Wednesday 5th June, from 1pm, for our monthly training afternoon. If you require assistance after this time, please contact 111. We will re-open as usual on Thursday 6th June.
Our next training afternoon will be Wednesday 10th July.
Thank you for your understanding.
The health centre will be closed on Tuesday 14th May, from 1pm for our monthly training afternoon. If you require assistance after this time, please contact 111. We will re-open as usual on Wednesday 15th May.
Our next training afternoon will be Wednesday 5th June.
Thank you for your understanding.
You can give feedback on your care, whether good or bad, in a number of ways.
CQC have a facility on their website at cqc.org.uk/give-feedback-on-care. You can easily locate it by searching 'CQC give feedback on care' on google.
We are now able to process prescriptions to the new Jardines Pharmacy on Berryfields. If you would like to change your nominated pharmacy, you can do this on the NHS app, or you can let us know when you order your next prescription. Our team are currently working through our list of patients that have already advised us that they would like to change to this new pharmacy.
Berrycroft Community Health Centre is not offering the Covid-19 spring booster vaccine. However, there are other ways to arrange a vaccine:
Remember: If you are aged 75+, or are at high risk due to being immunosuppressed, you don't have to wait for an NHS invite to book a Covid-19 spring booster vaccine: You can book now using the above telephone number and link.
Community pharmacy opening hours for the 6 May Bank Holiday have now been published. Please see the documents for further details:
Pharmacies are only listed if they have notified NHS England that they will be open.
A map of the pharmacies that will be open on the Bank Holidays can be found here.
The new Jardines Pharmacy on Berryfields is not currently showing on the NHS England site and the linked computer system. We are therefore currently unable to forward prescriptions to this location. We have notified the pharmacy in order that they can take any appropriate action and we will action any change of pharmacy requests as soon as their information is accessible to us. In the meantime, please continue to request and collect your prescriptions from your current pharmacy. Thank you for your patience and understanding whilst the pharmacy works to resolve the issue.
Thank you for your patience yesterday whilst we experienced issues beyond our control with our telephone system. Please be assured that we are actively monitoring the situation today. It appears that the problem has been resolved at present.
We are currently experiencing issues with our telephone system which are beyond our control. Incoming calls are now being diverted to a temporary number which may cause some delays for callers. If you select the call back option, we will contact you as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience and understanding whilst we work hard to resolve this issue.
We have released a statement which details the reasons for the current appointment issues, what we are doing about the problem and what patients can do to help. This can be found in the drop down menu on the front page of this website, under Patient leaflets & Newsletters.
Please remember that your local pharmacist can help with seven common conditions, which are:
The health centre will be closed on Wednesday 7th February, from 1pm for our monthly training afternoon. If you require assistance after this time, please contact 111. The practice will re-open as usual on Thursday 8th February.
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Tuesday 14th May 2024
Thank you for your understanding.
Please be aware that we are currently experiencing a high volume of calls from patients seeking appointments for cough and cold viruses. This surge in demand is limiting the availablity of appointments for those with urgent medical needs.
In line with guidance from the Royal College of General Practitioners, we kindly ask that you consider three important questions before requesting an appointment:
1: Can I manage my symptoms through self-care measures?
2: Is it possible to find relevant information and advice on the NHS website?
3: Have I consulted with a pharmacist for guidance on managing my symptoms?
By asking yourself these questions, you can help ensure that our limited appointment slots are reserved for patients who truly require immediate medical attention.
If your condition is urgent or worsening, please dont hesitate to contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this busy time.
We currently have significant GP shortages due to sickness. This means that we have very limited appointments today which will only be allocated to those with urgent need. Please consider using other services such as Ask First, NHS 111 or your local pharmacy wherever possible. We apologise for any inconvenience.
The health centre will be closed on Wednesday 17th January, from 1pm for our monthly training afternoon. If you require assistance after this time, please contact 111. The practice will re-open as usual on Thursday 18th January.
Wednesday 7th February 2024
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Tuesday 14th May 2024
Thank you for your understanding.
Please see this link for expert advice from the NHS, on helping babies and young children when they are unwell. CCG_Booklet_21_v1.1_g (icb.nhs.uk)
Thank you for your understanding this lunchtime as we checked reasons for accessing the health centre car park. This was to ensure those parking were patients with business at the health centre. This followed on from a previous experience where there was gridlock, with patients missing appointments, others queueing for up to an hour to leave the car park and no ambulance access should this have been required. We did have spaces remaining today, however this would not have been the case had we not turned away approximately 75 cars. Thank you once again for your understanding.
Due to clinical staff sickness, we are currently having to operate a limited service with skeleton staff and believe this may continue throughout this week. Our remaining staff are doing everything they can to see as many patients as possible. Please consider using other services such as Ask First, NHS 111 or your local pharmacy wherever possible. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Following recent incidents of aggressive behaviour towards staff, we have taken the decision to change our door opening policy.
Our NHS contract requires us to be available to the public between the hours of 8am and 6.30pm, either in person or by telephone. At present the health centre is open from 7am for pre-booked nurse appointments only. However, we are experiencing an increasing number of patients arriving from this time with other enquiries or waiting to join the appointment queue.
From Monday 27th November 2023 the main doors will remain closed until 8am. Only patients with pre-booked nurse appointments will be admitted to the building before 8am. Access for these patients will be possible by pressing the intercom buzzer located at the small entrance door to the left of the main surgery entrance.
The receptionist will only permit access, before 8am, to patients with a pre-booked nurse appointment.
On this day, we will also be changing the time we open our phone lines from 8.30am to 8am.
Therefore, all appointments will be available to be booked at the same time each day, whether in person or on the telephone, which means our current ticketing system will no longer be used.
Paper prescription requests can be posted in the drop-off box to the right of the main door throughout the day at any time, however we encourage, where possible, that patients request their prescriptions electronically via the NHS app.
Appointment requests and all other enquiries will be dealt with from 8am onwards.
We have listened to your feedback regarding the appointment booking system and we hope that these changes will solve the current issues.
We thank you for your understanding.
The practice will be closed on Wednesday 15th November, from 1pm, for our monthly training afternoon. If you require assistance after this time, please contact 111. The practice will re-open as usual on Thursday 16th November.
There will be no training afternoon in December. Future training dates are as follows:
Wednesday 17th January 2024
Wednesday 7th February 2024
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Thank you for your understanding.
The practice will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday 11th October from 1pm, for our monthly training afternoon. If you require assistance after this time, please contact 111. The practice will re-open as usual on Thursday 12th October. Thank you for your understanding.
We are now offering all patients an option of support in getting set up and using online apps. AskFirst and the NHS App allow you to complete tasks online without having to ring the surgery, like looking at your medical record and test results, requesting prescriptions, checking your referral and many more!
By using the digital assistant, you will be able to access step by step guides on how to download and/or use functionalities within our online apps.
Due to high levels of sickness within our clinical team, we apologise that our appointment slots were very limited today. Please consider using other services such as Ask First, NHS 111 or your local pharmacy wherever possible. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.
