Appointments

Urgent appointments

To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday):

We will respond within 48 hours when we are open. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm.

The receptionist will complete the identical online form that you would typically complete independently. However, please note that the process may incur longer waiting times due to potential queues in the call system.

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.

Routine appointments

To request a routine appointment in the next 7 days:

The receptionist will complete the identical online form that you would typically complete independently. However, please note that the process may incur longer waiting times due to potential queues in the call system.

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.

All requests are overseen by our Care Coordinating team, who collaborate closely with our clinical team to assess the information provided by the patient. It is important to note that our service is not intended for emergencies.

We strive to address all inquiries within a timeframe of two working days.

If you need help now, but it’s not an emergency, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

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 you get help sooner.

Cancelling or changing an appointment

If you are cancelling an appointment for the same day, please let us know as soon as possible.

To cancel your appointment:

If you need help when we are closed

If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or call 111.

NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

If you need help with your appointment

Please tell us:

  • if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other 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 member of staff 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. 

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. 

Home visits

If you are housebound and need an appointment, we will do a home visit. We will phone you first to understand what you need.

To request a home visit, it’s helpful if you phone the practice as soon after 8.30am as possible.

Extended Access

We offer extended opening hours on Monday evenings at alternate surgeries. Appointments can be booked from 6.30pm – 7.20pm.

Improved access appointments are available at Primary Care Hub sites at Cromer, Fakenham, and North Walsham (Birchwood) Surgeries. Any patient, registered at any North Norfolk GP surgery can access these appointments at these locations.

The opening hours are 6.30pm – 8pm on weekdays and 9am – 12pm at weekends.

Please note that this is not a walk-in or emergency service, appointments must be arranged prior to arrival.

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.

Find a pharmacy