Urgent appointments
To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday):
- use our appointment request form
If you are unable to use the online consultation:
- phone us on 0121 465 5739, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm
- visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6pm
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 Appointment Process
The next category of appointments involves assessments within 2-5 working days, as determined by the on-call doctor. Our reception team will typically call you on the day of submission to confirm your appointment.
Routine appointments
To request a routine appointment in the next 4 weeks:
- use our appointment request form
For routine clinical queries, we strive to contact you within 48 hours to confirm an appointment within the next two weeks.
If you are unable to use the online consultation:
- phone us on 0121 465 5739, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm
- visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6pm
- book your screening test or vaccination using your NHS account
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
What happens once my information has been submitted?
The on-call doctor determines the best appointment option based on your clinical needs and expressed preferences.
Is it quicker to phone?
The time it takes for a clinician to review the submitted form remains consistent, regardless of whether you call, visit the practice, or submit the request online.
How can I support the practice?
It’s beneficial for us to know if you prefer in-person consultations, any times you’re unavailable to attend, and if you have a preference for a specific clinician. This information helps us better meet your needs and preferences when scheduling appointments.
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
To cancel your appointment:
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- using the GP online system – Patient Access
- phone us on 0121 465 5739, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm
- reply CANCEL to your appointment reminder text message
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
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 8am as possible.
Extended Access
Evening and weekend appointments are available at the Oaks Medical Centre for patients who are registered with The Dove Medical Practice, as part of a government initiative. Appointments must be booked in advance through The Dove Medical Practice and are available:
– Monday – 6.30pm to 8pm
– Tuesday – 6.30pm to 8pm
– Wednesday – 6.30pm to 8pm
– Thursday – 6.30pm to 8pm
– Friday – 6.30pm to 8pm
– Saturday – 9am to 1pm
– Sunday – 10am to 1pm
Please be aware that this is not a walk-in service – you must have an appointment.
Clinics will be held at the Oaks Medical Centre.