Welcome to the Forest Practice

Help us to help you

If you have a health concern please contact reception to arrange a
telephone appointment with a clinician

or alternatively you may prefer to contact us via our new online service Doctorlink;

Click here for more information and to register Doctorlink

Please read our Newsletter for the latest information about our services

Spring Newsletter

Covid-19 Vaccination update 22.3.21

You may have seen news coverage about vaccine supplies over the coming weeks.

From now until 29.3.21 our GP run vaccination centre at Buckhurst Way Clinic will still be delivering vaccinations to people in the top priority cohorts.

This includes everyone aged 50 or over, eligible carers and those in vulnerable groups.

If you are one of these patients you can also choose to book a vaccination on line at the National Booking System or by calling NHS 119 between 7am and 11pm.

Any first dose vaccinations already booked to take place in April via the National Booking System will still go ahead as planned

Second doses

Everyone who is due to have a second dose of either the Pfizer or Astra-Zeneca vaccine between 29.3.21 and the end of April will receive their second dose. If you had your first dose at our GP run vaccination centre then we will contact you when it is time for your next appointment. There is no need for you to call us.

If you booked your first vaccination at a Pharmacy or large vaccination centre through the National Booking system or by calling 119, you should already have a second dose appointment in your diary. You should attend that appointment as planned.

Booking your appointment at Buckhurst Way clinic

If you receive a message from us on your mobile please access the link promptly to book your appointments as there are a limited number of appointments available for each delivery of vaccine that is received. In some cases the mobile number may be for a relative so please make sure they are aware to watch for any message from us.

The second dose of vaccine will be administered up to 12 weeks later in line with the updated guidance and will be given at the same site as your first vaccination.

Please access the links below for more information.

Up to date information about COVID vaccinations

Covid vaccine priority poster- shows how practices will decide when to invite patients for their covid vaccine

JCVI advice on priority groups for Covid 19 vaccine

Why do I have to wait for my Covid-19 vaccine? - information about Covid-19 vaccine supplies

Why am I having to wait longer for my second immunisation? - link to statement from Joint Committee on Vaccination and immunisation

Essex Covid Vaccine website - developed to give patients across Southend Essex and Thurrick key information about Covid vaccination including who is eligible and how you can get it.

If you are recovering from Covid 19 then we recommend the NHS Your Covid Recovery website which has lots of helpful information and tips to aid your recovery.

Accessing Medical care and support

Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home such as order a repeat prescription or cancel an appointment.

In response to the current pandemic we have introduced telephone triage and Doctorlink triage for all requests. The Doctor will contact you to discuss if your problem can be safely managed through remote consultation by phone or video call. If you need a face to face appointment we have arranged surgery times to avoid large numbers of patients being gathered together and our reception team will direct you as you enter and leave the building.

Please click on the link for more information regarding Video calls and Photographs used in remote consulting

All patients attending the surgery are asked to wear a Face covering, please let the Receptionist know if you do not have a suitable covering/mask.

Please click on the link below for information for people who are exempt from wearing face coverings

Coronavirus Face Covering Exemption Guidance

We are grateful for your co-operation in maintaining social distancing if you are asked to attend the surgery in order to protect yourselves and our staff.

Partners in Care

Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction. We will be arranging our next Patient Participation group meeting as soon as the current measures are eased.

Access

Pyrles Lane has wheelchair access, lift and toilet facilities. Our branch surgery at Station Road has disabled toilet facilities and limited parking.

Immunisations

Calling all parents and expectant mothers! Please ensure your children are up to date with their immunisations, more important now than ever as the lockdown eases. Contact our reception team to book an appointment with the nurse. 

Safeguarding Children and Adults

All staff are committed to protecting Vulnerable patients from harm and where necessary we will work together with other agencies to achieve this.

If you are worried about a child or Vulnerable Adult please speak to the Doctor or nurse about your concerns.