Urgent appointments
To request an urgent appointment for today during opening times:
- Phone us on 01635 248251
When you get in touch, a care coordinator will ask what you need help with.
We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.
Routine appointments
To request a routine appointment in advance during opening times:
- phone us on 01635 248251
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) or Patient Access to book an appointment.
- When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
- We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.
Pharmacy
Your GP Practice can make a Pharmacy First referral appointment for seven conditions – our care coordinators can arrange this for you. Or you can self refer if you prefer.
Details of referred conditions under the Pharmacy first scheme (PDF).
Musculoskeletal (MSK) triage
You can now refer yourself to physiotherapy – you no longer need your GP to make the first referral for you. Visit their website, Physiotherapy (MSK Outpatients).
Travel advice
Please be advised we do not offer a full private travel service at The Downland Practice. The travel practitioner works limited hours and will only offer basic advice and public health vaccinations in line with the current Public Health England guidance. It is important to enquire as early as possible at least 3 months before you travel.
For destination specific travel advice, please contact a private travel clinic. They will be able to advise you which vaccinations you are recommended for your travel plans. Some vaccinations are available on the NHS.
It may be helpful for you to take a copy of your vaccination history to the travel clinic with you. If you would like a copy of this, please ask the care coordinator a question here.
For more information:
Visit a minor injuries unit
If you have a minor injury such as an animal bite, foreign body, whiplash, burns, cuts or potential fracture, you can access West Berkshire Community Hospital by calling 111. Please don’t arrive unless you have an appointment.
- West Berkshire community hospital
- Reading walk-in health centre
- Find more local minor injury services
Cancelling or changing an appointment
To cancel your appointment:
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- use the GP online system: Patient Access
- fill out a cancel an appointment form
- phone us on 01635 248251 during opening times
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 you need an interpreter
- if you have any other access or communication needs
Home visits
If you require a home visit please request one by phoning reception. Home visit requests should be made before 11am.
Home visits are reserved for patients who are housebound. Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patients in the surgery.