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Appointments
Book or cancel an appointment at The Downland Practice.
Before you book an appointment
See a pharmacist
Many conditions can be treated without the need to see your GP.
Who to see?
Advice
Please make a selection to reveal who's best to deal with your condition.
Self-care
Help and support available from many National and Local Organisations
Book an appointment
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.
If you need help with your appointment
Please tell us:
- if you need an interpreter
- if you have any other access or communication needs
Sickness certificates (fit notes)
You must give your employer a doctor's 'fit note' (sometimes called a 'sick note') if you've been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.
Travel vaccinations
Information and advice for travelling abroad.
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.
Change or cancel an appointment
Please give us as much notice as possible so we can offer your appointment to someone else.
To cancel your appointment:
- Use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS app)
- Cancel using online services
- Phone us on 01635 248251
Out of hours
Enhanced access
Ask at reception for enhanced access information
Life threatening
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you or someone you know needs immediate help
- you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.
Urgent but not life threatening
Visit an urgent care centre if:
- You have an urgent medical issue requiring on the day attention
Non-urgent
Use NHS 111 if:
- You need help now, but it’s not an emergency
There will be someone to provide you with advice and to direct you to a clinician if it is necessary.
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