The availability of some GP practice websites and online GP consultation services in north east Essex is being affected by an issue with the website provider.
We understand this disruption may be frustrating, particularly if you usually use your practice website to contact your GP practice, seek advice or submit an online consultation request.
If you have recently submitted an online consultation request through your practice website, your information will have been shared directly with the practice. Please wait to hear back from your practice rather than calling them at this stage.
GP practices remain open and you can still get help
If your GP practice website is unavailable:
- Look out for any updates from your GP practice by email, social media or SMS message. GP practices are letting people know the best way of contacting them and seeking help.
- Use the NHS App to book and manage appointments, order repeat prescriptions, check test results, and make general enquiries.
- Think Pharmacy First. Community pharmacies can provide advice and, where appropriate, treatment for a range of common conditions without you needing to see a GP first.
- Contact your GP practice directly by telephone or email if you need urgent help and have no other way of contacting them. Please use the contact details you already have for your surgery.
- If your GP practice is closed and you need urgent medical help, but it is not a life-threatening emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
- For a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
Pharmacy First can support eligible patients with seven common conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64, subject to the relevant age criteria. Patients can contact or attend a participating pharmacy directly for these clinical pathways without needing a GP referral.
NHS 111 online can assess people who need urgent medical help and direct them to the appropriate service, particularly when they cannot contact their GP or their GP practice is closed.
We will work with affected GP practices and will provide further updates as soon as we are able to. In the meantime, we thank affected patients for their understanding while alternative website and online consultation arrangements are put in place.
The list of affected practices is as follows:
- Abbey Field Medical Centre
- Ambrose Avenue Group
- Ardleigh Surgery
- Colchester Medical Practice
- Colne Medical Centre
- Creffield Medical Group
- East Hill Surgery
- East Lynne Medical Centre
- Fronks Road Surgery
- Harewood Surgery
- Highwoods Surgery
- Lawford Surgery
- Mersea Island Medical Practice
- Mill Road Surgery
- North Clacton Medical Practice
- Turner Road
- Old Road Medical Centre
- Riverside Health Centre
- Rowhedge & University of Essex Medical Practice
- Thorpe-le-Soken Surgery
- Tiptree Medical Centre
- Tollgate Medical Centre
- Walton Medical Centre
- Winstree Medical Practice
- Wivenhoe Surgery