King Street Surgery

19/11/2025

Please note, that all branches will be closed this afternoon from 2.30pm-6.30pm for staff training 👩🏾‍⚕️🧑🏼‍💻👨🏻‍⚕️

All branches will re-open tomorrow at the usual time of 8:15am 🏥

If you need medical assistance while the surgery is closed, then please contact NHS 111, or 999 in the case of an emergency ☎️

07/11/2025

KING STREET SURGERY
Improving Access to Care:
Moving to a Total Triage System from 26th November 2025
We know how important it is for our patients to access the care they need, when they need it. Many of you have told us that getting this care can be challenging, particularly when phone lines are busy or appointments are quickly filled.
To help address these issues, we’re introducing a new approach called Total Triage — a system that is already being successfully used in many GP practices across the country. In fact, King Street are one of the last surgeries in the Bedford area to go live with the new system.
What is Total Triage?
Total Triage is a new way of managing care requests, designed to ensure that all patients are assessed on clinical need and then directed to the most appropriate care, by the most appropriate person, in the most appropriate timeframe.
Every request for care made during the surgery hours will be reviewed by a clinician.
You will be able to request care in the several ways:-
• Online Through SystmConnect which will be available via our website. A NEW online consultation tool and the most efficient way to contact the surgery. This will include requests for non-urgent, routine appointments, new conditions, ongoing conditions and follow-up. Friends and family can help you complete this online.
• By Telephone – If you are unable to access SystmConnect online, our team will collect the necessary information. There will be no need to join a long phone queue at 8am as EVERY Request will be assessed before an appointment is offered.
• In Person at reception – speak directly with our reception team who can help if needed to collect the necessary information. There will be no need to stand outside the surgeries in the cold or wet weather at 8am to be first in the queue as EVERY request will be assessed before an appointment is offered.
Depending on the nature of your request, you may receive:
• A direct referral to community services such as Pharmacy First in a local Community Pharmacy or the Minor Eye Conditions Service in a Community Optician.
• A face-to-face or telephone appointment with a GP – the clinician may arrange some investigations like a blood test, X-ray or scan before the appointment so that the results are ready to discuss in time.
• A consultation with another member of our clinical team — such as a physiotherapist, pharmacist, mental health practitioner or nurse.
• A prescription, medical certificate or advice without needing an appointment.
• A direct referral to a specialist service if needed.

Equal Access for All Patients
We understand that not everyone has access to a smartphone or computer. That’s why Total Triage is designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone — not just digital users.
If you don’t use digital tools, you can still:
• Call the practice and speak to a team member who will complete the information with you
• Visit us in person and speak to reception
Every request – regardless of the way you contact us – will be treated equally, so no one is left out or disadvantaged.
Why Are We Making This Change?
The current system doesn’t always work well for patients or for our team. You’ve told us:
• It’s difficult to get through on the phone, especially in the morning
• Appointments get booked up quickly, regardless of urgency
• Some patients are unable to call at 8am due to work or other commitments
• Some requests, such as for medical certificates or prescriptions, don’t always need an appointment — but there hasn’t been a clear alternative
At the same time, GP practices across the country are experiencing rising demand and workforce pressures. We need a smarter, safer way to prioritise care and ensure we use our time and resources effectively.
The Benefits of Total Triage
• More timely care for urgent issues
• Patients are matched with the most expert clinician for their problem — this is not always a GP
• More flexibility and fairer access for all patients
• Safer clinical decisions made earlier in the process
Accessing care when the surgery is closed
This won’t change. Depending on your problem please continue to speak to your pharmacist, use NHS 111, a Walk In Centre, an Urgent Treatment Centre or A&E as before when the surgery is closed.

We’re committed to making it easier, safer, and fairer for everyone to access the care they need. Thank you for your continued support.

04/11/2025

Have you heard of this term?

Have you ever heard the term ‘sandwich carer’?

This means someone who's caring for a parent, or other older relative, while also raising children – and often working a job, too.

An estimated 2.4 million people in the UK care for both older and younger generations, so if this describes you, then you’re not alone. And this ‘triple burden’ of care can have a huge impact on physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.

We asked members of our Dementia Support Forum what advice they would offer to others finding themselves ‘sandwiched’ between caring responsibilities.

Here’s what they said:

‘Lay out your boundaries. Realistically, what can you do without compromising your wellbeing? It was only when I broke down that I realised I couldn’t do it anymore.'

‘Don’t overpromise. I always said to my mum I would keep her independent and at home as long as possible, but I never promised that we wouldn’t consider a care home.’

‘Ask for help (and then take it!) I have a good friend who my son is happy to go with (he’s very attached to me!) so he hasn’t had to sit through all the hospital appointments.’

‘Look after you. You can’t love your “carees” any more if the stress of caring damages your health and wellbeing. Be firm and do the right thing – look after yourself.’

And if you ever need any support or advice, call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

04/11/2025

Vaccines protect your child from measles, whooping cough and other serious illnesses. 🧒🛡
To check if your child has missed any, look in their red book or speak to your GP practice.
🔗 http://nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations

04/11/2025

Perimenopause is one of the three stages of menopause. It’s when menopause symptoms start but your periods haven’t stopped.

For many women, these symptoms can affect daily life – from energy and mood to relationships and work.

They can also start earlier for some, which is why recognising the signs and getting support matters.

Menopause will now be part of routine NHS health checks – offered every 5 years to eligible adults aged 40 to 74 – for the first time. By including tailored questions about menopause, more women will be able to get the support they need to manage their symptoms.

💛 More info on symptoms and treatment options: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

28/10/2025

21/10/2025

Stroke happens in an instant, but the effects can last a lifetime. Every stroke survivor fears a second stroke, and that kind of health anxiety can be overwhelming.

Today is World Mental Health Day. If you or a loved one’s mental health has been affected by a stroke, leave a 🧠 in the comments.

We're stronger together. 💜

14/10/2025

Today marks Secondary (Metastatic) Breast Cancer Awareness Day - so please share and spread the word. While most breast cancers don’t come back after treatment, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms in case they do.

Speak to your GP or breast care nurse if you have any new symptoms that:
✅Are new or unusual for you
✅Don't have an obvious cause
✅Don't go away

14/10/2025

Please could you support us with a Harvest Collection?

❗9.3 MILLION people are facing hunger and hardship in the UK.

More and more people are turning to food banks, like ours because they don’t have enough money to survive.

We’re doing all we can to support people in our community, but we need your help.

Please donate to us for Harvest and help us be there for everyone who needs us over winter 👉 https://bedford.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/

14/10/2025

30/09/2025

30/09/2025

THIS SATURDAY! 12-4pm

Kempston Fire Station's Open Day is taking place this Saturday! 🚒🎉

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon at Kempston Community Fire Station!

📅 Saturday 4 October
⏰ 12pm – 4pm
📍 Kempston Fire Station

Come meet your local firefighters, climb aboard the fire engines, watch live drills, and enter the raffle to support Fire Fighters Charity!

There’s also going to be face painting - you don’t want to miss it! 🎉👨‍🚒