23/03/2026
❄️Appointments ❄️
We would like to make patients aware that routine appointments can be anything up to 2 weeks
This is due to a combination of factors but the most impact has arisen from a huge surge in demand for appointments due to circulating winter viruses. 🦠
Our reception staff will endeavour to offer an appointment, however for routine issues this could be now be slightly longer than usual
We ask that patients use our services responsibly. Please do not ask for an urgent appointment if your issue is not truly urgent.
Urgent appointments have to be protected for those with highest clinical need and not for patient convenience. If you aren't sure if you need an urgent appointment please use https://111.nhs.uk/ or call 111 for an assessment.
What can you do to help 🙏🏼
▫️Self care for mild or self limiting illness.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
▫️Use your local pharmacist or 111.
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
https://111.nhs.uk/
▫️Self refer to physio for muscular problems.
https://friendlyfamilysurgery.co.uk/services/referrals/physiotherapy/
▫️Eye problems are best seen by your optician.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/
▫️If you already have an appointment booked with us please wait for that appointment to discuss ongoing issues.
▫️Use consultation time efficiently. Don’t waste time discussing problems you encounter in the NHS unless they are clinically relevant. We sympathise but often our hands are tied.
https://patient.info/features/general-health/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-gp-appointment
▫️Please phone hospitals directly about hospital appointments/issues. GPs have no control or influence on hospital waiting times. It's much more powerful for the patient to phone and explain any change in circumstance and saves GP time for primary care problems. A list of current waiting times can be found here:
https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/mids/
▫️If patients are under the Community Mental Health Team and have ongoing concerns or crisis's about mental health, please contact the CMHT duty worker.
https://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-and-emotional-wellbeing/community-mental-health-teams/cmht-adults-working-age/killamarsh-and-chesterfield-north-neighbourhood-team
We also have a list of mental health services on our website https://friendlyfamilysurgery.co.uk/wellbeing/mental-health/
If you are in a mental health crisis you can call 111 option 4 24 hours a day 7 days a week or if urgent call 999. https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-wellbeing/support-in-a-crisis/mental-health-support-in-a-crisis.aspx
▫️Please try and use the service appropriately and equitably. Those taking up multiple appointments reduce access to others in need.
▫️Be polite to our team. Our team work hard with the resources given to us by the government. We recognise that sometimes capacity does not meet demand, and there is a limit to how many patients can be safely seen each day. Please be kind.
We would politely ask that patients respect the systems in place that allow safe and efficient care for ALL patients. Rude, aggressive behaviour, and threats will not be tolerated and are not acceptable for our receptionists to deal with on a daily basis.
Primary care is underfunded in the NHS and we are providing the best service possible with the resources given to us.
Please be kind
