Wigmore & Hempstead Medical Centres

20/04/2026

We are very sorry but we are experiencing IT connection issues again this morning.

We are unable to access anything at all. This issue is affecting practices in Kent and Medway.

The IT teams are working on this for us and we have raised this with Kent and Medway ICB and the IT teams as a serious issue.

This issue is completely out of our hands.

16/04/2026

Due to staff shortages we are having to close the Hempstead surgery on Friday 17th April for 1 day only. All services will be run from Wigmore Medical Centre.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Hempstead will reopen as normal on Monday 20th April

31/03/2026

31/03/2026

Please see our latest PCN newsletter here

26/03/2026

Job Title: Medical Receptionist (Part-Time – 20 Hours per Week)

Location: Wigmore & Hempstead Medical Centres
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Working Hours: 20 hours per week Mon-Fri hours between 8am and 18:30pm on a rota basis

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About the Role
We are looking for a friendly, organised, and professional Medical Receptionist to join our busy healthcare practice. You will be the first point of contact for patients, providing excellent customer service while ensuring the smooth running of the reception area.

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Key Responsibilities

- Greet patients and visitors in a courteous and professional manner
- Answer phone calls and respond to enquiries promptly
- Book, amend, and manage patient appointments
- Maintain accurate patient records using clinical systems
- Handle confidential information in line with data protection regulations
- Liaise with clinical staff and support day-to-day administrative tasks
- Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence

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Requirements

- Previous reception or administrative experience (medical setting preferred but not essential)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good IT skills and familiarity with booking systems
- Professional, calm, and empathetic approach

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Desirable

- Experience working in a GP practice, clinic, or healthcare environment
- Knowledge of medical terminology or systems EMIS

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What We Offer

- Supportive and friendly working environment
- Training and development opportunities
- NHS pension

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How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to: Kelly.mills1@nhs.net

Closing Date: 15th April 2026

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We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

20/03/2026

** Meningitis outbreak update 20th March 2026**

✅ Antibiotic & Vaccine Clinics – Important Update
The NHS is offering preventative antibiotics and MenB vaccines to eligible people as a precaution.
➡️ Designated HUB clinics are walk in.
❗ GP surgeries are not walk in for these — please contact your GP practice directly if you need advice or an appointment.
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✅ Who is eligible?
You may receive preventative antibiotics and/or vaccines if you:
• Attended Club Chemistry between 5–15 March
• Are a Year 12 or 13 pupil at one of the four notified schools
• Are a University of Kent student living on campus, or campus staff
• Are a close contact of a confirmed or suspected case
Full clinic details and opening times:
👉 https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-information
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✅ Important information
• Walk in only at the designated HUB clinics
• Do not attend your GP surgery without contacting them first
• Bring your NHS number if you have it
• Bring a bottle of water
• Antibiotics cannot be collected on behalf of someone else

Updates and information on the meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area.

18/03/2026

📢Additional meningitis antibiotic clinic opening in Medway👇🏼

A clinic at James Williams Healthy Living Centre in Chatham will open from tomorrow, to provide free emergency antibiotic tablets to eligible people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure.

Precautionary antibiotics – who is eligible?
- Students and staff living on campus at the University of Kent, Canterbury
- Close contacts identified by UKHSA, or those who believe they have had contact with a confirmed case
- Club Chemistry staff
- Anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March

Location details:
📍James Williams Healthy Living Centre, The Pentagon Centre, Military Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4HY
Open: Thursday 19, Friday 20, Saturday, 21 March: 8.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday, 22 March: 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Other antibiotic clinic locations:
📍Vicarage Lane Clinic, Ashford, TN23 1NJ: Thursday, 19 March, 8.30am to 7.30pm.
📍 University of Kent – Senate Building, Canterbury, CT2 7NU
Open daily: 9am to 5pm (last patient 4.30pm)
📍 The Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, CT1 3NG
Open daily: 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
📍 Thanet Community Health Hub, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA
Open daily: 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
📍 Westgate Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BT - Closing at 4pm on Thursday, 19 March.

Important information:
- No booking is needed, just turn up during the times above
- You do not need to bring ID
- Please bring your NHS number if you have it
- Bring a bottle of water if you can

📍 If you have already left Kent, please contact your GP for advice and access to treatment.

⚠️ Please continue to watch for symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you feel unwell.

➡More information: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-information

17/03/2026

Latest update

In response to the recent meningitis outbreak please refer to the latest official guidance for up to date information as the situation is evolving rapidly - we will continue to share updates as soon as they become available

https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area-4187

There is also a patient helpline run by UKHSA available. Patients can call 0344 225 3861 Monday-Friday from 9.00 am - 5.00 pm if they have no symptoms but are concerned they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

17/03/2026

🚨 Meningitis outbreak – Canterbury area

We are aware of the current meningitis outbreak affecting the Canterbury area. Health partners are working closely together to support those affected and limit further spread.

Between 13–15 March, 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease were identified, and sadly two people have died. Urgent action is underway, including providing antibiotics to close contacts and raising awareness of symptoms. ()

⚠️ Know the symptoms:
• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Rash that does not fade when pressed

If you or someone you know develops symptoms, seek urgent medical help via A&E or call 999.

🔗 Please read the latest guidance from the ICB:
https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area-4187

Let’s stay informed, look out for one another, and act quickly if symptoms appear.

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

16/03/2026

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

16/03/2026