The Elms Medical Centre

16/09/2025

Exciting Update from The Elms Medical Practice: We’re Moving to Total Triage!

Starting Monday 29th September, there will be a significant change to our appointment system that will improve the way our surgery delivers care to all of our patients.

Our GP practice will be adopting Total Triage, a new way of managing appointments to improve patient access and care for everyone. This will use our online e-consults which will be open from 8am to 6:30pm every week day.

What does this mean?
Total triage is where every patient contacting a practice provides some information using an e-consult form on the reasons for contact. All patient requests will be triaged by one of our experienced GPs who will decide what the best course of action is.

Why are we doing this?
Total Triage is a system that helps us quickly understand your health needs when you contact the practice. Instead of booking appointments straight away, a clinician will first assess your concern to ensure you receive the most appropriate care as quickly as possible. This also ensure that appointments are allocated based on need, eliminating the stress of calling at 8am.

How does it work?
You can complete an eConsult form online which can be found on our website. If you are unable to access us online, you can contact us by phone or in person where you will be asked a few questions about your health concern and we will complete the form on your behalf. A clinician will then review your information and arrange the most suitable next step, whether that is a telephone consultation, a face-to-face appointment, self-care advice or being signposted to a more appropriate service.

What does this mean for you?
• Faster access to advice and treatment
• More options for how you consult with us
• Better use of our time, meaning improved care for everyone
• Fairer allocation of our appointments

We believe Total Triage will improve your experience and ensure you get timely and appropriate care.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the team.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we make this positive change.

08/09/2025

* IMPORTANT CLOSURE NOTICE - WEDNESDAY 17 SEPT. 2025 *

The Elms Medical Practice (including Dispensary) will be
closed on Wednesday 17th September from 1pm for Staff Training.

If you need medical help during these hours, please use NHS 111 Online (anyone aged 5 years and over) or call 111 (children under the age of 5 years).

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

18/08/2025

Please note The Elms Medical Practice including the Dispensary will be closed from 1pm on Thursday 21st August for Staff Training.

If you need medical help during these hours, please use NHS 11 Online or Call 111.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

19/07/2025

19/07/2025

ENT WAITING TIMES
We have received a message from Medway NHS Foundation Trust regarding ENT waiting times - please see below.

If you are affected by this delay, you will receive a letter next week.

You can get in touch with Medway by emailing medwayft.entdvhpatients@nhs.net

or by phoning 01634 976656 (Monday to Friday during office hours).

18/07/2025

NHS services for children

As families across Kent and Medway prepare for the school summer break, the NHS is encouraging parents and carers to know where to go for health help.

The school holidays can be a busy time for the NHS and we are asking patients to choose the right service if they are ill or injured.

Find information about NHS services for children at

Find the right health service for you.

18/07/2025

** Bowel Screening **

To request a replacement bowel screening kit or for any queries regarding the bowel screening programme, contact the bowel screening free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

People older than 74 can request a screening kit every two years by also calling the free helpline.

18/07/2025

** Breast Screening **

If you have missed your breast screening appointment, you can contact your local breast screening unit to schedule an appointment.

Medway breast screening unit:-mettr.medwaybreastscreening@nhs.net / 01634 825036.

11/07/2025

** Adult Social Care Digital Support **

Kent County Council has created an online leaflet about adult social care digital support which is packed with information on the various digital solutions and platforms they have developed to date.

The online leaflet outlines the different digital options they provide and how to access them, ensuring that all individuals can take advantage of the support and tools that have been created.

11/07/2025

** Accessing semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight loss **

Please visit below website for further information:-

Your general practice or hospital services will not be able to prescribe this medication to you for obesity until local arrangements are in place.

08/07/2025

** IMPORTANT **

THURSDAY 10 JULY 2025

The Elms Medical Practice, including Dispensary, will be closed on Thursday 10th July from 1pm for Staff Training.

If you need medical help during these hours, please use NHS 111 Online or Call 111.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency.

We apologise for any inconvenience.