Len Valley Practice

04/09/2025

Using the NHS App from 15th September

From Monday 15th September, you’ll be able to use the NHS App to submit your requests to Len Valley Medical Practice. This means you can send us your GP or admin queries quickly and securely, without needing to call or visit the surgery.

Following helpful feedback from one of our patients, we’re sharing this step-by-step guide on how to find and submit a request through the NHS App:
https://support.accurx.com/en/articles/6592599-patient-support-how-to-submit-a-request-to-your-gp-practice-using-the-nhs-app

We’ll also be adding this guide to our website so it’s easy to find whenever you need it.

Please remember:

One form = one problem/query.

If you can’t access the NHS App or online form, our reception team will be happy to complete the form for you over the phone or in person.

Thank you to our patients for your feedback, it helps us improve the way we communicate and support our community.

How to use submit a Patient Triage request via the NHS App if you are a patient

04/09/2025

New Easy Guide to Our Total Triage System

From 15th September, Len Valley Medical Practice will be moving to a new way of contacting us called Accurx Total Triage.

We know there’s a lot of information to take in, so we’ve put together an easy-to-read guide that explains exactly how the system will work, what you need to do, and what stays the same.

Important reminders, including that one triage form should be completed for one problem only.

If you have any questions, please call our reception team who will be happy to help.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with friends, family and neighbours so that everyone knows about the changes.

*Just to clarify the ‘within 3 days’ time frame: this does not mean you will always wait 3 days. Every request is clinically triaged. If a clinician identifies that you need to be seen the same day, we will arrange that. The three-day period mainly applies to administration requests or routine appointment requests that are not deemed clinically necessary to be dealt with on the same day.

The triage step is there to make sure the right people are seen at the right time, based on clinical need, so if your issue is more urgent, it will be prioritised.

However, please remember that we are not an urgent treatment centre and cannot offer emergency care.*

04/09/2025

Len Valley Practice – Important Changes: How to Contact Your GP from 15th September

From Monday 15th September 2025, Len Valley Medical Practice will be introducing a new system called Total Triage.
This will make it quicker, easier and fairer for everyone to get the right help when they need it.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:

All GP and admin requests (such as test results, fit notes or referrals) will now start with a short online triage form.

The form is available on:
- Our practice website
- The NHS App
- By scanning the QR code in the surgery waiting room or at reception

The form only takes a few minutes and ensures your request goes straight to the right team.

IMPORTANT: ONE FORM = ONE PROBLEM

Please complete a separate form for each issue you need help with. This helps us manage requests safely and fairly.

If you cannot complete the form yourself you can call us during our normal hours or come to reception in person.

Our reception team will fill in the form for you so that your request is handled in exactly the same way. Nobody will be disadvantaged.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Admin queries go directly to the correct department.

Medical queries are reviewed by a clinician and you may receive:

- A text or call with advice
- A prescription sent to your pharmacy
- An appointment (in person, by phone or video)
- Guidance to another service such as pharmacy, physiotherapy or NHS 111

Requests can take up to three working days so please keep that in mind when submitting a form.

Every request is clinically triaged so we can prioritise those who need urgent, same-day care. We don’t expect most people to wait that long, but we’re anticipating high demand in the first couple of weeks while everyone gets used to the new system.

If a clinician identifies that you need to be seen the same day, we will arrange that. The triage step is there to make sure the right people are seen at the right time, so if your issue is more urgent, it will be prioritised.

WHAT STAYS THE SAME?

- You can still call us to book nurse or healthcare assistant appointments (blood tests, vaccinations, smear tests).

- You can always contact us by phone or in person during our opening hours.

EMERGENCIES

- Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a life-threatening medical emergency.

- Call NHS 111 or if you have transport attend your nearest walk-in centre (Faversham) for urgent but non-life-threatening issues.

WHY ARE WE MAKING THIS CHANGE?

- No more 8:30am rush. Requests can be sent any time during our core hours (08:00-18:30).

- Safer. Every medical request is reviewed by a clinician.

- Fairer. Everyone is assessed in the same way and triaged by clinical need.

- Phone lines are kept free for those who really need them.

IN SUMMARY:

From 15th September, all GP and admin requests will start with the new triage form.
If you cannot do it online, just call or visit reception and our team will do it for you.

If you have any questions, please contact our reception team.

Posters are already up in the community and full details are available on our practice website.

Please spread the word and share this with friends, family and neighbours so everyone is aware of the change.

**Just to clarify the ‘within 3 days’ time frame: this does not mean you will always wait 3 days.

Every request is clinically triaged. If a clinician identifies that you need to be seen the same day, we will arrange that.

The three-day period mainly applies to administration requests or routine appointment requests that are not deemed clinically necessary to be dealt with on the same day.

The triage step is there to make sure the right people are seen at the right time, based on clinical need, so if your issue is more urgent, it will be prioritised.

However, please remember that we are not an urgent treatment centre and cannot offer emergency care.**

04/08/2025

Practice Message:
We are aware of the recent publication in the Len Valley Focus and the subsequent discussion and comments on social media. We understand that many of our patients are frustrated and concerned about the current situation, and we want you to know that we hear you.

The piece published in the Len Valley Focus was not intended to be published in a public domain and was a private conversation of our current challenges. However, while it should not have been published, we stand by what was said. We fully recognise that the current situation is not sustainable, and we are working extremely hard to address it. Significant changes are coming, including the implementation of Total Triage, which we believe will make a real difference in improving access to care for our patients.

We are, however, very concerned by some of the personal and harmful comments that have been made online about members of our team. While constructive feedback is welcome, personal attacks, slander, and abusive language are unacceptable and have a real impact on the individuals who come to work every day to support this community. We will be seeking advice on how best to address this.

Change takes time, and it is not about blame. We are committed to working towards better solutions for our patients, but we ask for understanding and respect as we do so. Our staff are human, and words have consequences. We hope those who have participated in the recent online discussions will reflect on this, as we continue to move forward and focus on improving the service we provide for everyone.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

02/07/2025

Unfortunately due to staffing levels the dispensary will be closed Thursday (3rd July) in the afternoon, we apologise for any inconvenience this causes. Dispensary will be open business as usual on Friday.

01/07/2025

Unfortunately due to staffing levels we will be closing the dispensary at 6pm tonight (Tuesday), he surgery will remain open until 6.30pm as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

08/05/2025

The staff at Len Valley Practice will be observing the 2 minute silence to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day - 12 o'clock today.

29/04/2025

Congratulations to 2 of Our GP's who ran the London Marathon on Sunday 27th April. Dr Jonty West completed in 4hr 28m and Dr Geraint Lloyd in 4hr 26m 56s. Dr Lloyd also raised a £3563 for Pancreatic Cancer and would like to pass on his heartfelt thanks to everyone who sponsored him. Amazing achievement for both.

28/04/2025

Len Valley Health Walks - Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Click on the link for further information (our services, then Len Valley Walks)

https://www.theridgepcn.nhs.uk/services/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ8Me5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBoRGNoY01UTUpncjBTU3VhAR4CG12UB54ebUvG1Uz1aLY108iWM7rt1x7oC6BtQjpI9AfBixW3GCaif3SEgg_aem_eKrThMPgAOcQdlhwAPzMAw

Our children’s counselling services is provided by Spurgeons. Their counsellors support young people’s mental health. They deliver exceptional work to meet the individual needs of the children and…

17/04/2025

Just a reminder that the practice will be closed for Easter; Good Friday 18th April through to and including Easter Monday 21st April. Business as usual from Tuesday 22nd April.
Happy Easter from all at Len Valley Practice.

17/04/2025

We are aware of a scam that is circulating, asking for you to update your details held on the GP register. Please do not click on the link or provide any personal details.

08/04/2025

Covid spring boosters available at Len Valley Practice for patients 75 years and over, and those aged below 75 who are immunosuppressed. We are actively inviting patients to book appointments by SMS & telephone but getting a lot of non responders.
If you have not booked your vaccine and would like to, please drop into the surgery & book direct with the reception team. There is availability as early as tomorrow!