Orchard Family Practice

17/04/2026

We are offering the Spring Covid Booster here at the surgery- please either book online if you have been sent a text message otherwise please phone the surgery on 01634 568200 to book an appointment

Eligibility - over 75 year olds Over 18s who are severely immunocompromised

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO BOOK ON THE NATIONAL BOOKING SERVICE

07/04/2026

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties and are unable to access some of our clinical systems, including appointment booking and prescription requests. This is affecting surgeries across the whole area and our IT team is working on fixing the problem. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.

20/03/2026

MENINGITIS UPDATE

18/03/2026

The latest information and updates from NHS Kent and Medway.

17/03/2026

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

Update on meningitis outbreak in Canterbury

🚨 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.

20/01/2026

We are pleased to inform you that the computer systems are back up and running
However to allow us to catch up and work safely EConsult will be unavailable today. Please telephone the surgery for urgent on the day advice to be added to our triage list.
If your query can wait could we ask you to contact us later in the week.
Once again we apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and patience.

19/01/2026

Unfortunately we are still experiencing issues with our computer systems and whilst engineers are working hard to get everything restored they are still not stable.

To allow us to catch up and work safely over the next few days our e-consults will remain unavailable tomorrow.

Please call the surgery for urgent on the day advice and once we reach capacity NHS111.

However if your query/appointment request can wait until later in the week we would appreciate this as we can then prioritise our patients with urgent needs

We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused our patients. Our staff have been working hard under extremely difficult circumstances to keep everything running as much as they are able to in a situation they have no control over.

29/12/2025

Phones are back up and working

Thank you for your patience

29/12/2025

Unfortunately our phones aren’t working - we hope to be back as soon as possible
Please bear with us

24/06/2025

Update on the availability of Mounjaro in General Practice in Kent & Medway

Mounjuro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a drug which has been licensed and approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing overweight and obesity.