Spring 2025 Newsletter

Produced by the Patient Participation Group (PPG)

 

Do you know how the NHS app can help you?

If you have a smartphone, then you can easily access a number of services via the NHS App. At least it is easy when you know how

You can use the NHS App to:

  • order your repeat prescriptions (this also saves time for the surgery)
  • view your individual medical records, current and past medications and appointments as well as test results
  • see messages from the surgery, or other health providers.

the nhs app

 

Have a non-urgent request? eConsult

Do you know about our online consultation tool, eConsult? It is found on the Town Medical Centre website and is the best way to contact the surgery for any non-urgent requests or administrative queries. There is also a symptom checker and self-help portal. 

Please note that eConsult is not to be used to book appointments or to request prescriptions. Prescriptions can be requested separately on the NHS app (see above).

 

Booking appointments

Getting an appointment to see a GP is a common concern for patients up and down the country. Feedback to the practice shows a generally high level of satisfaction, but no one would choose to be no.17 in the queue at 8:01am while waiting to board a train.

Our surgery offers a callback system - this means that you can choose to have someone call you as soon as it’s your turn, and you do not have to hang on the phone until you reach the front of the queue.

Future changes are planned nationally, as agreed between Government and the country’s GPs, with the aim of avoiding “the 8am rush”. Patients will be able to book an appointment online throughout working hours, freeing up phone time for other important calls. These changes will take time to be implemented but watch this space for more details later this year.

 
updates news

Practice update

At the beginning of April, we had 2 new GP Partners join the practice: Dr Lucie Le Rolland and Dr Emeke Utulu. We welcome them to the team.

Dr Zhang will be leaving the practice in June and will be emigrating to Singapore with his family.

For more news please visit our news pages, or see the Social Media updates.

 

Over 75? COVID-19 jabs

You can now book a free NHS Spring COVID-19 vaccination, although this is not at the surgery. Book via the NHS app, or online

 

Sevenoaks Primary Care Network (“PCN”)

The PCN is a collaboration between 8 local GP practices. You can access Health and Wellbeing coaches, first contact physiotherapists and social prescribers who can connect you to a variety of non-medical community groups.

 

Ageing Well clinic in Edenbridge (over 65s)

Available for Edenbridge & opening up to Westerham patients now. Will be expanding to our other GP practices soon. 

For more information and how to self-refer visit their website

 

KCHFT NHS health checks in Sevenoaks & Edenbridge

Leisure centre checks for ages 40–74. Over 74s can have a MOT health check instead. Sevenoaks on Thursday 24th April and Edenbridge on Wednesday 30th April – just drop in to avail of this FREE service.

 

Patient GUT Health webinar

FREE patient webinar on Tuesday 20th May, 7–8pm. 

Register now

 

Hospital car parking problems?

Did you know that both Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells (Pembury) hospitals operate a free Park and Ride Service?

Buses run Mon–Fri every 30 minutes, 6:40am – 9pm.

More information, including timetables and maps of the free car parks

 

Any questions or suggestions?

Please contact the surgery to speak to a member of the Practice Management team on 01732 454545; use this online form; use the in-surgery suggestion box; or contact the Acting Chair of the PPG, Anna House.

 

Who are the Patients Participation Group (“PPG”)?

This newsletter is produced by the PPG. We are a small group of patients of the Town Medical Centre committed to maintaining good relations between the practice and its patients, working collaboratively to improve services and facilities for patients.

We meet every few months in the surgery with the Practice Manager and a GP to discuss any changes, developments or issues affecting us all.

Published: May 6, 2025