SURGERY NEWS
When we are closed this link to NHS 111 online can make sure you access the most appropriate service for your health concern. If needed, NHS 111 online can direct you to an urgent treatment centre/walk in centre, emergency dental service, GP, pharmacy or another more appropriate local service
If you cannot access NHS 111 online please call 111
If it is a life-threatening emergency call 999
Text messages and letters inviting patients who are eligible to book flu and COVID vaccinations have been sent out. We will be holding clinics at Axbridge at the beginning of October.
We have been notified that road and sewer works will be carried out near Axbridge surgery week commencing 25th September. There will be no parking available down the road and a traffic light system will be in place. This is obviously out of our control but the contractor is aware that full access for ambulances could be needed. We would ask that patients allow a little more time for their journey to Axbridge than usual.
We are collaboratively working with the other GP Practices within our Primary Care Network (Cheddar, Brent, Highbridge, Burnham and Berrow) to offer a quick and efficient phlebotomy service for blood requests that originate from hospital requests. This is held at Burnham on Sea hospital and means that our patients are seen quicker, thereby the results going back to the hospital, and the relevant consultant, in a more timely manner. This hub is open 9am-1pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Click here for details of eligibility of flu and COVID-19 vaccines and how to book your vaccinations
Why are GPs needing to work differently?
Please follow link to our Wedmore New Premises page
Did you know...? Some interesting information from Somerset Local Medical Council
Your General Practice gets paid £73 a year for looking after you: less than pet insurance. General practices do 90% of the work in the NHS on 7.4% of the budget. 10 years ago it was 10% of the budget. There were 340 million GP consultations last year, up from 300 million 5 years ago.
How you can help us to help you
To enable us to prioritise and address your health care needs, reception staff will need as much information as possible to pass on to clinicians and this will give the optimal opportunity to assess your needs. For example, you may need a blood test before seeing a doctor, or, you may need to see a doctor sooner than you expected, or, you could be reassured that it is appropriate and safe to wait for a routine appointment. All information given to staff and clinicians is treated as strictly confidential and in your best interest. So please, explain to reception staff whenever you are making an appointment what your medical issue is and they can assist you more effectively and efficiently.
Myth busters
General Practice has been in crisis for years, and as a result, we know that many patients have become frustrated and disillusioned. This has led to certain myths surrounding the profession, and we want to set some of these straight, to bring GPs and patients back together. After all, we’re all working towards the same goal: excellent and safe patient care. We will be sharing common myths about General Practice vs the reality, shining light on the importance of GPs and practice staff and their desire to provide patients with the best care possible. For more information on the effort to #RebuildGP, visit
General Practice receptionists do not want patients to see their doctor
GPs are not doing enough to treat their patients
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Online services expanded - access to medical records
Axbridge and Wedmore Medical Practice has offered online services for its patients since 2010. Originally this was just available to request repeat prescriptions but then later expanded to allow patients to book or cancel appointments with a GP and update personal details (e.g. address, telephone number etc). The latest edition to our online services is the facility for registered patients to access a summary of their medical record.
Wedmore and Axbridge Community Health Fund
Please follow this link for further information.
Patient updates
General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) - NHS Digital's daily collection of GP data will support vital health and care planning and research.
COVID vaccine updates can be found on our COVID Information page or the via yellow ribbon at the top of the page.
Further information about our texting messaging provider
Breast screening - We have been advised that those of our patients that are eligible for breast screening will be invited in the next few weeks to contact Somerset Breast Screening Service to book an appointment. We encourage eligible patients to make an appointment for this screening.
COVID Pulse Oximetry @ Home - YouTube Video NHS What is a Pulse Oximeter?
Find out more about helpful online tool for suicide prevention
Home blood pressure monitoring
If you have been asked to do a seven day blood pressure reading, please download the form and follow the instructions:
- Measure your blood pressure and pulse twice a day for seven days, morning and evening
- For best results, sit comfortably with both feet on the floor for 10 minutes before taking the measurement
- Each time take a minimum of two readings
- Leave at least ONE minute between each reading and record the lowest reading
- Record these numbers in table below
- Return this form to the surgery once you have completed the seven day record
Download Blood Pressure Recording Form
This Privacy Poster is on display in both our surgeries. Our full Privacy Policy can be viewed through the Policies tab above.
Improved access
Somerset has been chosen by NHS England to introduce a new scheme that will allow you to make an appointment to see a health professional in a GP practice outside the usual working hours of GP surgeries. The scheme works by getting a group of GP practices together so that they can open up in turn at the new times.
The following surgeries are offering Improved Access to all patients in the North Sedgemoor Federation. If you cannot access an appointment at your own surgery it is now possible to access available appointments at other surgeries in your area, please ask at Reception:
- Brent Area Medical Centre
- Burnham and Berrow Medical Centre
- Cheddar Medical Centre
- Highbridge Medical Centre
If you need medical attention
'Choose' Well by choosing the right service. Further details can be found on the Choose Well leaflet. The short video below is all about choosing the right service.
Somerset Choices
Local services and information to help you choose the right care and support.
Somerset Choices website
On-line services: appointments and prescription service
You can now view allergies and medications and past immunisations within your medical record, book your next appointment, or order your repeat prescription online using Patient Access. Available 24 hours a day, whether you're at home or work, it's especially useful when the practice is closed or telephone lines are busy.
Register online or use the service
