Please note that the information on this page is provided by NHS Choices. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information and recommend that you check with the service provider that the information is correct.
Who is the best Healthcare Professional to see for the following conditions:
Who do I see?
GP
Who do I see?
Alcoholic’s Anonymous
Advice:
Please visit alcoholics anonymous.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Find your local community pharmacy.
Further information about athletes foot, available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
A pharmacist can help with earwax build-up
Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up. They can give advice and suggest treatments.
They might recommend chemical drops to dissolve the earwax. The earwax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week.
Do not use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).
Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
Appointments for blood tests MUST have been requested by your doctor or other health care professional.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Further information about boils and carbuncles from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
GP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
For less serious breathing issues such as COPD or chest infections.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ Urgent Care Centre if severe
Advice:
If severe, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
If not, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse (female)
Advice:
Once you are invited, please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse on a day that you are not bleeding or on your period.
Who do I see?
GP or A&E for severe symptoms
Advice:
Telephone 999 or 111 if symptoms are severe.
If not severe and has lasted for more than a few days;
You can book an appointment with your the surgery.
Who do I see?
GP/Practice Nurse
Advice:
Annual clinic appointments will be sent to all CHD patients, please ask for an earlier appointment if worried.
You can book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists more than 1 week
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 3 weeks
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book to see the GP for an initial assessment and the nurse for repeat prescriptions once you are completed your first 3 months of medication.
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Further information about the contraceptive injection from NHS UK
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/Health Care Assistant/GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the surgery.
Who do I see?
Health Care Assistant or Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively, please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Who do I see?
Talk to Frank or Alcoholic Anonymous
Advice:
Information about drugs please visit: Talk To Frank.
Please phone: 0300 1236600, for self-referral help.
For further information concerning alcohol please visit: Alcoholics Anonymous UK.
Call free: 0800 9177 650 or Email AA
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you think you may need ear irrigation (‘syringing’ ) please book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Further information about ear wax build up available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Family Planning Clinic/GP
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist, or for your nearest Family Planning Clinic
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about emergency contraception available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Find a pharmacy near you.
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse.
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Genitourinary (GUM) Clinic/GP
Advice:
Find a GUM clinic near you.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about sexual health available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP/Urgent Care Centre if severe
Advice:
Please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre, or search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about head injury and concussion from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
We normally do not provide this service – Advice and help is available from Shelter England
Advice:
From time to time GPs are requested to provide reports for the patients to Local Housing Authorities and Housing Associations. This is not part of our core services and therefore we may charge an appropriate fee for the work involved or we may refuse to do it. Please check with our reception team.
Further information and help is available from Shelter England
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about indigestion available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if severely infected
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about insect bites and stings available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Who do I see?
Family Planning Clinic/Community Pharmacy/Practice Nurse/GP
Advice:
For emergency contraception, please find your nearest community pharmacy. For other issues please search for your nearest family planning clinic .
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse/GP.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Dentist/GP for Dental abscess if not emergency dentist available
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services, or you may find your nearest community pharmacy.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about panic attacks available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about period problems available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse.
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about the pneumococcal vaccine from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 7 days.
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse.
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the appropriate Nurse.
Further information about the shingles vaccination available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Nurses/GPs/Smokefree
Advice:
You can also visit Smokefree, or find out more from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinics/GP if it persists
Advice:
Find your local clinic.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information about penis problems, available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists over 7 days/Urgent Care Centre
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If it is a suspected serious injury, please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information about sprains and strains available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/Optician/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest opticians or search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Services/Family Planning Clinic
Advice:
Termination of Pregnancy service is for women who are pregnant and want to discuss their pregnancy options, which might include having a termination. Your local clinic will offer advice and information, and can help you with a hospital appointment if that is what you decide to do.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Further information about threadworms, available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Self-Help/GP
Advice:
Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for “tired all the time”.
Further information and help is available from NHS UK
If you feel that you are still experience symptoms of tiredness, please book an appointment with your GP.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
Please bring a urine sample into the consultation; sterile pots available at reception.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Information about Urinary tract infections (UTIs) available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist who can advise on over the counter treatments available.
Further information about warts and verrucas available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
For babies and toddlers, or if it persists longer than 1 week in children and adults, please book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist who can advise you on over the counter treatment options.
Who do I see?
Attend walk in centre or A&E
Advice:
For routine asthma care, please book to see the Practice Nurse.
Who do I see?
GP
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/ Physiotherapist / GP after 7 days
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Further information about back pain from NHS UK.
Extensive coverage has today been given to a study that found the Alexander technique – a method of teaching improved posture – is beneficial for easing back pain. The study on the technique involved over 500 people with chronic back pain from general practices across the UK. It found that people who received one-to-one instruction in the Alexander technique, along with exercise, had reduced back pain and improved disability after one year compared to those receiving standard care.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
These can also be performed at most local pharmacies. If the results are high, a GP appointment would be needed for further evaluation.
Who do I see?
Contact your local Council directly or Apply online
Advice:
To apply for a Blue Badge parking permit, you need to contact your local council.
The Blue Badge Scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. Blue Badge holders are able to park close to where they need to go. The scheme is managed by local authorities who deal with applications and issue Blue Badges.
GOV.UK has more details about the Blue Badge scheme, including information about applying for a Blue Badge.
Who do I see?
Health Visitor
Advice:
Visit NHS advice pages, or search for a breastfeeding support service near you.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacist/GP / UCC
Advice:
For pain relief, please search for your nearest community pharmacy. For difficulty breathing, please book an appointment with the surgery.
Further information about broken or bruised ribs from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
Please book your appointment with the surgery.
Who do I see?
GP if persists for more than 1 week, or other chest issues (asthma)
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the surgery.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/GP/Sexual Health Clinic
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Information about contraceptive implants.
You can get the IUD for free, even if you’re under 16, from:
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist. Antibiotics are NOT needed for the common colds, as colds are caused by a virus.
Who do I see?
GP/Practice Nurse
Advice:
Contraception and family planning appointments are available in any routine GP clinic.
Please ensure your smears are up-to-date.
Please book to see the GP for an initial assessment and the nurse for repeat prescriptions once you are completed your first 3 months of medication.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor/Practice Nurse.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse/ Doctor.
Who do I see?
Dentist
Advice:
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services. NHS 111 can advise on an emergency dentist if needed.
Please note: The Doctors do not see dental problems.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacist/GP if persists longer than 7 days or in a career dealing with food or caring for others
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about diarrhoea and vomiting from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
See the Practice Nurse or Healthcare assistant, immediately before a GP appointment
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Nurse.
Who do I see?
We are unable to provide letters of support
Advice:
The DWP will usually contact your GP or healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence when you submit a PIP or ESA claim, the information is then sent to the DWP as part of your claim process.
We are therefore unable to provide additional letters of supports as the information we provide, will normally be included in the report requested by the DWP. We therefore regret that we cannot provide additional letters of support. However you may request your medical records if you feel this may help your case. If you wish a copy of your medical records, please contact the practice who will advise you accordingly. There is no charge for a copy of your records.
We have provided some useful contacts shown below to help you:
Useful contacts
Action for M.E.
Information and support for people with M.E. and their carers General enquiries: 0117 927 9551 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Online M.E. Centre: Action for M.E
Welfare Rights Line: 0845 122 8648 (times vary)
Citizens Advice Bureau
Offers advice on a range of issues and may complete a benefits check for you. Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL)
To find your local DIAL office, contact Scope, 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW Tel: 0808 800 3333
Disability Rights UK
Factsheets on benefits, tax credits and independent living from disability rights uk
Local councils
Some local councils employ welfare rights workers. Your local council may also have information about other services that offer welfare rights advice in your area.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 4 weeks or is infected
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Urgent Care Centre/A&E if severe
Advice:
Please search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre. If severe, please go to your nearest A&E department.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 7 days or difficulty breathing
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Please book an appointment with your GP.
Who do I see?
GP Receptionists
Advice:
A medical examination will be booked if necessary.
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Payment for reports must accompany the request or appointment booking (i.e. in advance).
Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
Please allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Please note we do not sign passport forms.
Who do I see?
Self-Care/111/Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Please visit the NHS UK information home pages. You can also telephone 111 for any non-urgent medical issues or you can search for your nearest community pharmacist.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Advice:
Hay fever medications are available from the chemist without needing to see your GP.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/School Nurse/Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Please attend in person or post the documentation and payment.
Holiday Cancellation forms are not covered by the NHS, there will be a charge for this service.
Payment for reports must accompany the request or booking (i.e. in advance). Charges are aligned with the BMA’s guidelines. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about hyperventilation available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP
Advice:
Search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
GP Surgery Receptionist
Advice:
Completion of forms, certificates and medicals are not covered under the NHS. Please read the form carefully and fill in and sign any parts that you need to complete before you bring the form to the surgery.
We ask that you allow up to 21 days for the process to be completed, you will be contacted by phone when your form is ready for collection.
Who do I see?
GP/Mental Health Support Services/Samaritans
Advice:
These are helplines with specially trained volunteers who’ll listen to you, understand what you’re going through, and help you through the immediate crisis.
Samaritans operates a free service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence. Call them on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
Find out how to deal with a mental health crisis or emergency
Further information from NHS UK How to access mental health services
To see your GP
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy or Health Visitor
Who do I see?
111/Urgent Care if severe/GP if several episodes
Advice:
Pinch nose (do not lean head back) and apply ice pack. Find out more information about nose bleeds. If concerned, you can ring 111, or search for your nearest Urgent Care Centre.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
We do not sign passport forms
Advice:
Passport forms are not covered by the NHS.
Accepted occupations that can countersign your passport photo.
Who do I see?
GP
Advice:
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if persists for more than 7 days.
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse/ HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Who do I see?
Self certify first 7 days, then routine GP appointment
Advice:
Employees unable to work because of coronavirus can now access a digital isolation note from 111.nhs.uk without having to go to the doctor.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
If you have been discharged from hospital, your hospital team will issue any fit notes for the entire period of your recovery. Please contact the ward staff (even after discharge). Schools should not request a GP letter to confirm absence, this can be written by a parent or guardian.
A Fit note can be backdated if required, please discuss this when you see the GP. Please do not request an emergency or urgent appointment for fit note.
Employees unable to work because of coronavirus can now access a digital isolation note
Self – Certificate.
You can obtain this form from your employer or by visiting the HMRC website. If you are unwell for more than four days you are advised to arrange an appointment to see a Doctor to assess your fitness to work.
Private Certificates
If you or your employer require further information concerning your period(s) of illness , then your Doctor may require to issue you with a letter. Please note that a charge may apply for this service. Please check with our reception desk.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Further information about common skin conditions available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Optician/Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
If severe, please go to your nearest A&E departments. Please search for your nearest opticians or search for your nearest community pharmacist.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy/GP if it persists
Advice:
Please search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you have a sore throat, there are a number of ways you can help yourself. Paracetamol can help with the pain, andgargling with warm, salty water may help shorten theinfection (but this isn’t recommended for children). In most cases, you only need to see your GP if your sore throat doesn’t improve after a week.
You can book an appointment with the GP.
Further information on how to treat a sore throat yourself .
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Who do I see?
Community Pharmacy
Who do I see?
Self-Help Advice/Community Pharmacy/Sexual Health Clinic
Advice:
You find information on the NHS help page. You can also search for your nearest community pharmacist. If you are sexually active, you can also visit your local Sexual Health Clinic.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse
Advice:
Please book an appointment, at least 6 weeks or more before travelling.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Who do I see?
Sexual Health Clinic/Practice Nurse/GP
Advice:
You can search for your nearest community pharmacist.
If you are sexually active, you can visit your local Sexual Health Clinic.
You can book an appointment with the Practice Nurse/GP.
Further information about vaginal discharge available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Practice Nurse or HCA (Health Care Assistant)/Treatment Room Nurse
Advice:
You can either book an appointment with the appropriate healthcare professional, or alternatively please phone the surgery to arrange your appointment.
Further information about Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia, available from NHS UK.
Who do I see?
Referral required
Advice:
If you are taking warfarin blood thinning tablets, we can refer you for this service.
You can book an appointment with your Doctor.
Blood tests are requested by the doctor or nurse at Willow Tree, or from a hospital doctor and appointments are available for the Phlebotomist (a technician who takes blood) at the surgery, weekday mornings until early afternoon (when the samples are collected for the hospital). Appointments can be booked online but only if the test has been requested first and a form produced.
Obtaining the results can be different depending on whether they were requested by the surgery or by a hospital doctor.
Willow Tree test results are returned to us by electronic link, some within 24 hours, some up to 7 or even 10 days later. The doctor or nurse should give you instructions on how and when to obtain your results. Please make sure you understand as it will vary in each instance. Significant results (requiring action or explanation) will be relayed to you as agreed but routine results which are normal will not be.
You can see the results online with Patient Access (once you have registered for this). Alternatively you can phone and speak to a Receptionist when the surgery is quieter after 11am. The Doctor will have looked at the results and signified whether they are normal or if abnormal, what that means and what action is required (for instance to repeat the test or make an appointment to see the doctor). It is useful to know how many tests were ordered so you know if they are all back; some may come back at different times. Please ask the Receptionist to check if you are uncertain.
Receiving results ordered by hospital doctors from the hospital can be variable. If a doctor in a hospital or clinic requests you to have a test or investigation, it is their responsibility to ensure that you get the result and an explanation of what it means. When you attend a clinic you should always ask how this will happen and when you should expect to receive the result. Often the doctor will say, “we will send the results to your GP”. Always ask when you should contact us, as some results take a long time to be processed and interpreted and copied to us. Often we don’t receive them at all. We shall always try and help you, so if you have first tried contacting the secretary of the doctor who ordered the test and are getting nowhere, please contact a receptionist here and we shall attempt to get the result. We have online access to most tests carried out at Northwick Park Hospital and this is gradually being extended to other hospitals in North West London.
Your doctor will explain what the results mean and there are often leaflets which can be given for further information.
There is also an excellent web-site we recommend: Lab Tests Online
These are usually taken in the surgery or handed in before 1.30pm – when they are collected for Northwick Park Hospital. These results come back to us electronically around 4-7 days after sending: the bugs have to grow, be identified and tested against several antibiotics. Again, the receptionist will tell you your result if you phone and we’ll contact you if any changes to treatment re required.
These are usually performed at Northwick Park (1pm – 7.45pm, walk in service) or sometimes Edgware Community Hospital (9am – 4pm, walk-in service). The results are returned electronically usually 2 or 3 days later (Northwick Park) or 7-10 days after the examination (Edgware). The result will be online or the receptionist will tell you: we’ll contact you if it requires any action or explanation.
These may may be booked by the doctor at the hospital or a contracted service performed in several local hospitals. They will send you an appointment and the results are sent to Willow Tree 7-10 days later. Usually because these results require explanation, the doctor will normally contact you though you may also phone to check with a Receptionist if they are back.
These are performed at the surgery by the nurse. Your GP will check the result and contact you. You can book at reception if a doctor requests.
These are taken by the nurse or doctor. Click here for further information on cervical screening. Results take around 14 days to come back to us and you will receive the results in a letter. The Receptionist will also be able to tell you if they are back and normal.
As self-test pregnancy testing kits are so widely available now (from pharmacies, supermarkets, family planning clinics etc) we don’t perform these at the surgery except in special cases for medical diagnosis. The Doctor or Nurse requesting the test will give you the result.
We are an NHS practice and do not see private patients. Any work outside our normal NHS contract is chargeable at the standard rates below.
If you have any requirements not mentioned below, please ask at reception.
We shall try our best to complete requests within 10 working days. If it is more urgent please tell the receptionist. You will be phoned or texted when it is ready to collect.
Fees are payable in advance by card (not American Express), cash or cheques (to ‘Willow Tree Family Doctors’). Please ask for a receipt. Failures to attend appointments for private medicals will be charged at half the total fee.
If you write a detailed letter request to us or ask for something special, it will need checking by the doctor before we can process it. Some items requested may not be possible for us to complete.
British Passport Applications can no longer be accepted due to changes in the rules (sorry, it’s not our fault: doctors are no longer trusted with signing these.
There is a long list of people who are far more trustworthy such as MPs or journalists; you can see the full list here)
| Medical Records | Copying or viewing medical records (Subject Access Request) | Nil (unless excessive) |
| Certificates | Private Medical Certificate – generated pro-forma (eg Private sickness or return to work, no impediment to travel, fit for gym, fit for TV work etc) | £18 |
| More complex form (ie not our generated pro-forma) or short note less than one side (eg insurance claim but not private health insurance – see below, freedom from infection, health club, gym cancellation, etc) | £32 £45 if urgent, depending on type of request and availability | |
| Form to be completed by hand | £32 for first page, £10 for each subsequent page | |
| Private medical claim form (e.g. BUPA , PPP ) | £45 | |
| Detailed requests for information from record will be charged by GP time and require viewing by GP first (companies usually pay) | £100 per half hr. | |
| Diabetic or elderly driver certificate, seatbelt exemption | £32 | |
| Citizenship application | £32 | |
| Child minding – OFSTED | £85 | |
| Fit to travel certificate, permit to carry medication on holiday | £18 | |
| Passport applications (Note: GPs are no longer permitted to sign British Passport applications) | Other countries will have to be checked by GP before accepting (usually £45 if photo ID included) | |
| Holiday cancellation form | £45 | |
| Hepatitis A, Cholera, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio | Free | |
| Yellow Fever Vaccination + free certificate | £60 | |
| Meningitis ACWY Vaccination + free certificate (we use the more effective vaccine , Menveo – there are some cheaper ones around that offer less protection) | £60 | |
| Rabies Vaccination + free certificate | £60 per dose | |
| Hepatitis B Course of 3 injections (not incl. blood test) – travel only: not for occupational health purposes | £30 per dose | |
| Hepatitis B antibody blood test | Hospital lab fee | |
| International Vaccine Certificate (without vaccination) | £18 | |
| Medical Examinations | Taxi / HGV / PSV (etc) licence | £85 |
| Young persons’ travel camp | £85 | |
| Medical examination for 3rd party eg employment, adoption or fostering, before a special diet or exercise regime | £85 | |
| Paternity testing –taking blood sample only (not including the lab test) | £45 | |
| Other Services | Private support template letter (eg housing, PIP, Blue Badge etc) This is not an opinion but is summary of your record | £18 (often these are not necessary and you can provide evidence yourself from your records from Patient Access) |
| Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or Mental Capacity test | £120 one form or £150 both LPA forms (health & welfare and financial & property) | |
| Photo or signature verification | £32 |
Prescriptions are computer generated. Our software will help us to know about any potential conflicts and interactions.
If you have trouble remembering to take your regular medicines you can ask the Pharmacist about Medication Dosing Aids such as multi-compartment ‘dosette’ boxes or sealed ‘Nomad’ dispensing trays that the Pharmacist can prepare individually. They will be automatically delivered every 2 weeks and have compartments labelled for each time you need to take medication, so it’s easier to see what you have taken and what is due. It can be a bit of problem if you need changes made before the next try is delivered.
Once you are stabilised on a medicine that you will need long term, we give a 2 month (56 day) supply at a time – except for certain potentially more dangerous drugs or conditions, or unless you are over 75yrs, when you will receive a one month (28 day) supply.
Once set up, you will have a list of items you can request regularly – best done on the NHS App though we can still receive requests on paper though it needs more checks and will take longer. Please use the printed counterfoil provided by the Pharmacist and tick the items required and send it to us or hand in at reception. If you lose this slip, please ask at reception for a request form for your medicines.
Best to order your own medicines so that you receive what you need, when you need it. It is really easy, especially using the NHS App. Some patients leaving it to pharmacies to order for them have ended up with large stock-piles of medicines they did not need.
Why can’t I request by phone or fax? Fax is no longer used in the NHS due to insecurities so we cannot accept faxed prescription requests. Due to safety concerns we cannot accept telephone requests for repeat prescriptions.
Please wait at least 3-5 days for us to process your request and send to the pharmacy (extended due to capacity restrictions). If you have repeat prescriptions you should be able to see easily when you are running short and order in good time.
Urgent requests – if you need for a repeat prescription due to unforeseen circumstances, your pharmacist can issue a short-term emergency supply, also 111 can help and walk-in centres, so you should never run out. If you have an exceptional or critical need please speak to a receptionist as soon as possible and we’ll try and help. If you attend a hospital clinic and you are told it is urgent to start, the hospital has a responsibility to provide this. If another doctor wishes to start a new medicine, we need written instructions before we can issue, for safety. Using the NHS App. should mean you never run out of your repeat medicines.
Pharmacy ordering and delivery Some pharmacists offer an ordering and delivery service for you, even sending you reminders. We prefer you remain in control of your ordering as often we have found patients receiving many items they did not want. Make sure you tell the Pharmacist if you don’t need certain items – do not let them order automatically without checking what you need as it can lead to wastage.
Medication reviews are needed, usually every 6 or 12 months, occasionally more frequently and we shall ask you to make an appointment with the doctor or nurse. There are certain important checks we need to perform to ensure your medicines are still doing their job and are not causing any problems and that your condition is monitored. When the computer indicates a review is due, please do not delay as the computer blocks any further issues once you are overdue. If you have been unable to come in time, please NEVER stop your medicines; let us know the circumstances and we shall issue a prescription to keep you going.
Ask us to help synchronise your medicines so you can request them all in one go.
Certain medicines such as the Contraceptive Pill or HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can be supplied in 6 month quantities for your convenience but to do this the nurse or doctor may need to see you.
We send your prescriptions direct to your chosen pharmacy instead of printing them out, so the pharmacy can get them ready for you without having to take the prescription along. All you have to do is tell the doctor or the receptionist which pharmacy to send to or tell your pharmacist. You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time.
It is easier, safer and quicker to order your repeat prescriptions – request them on-line by ticking from the list on the NHS App. and then collect the medicines from the pharmacy after 48hr business hours.
It is still important to see you from time to time to make sure all of your monitoring checks are up to date, so please take note of the messages we send that the pharmacist or the NHS App will pass on to you.
Printed prescriptions are being phased out. Electronic prescriptions saves you time and makes it a lot simpler and saves the wasteful printing of coded paper prescriptions. It is estimated that if all prescriptions were produced electronically, an average practice would save a seven foot pile of prescriptions each year (and as we are larger we should save maybe a 20 foot pile). Stopping paper prescriptions would also prevent a lot of prescription fraud each year.
This can suit some patients on long term stable medication, especially those who can find it difficult to request medicines. If we are happy a patient’s condition is stable and unlikely to need changes in their medication in the foreseeable future, we can send a batch of prescriptions electronically to the Pharmacist for up to a year ahead and they can dispense the medicines on a regular basis without any further requests. This can suit housebound patients who have their regular medicines delivered but many other people can benefit too, so if you would like to consider it, speak to the Doctor or Pharmacist. There are, however, potential complexities with operating the system, particularly if you need changes made.
You will need to pay the Pharmacist the Prescription Charge for each individual item (ie a pair of support stockings will be two charges), unless you are exempt from charges.
Charges increase from time to time so check here to see the current charges.
A pre-payment certificate may be cheaper if you are likely to require more than 12 individual items over a 12 month period. For further details on pre-payment certificates check here.
Many people do not have to pay prescription charges e.g. due to age, certain benefits, pregnancy, certain medical conditions, for medicines received at hospital or walk-in centres etc. To check if you are eligible for free prescriptions and any other help with NHS charges check here
We operate a ‘Digital First’ system, in line with NHS policy.
We view and respond to most medical queries on the same day if received before 5:00pm: after that we may respond the next day if non-urgent. Responses are most commonly an initial phone call but may include other options including booking a face to face appointment when necessary.
To save waiting on the line, the automated Patchs Telephone Assistant records your spoken answers and sends the recording to the clinician exactly as if you had answered the questions using your keyboard. If you prefer to wait for a receptionist you have that option and you will be asked exactly the same questions but it will take longer and hearing your voice really helps the clinician.
If you choose to wait on the phone and we are busy, the ‘Patient Callback’ feature allows you to ring off and you will be called back when your position in the queue is reached.
Why are we Digital First?
By having the information in advance, the doctor and staff can best meet your needs and prioritise urgent cases, so please do give as much information about your problem as possible.
Please be advised that Patchs will be temporarily closed for upto two hours Monday to Thursday whilst our staff undergoes essential training. During this period, we will be unable to process any inquiries or appointments through Patchs. One phone line will remain open for matters that cannot wait, but expect longer wait times. For medical help that cannot wait, use 111 by phone or web. Use NHS.UK for health advice. If your matter is not urgent, we kindly ask that you wait until patchs reopens to contact us. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to invest in ongoing training to enhance our service provision.
Many medical queries can be managed safely without needing a face-to-face appointment. Having the information in advance allows the GP to quickly assess the most appropriate way to help, saving time and often an unnecessary trip to the surgery. The GP may phone, send a message with advice, a prescription to the pharmacy, order tests or maybe a referral. If a face to face appointment is necessary we are very flexible and can see you even within an hour, or booked ahead, as appropriate.
We’ll respond to Patchs usually the same day (or if submitted after 5pm, the following day). To cope with reduced staff capacity, Patchs requests are currently not available outside core hours (6.30pm-8am and weekends or bank holidays). The system will still give access to good self-care advice and NHS information.
All face to face appointments are pre-booked following a PATCHS. If you turn up without an appointment it is unlikely we will be able to see you at that time, except in an emergency.
Appointment text reminders are sent – remember to update your contact details!
Tell the receptionist if you think your problem is urgent or if you are feeling bad and are having difficulties waiting.
Try to stick to the Doctor who knows you or your problem best. This is especially important if dealing with an on-going or recurrent problem and ensures you get the most efficient personal care. Please ask for your usual doctor.
Please cancel unwanted appointments so others can be offered them. We waste thousands of appointments each year due to people not cancelling. You can easily cancel online using Patient Access or replying to the text reminder we send.
Some routine Nurse appointments are booked online by Patient Access or by PATCHS or reception telephone. We might send you a self-booking link for certain appointments.
Request through Patchs so we know who best to book you with.
For routine annual health checks (eg Diabetes, Blood Pressure) you will be called up in your birth month. We try to do everything in one appointment – blood tests , physical checks and so on. If we send a questionnaire through Patchs, please do answer it to make everything work efficiently for you.
If you need a blood test, this must be requested by a doctor or other clinician first. When a blood test is due we will send you a self-booking link for you to choose your own time.
Certificates and all other administrative requests should be ordered on PATCHS
Absence from work of 7 days or less do not need a sick note: a Self-Certificate (SC2) is required (from your employer or complete online the form below.
If your employer asks for a medical certificate, tell them it is not a statutory requirement and your Doctor will not provide one. If they insist, ask them if they will pay the cost of a Private Certificate which we can provide.
For absences of 7 days or more you will need a Medical Certificate (“Fit Note”) from your Doctor. We need to see you for this for the first one as we are making a medical judgment that you are incapable of work or can return subject to certain conditions. We cannot provide it retrospectively if there is no medical evidence.
If you need more extension certificates we may need to see you again but you can send us a PATCHsS and we can let you know.
If you are off work due to Coronavirus, don’t ask the GP for a certificate: you should self-complete an isolation note instead.
If you have been in hospital you should expect a Medical Certificate on discharge to cover your admission and a reasonable recovery period. If you are continuing to be treated as an outpatient, your Hospital Doctor can provide a certificate whilst you are under their care but usually it is the GP.
You can return to work before your Fit Note runs out if you feel up to it.
Counting your Sick Days involves all the days in a row you’ve been sick, including days you do not usually work, such as weekends and bank holidays.
It is not a requirement to provide certificates for absence from school or college or any other place and we can only issue Private Certificates for which we make a charge.
Fit Notes can be two types- “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work taking into account the following advice”. You may be able to go back to work on a phased return, a change in your hours or a a change in your duties or with special conditions, such as no heavy lifting. If your employer cannot make the necessary changes, your fit note becomes “not fit for work”. The details of the fit note will be discussed with your GP. Fit notes are free of charge.
There is useful guidance on the Fit for Work website with Live Chat and telephone advice (Tel 0800 032 6235)
Also more details on Fit Notes from Gov.UK
Advice on Sick Leave from ACAS
These qualify you for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer or the state Maternity Allowance and are obtained from your Midwife (or Doctor if they do not give it) any time from the 20th week of your pregnancy. There is an online application process also if your Midwife or GP has registered for this (but it is new and not easy to get set up!).
The certificate also entitles you to free dental treatment and free prescriptions and it lasts until your baby is 12 months old.
More details about Maternity Certificates here .
Please ask when you attend an antenatal appointment with your Midwife or fill in a request form at reception.
The doctors at this surgery hold conscientious objections to engagement in the firearms certification process and therefore will not be involved. Where the use of firearms is a necessary professional requirement we would assist applicants in finding a registered doctor to help. In other cases the applicant will need to find such a doctor themselves.
Health and wellbeing coaches support people to increase their ability to self-manage, motivation levels and commitment to change their lifestyle. They are experts in behaviour change and focus on improving health related outcomes by working with people to set personalised goals and change their behaviours. They work with people with physical and/or mental health conditions and those at risk of developing them.
Health and wellbeing coaches can be an effective intervention for people experiencing a range of long-term conditions, including respiratory, cardiovascular (including type 2 diabetes and hypertension), and stress/low mood. They can also support people with weight management, diet and increasing activity levels.
Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future.
It takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care.
Contrary to many people’s understanding, it does not always depend on ‘hands on’ therapy. For straightforward problems, which many of us experience, we can make the biggest difference though following expert advice, regular exercise regimes and adjusting our lives a little. If the patient relies on someone else to do the work, it won’t work.
It can help with musculoskeletal injuries, pains and stiffness but also with neurological conditions such as parkinsons, multiple sclerosis and strokes, after a heart attack or with COPD and severe asthma or if female sufferers from incontinence and level problems.
Physiotherapy in Brent is provided by Connect Health and operates from Wembley Centre for Health and Care and Willesden Centre for Health and Care and you can self-refer (see below).
This leaflet explains the service in more detail.
Here are dozens of really fantastic articles, guides and videos telling you stuff you probably didn’t know about your body, how it works, why MRI scans and X-rays may not be helpful or needed and how YOU have the power to fix your body – in most cases more so than the surgeons!
You don’t need to see a doctor- refer yourself directly to physio in this area, cutting out delays and putting you in control!
Register to make and sync your appointments to your calendar, get help with translation, travel plans and communication from the physio team.
Building on the legacy or Arthritis UK and Arthritis Care, this has a coalition of people living with arthritis, professionals and researchers to try and make the lives of those with arthritis better.
Learn all about arthritis, what makes it happen and how you can reduce your pain and improve your mobility.
Arthritis helpline: T: 0800 5200 520 (Mon-Fri 9am- 6pm)
Digital support tools to help you continue exercising safely in your home. The digital tools are free resources produced in the NHS by the Health Innovation Network and Salaso Solutions Ltd.
The free-to-use ESCAPE-pain Online programme and smartphone app can help people remain active and manage their joint pain during this time.
We provide the full range of advice and contraception and can help you choose the best methods from a range including all the various combined pills, the progesterone only pill, the coil (IUD or intra-uterine device and IUS, the intrauterine system), implants, diaphragms, condoms and natural methods.
The nurses are able to provide all these except the IUCD / IUS and implants which will need a special appointment with a doctor. The female GPs can insert IUCDs and IUSs and Dr Dodhia is trained to perform implants. It is best to discuss this with a doctor in advance – please leave message with reception and you will be contacted to arrange. For all other contraception just make a normal appointment with the nurse.
All contraception is free of prescription charges under the NHS.
Here is a good guide to the various forms of contraception. Also the Family Planning Association is no longer a charity and was bought by a publisher but has some useful
Emergency contraception is available for up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse, though the earlier the better. The most effective form is to fit an IUCD (a coil) which can be inserted up to 5 days after the accident. We can provide this at the surgery (ask to speak to a doctor as soon as possible to arrange this). An advantage with this method is, the IUCD can be left in place for good contraception. In the first 3 days (72 hours) the Post-coital Pill or ‘morning after pill’ is available, though it is more effective in the first 24 hours.
If you have need of emergency contraception, please contact us for an appointment as soon as possible- we will always fit you in. If the surgery is closed many pharmacies can also provide the Post-Coital Pill.
