PATCHS – Online consultation portal
- The first time you are directed to PATCHS, you will need to register for an account (a very simple process needing your email address and a self- selected password. The Lache Health Centre does not have any control to create accounts or amend passwords, these belong to you as the patient.
- When submitting an online request, PATCHS will take you through a few simple questions that you answer in your own words to help direct your request to the right support.
- Submit an online request if the medical issue is non-urgent (can wait more than 48 hours), if the request is more urgent then please call the surgery.
- You can also submit admin requests via PATCHS
Urgent appointments
If you have a problem that you feel needs to be seen that day and an appointment is not available, you will be asked to speak to a member of our Emergency Duty Team who will assess your problem and make you an appointment as appropriate
To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday):
- Phone us on 01244 671991 between 8:00am – 6:30pm
- Visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist from 8am to 6pm
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.
Routine appointments
To request a routine appointment in the next 7-14 days:
- Phone us on 01244 671991, Monday to Friday from 10am to 6.30pm
- Visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm
- Use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) to book a screening test or vaccination
- Using the GP Online system – Patient Access
Patient Access
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.
Your appointment
However you choose to contact us, we may offer you a consultation:
- By phone
- Face to face at the surgery
- By text
Cancelling or changing an appointment
To cancel your appointment:
- reply to the text message appointment reminder CANCEL
- call the Surgery on 01244 671991 to let us know you no longer require your appointment
Patient Access
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else. If you arrive more than 5 minutes late you may be asked to re-book.
If you need help when we are closed
If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.
Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
If you need help with your appointment
Please tell us:
- if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
- if you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
- if you need an interpreter
- if you have any other access or communication needs
Home visits
If you are housebound and need an appointment, we will do a home visit. We will phone you first to understand what you need.
Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:00am.