News Update

Staff Update

We would like to say a fond farewell to Dr Oliver Marshall, who left us at the beginning of October after seven years. Dr Marshall is taking up an exciting opportunity as a GP Partner in another part of Bristol. We thank Dr Marshall for his dedication and contribution to our patients and the practice team. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him every success in this exciting new chapter

At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Dr Sarah McLewis to the practice. Dr McLewis will be joining us in November, and we look forward to introducing her and supporting her to settle into the Practice and working with the team. Dr McLewis is an experienced GP, with a special interest in women’s health. She will also be taking on the role of lead GP for learning disabilities. Dr McLewis will become the usual GP for the majority of Dr Marshalls patients, with a smaller number transferring to Dr Imogen McCrear, one of our existing team who is increasing her patient list.

Please join us in wishing Dr Marshall all the best and extending a warm welcome to Dr McLewis.

Practice Update

Some of you will have noticed we have moved to a new triaging system recenty.

Online First

• Following a huge increase in online requests we have decided to move to a single system for all enquiries.
• All patients will be invited to complete an online request when they contact us. You can use this at any time during opening hours
• Using this system will help us manage medical and admin requests in one place. It’s the quickest and fairest way to request services.
• No matter how you contact us – online, by phone, or in person at reception – the process is the same. You can choose the way that works best for you.
• If you phone us or visit us in person, we’ll ask you to go online first. If you cannot complete online, then we will do it with you
• The Practice, and our online enquiry system, will be open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6.30pm

What do I use it for?

• Appointments
• Sick (FIT) notes
• Admin queries
• Referrals

Prescription requests will still be through the NHS App or EMISAccess

Why can’t I just get an appointment straight away?

We will no longer offer appointments immediately, because our triage team need to decide what kind of care you need. This means that we can prioritise helping people who genuinely need our care the most. It also means that appointments aren’t snapped up in the ‘8am rush’ like they used to be.

If the triage team decides your problem is urgent you will be offered a same day telephone appointment or in certain cases be asked to attend for further assessment. If your issue isn’t urgent but we want to see you in an appointment, we will aim to contact you about booking

Why might I not be offered a GP appointment?

Sometimes, seeing a GP might not be what you need – lots of minor illnesses can either be treated at home or by your community pharmacist. Also, sometimes we might urge you to seek more urgent help from 999, your nearest Emergency Department (A&E) or Urgent Treatment Centre if we think your issue is more serious.

Is my data safe?

Yes. The software ‘Anima‘ is certified to NHS and UK government standards – all data stays in the UK and is encrypted.

Vaccinations

Why is it important to have your flu vaccination?

This year, more than ever, it is important that everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccination has it.

Having your vaccination at the practice as soon as you are able to is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself, your community and the NHS. Seasonal flu and COVID-19 have the potential to place significant additional pressure on the NHS during the winter, particularly if waves of infection occur at the same time.

You may receive a letter from the national booking system inviting you to attend a local pharmacy for your flu vaccination and/or COVID-19 booster.

We strongly encourage eligible patients to have their flu vaccination at the practice where possible. This is because we have a complete record of your vaccination history and can check whether you are due any other vaccinations. Where appropriate, these can be administered at the same appointment, helping to ensure you are fully protected against other illnesses.

Why have your flu vaccination at the practice?

We know there are other places where you can receive your flu vaccination, but choosing the practice means:

• We can check whether you are due any other vaccinations and, where appropriate, give them at the same time.
• We have a complete picture of your vaccination history and can make sure you are properly protected.
• Your flu vaccination helps support the services provided by our practice. The income we receive through the flu vaccination programme helps fund our nursing team and the additional appointments and services we provide throughout the year. Without this funding, we may have to reduce some of the services we currently offer.

Who is eligible for an NHS flu vaccination in 2026?

Those eligible for an NHS influenza vaccination in 2026 include:

• People aged 6 months to under 65 years who are in a clinical risk group.
• Pregnant women.
• People aged 65 years and over.
• People living in long-stay residential care homes.
• Carers.
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
• Frontline health and social care workers.

How will I be invited?

Appointment invitations will be sent to eligible patients by text message.

Patients who do not have a mobile phone or who are housebound will receive a telephone call from the practice to arrange their appointment.

Stoptober

Stoptober 2026: make this your month to quit

Planning on quitting smoking? Stoptober is the perfect time to make a change. This October, thousands of people in the UK will stop smoking. Why not join them?

Your goal is to reach 28 days smoke free. If you can do that, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good.

Want some extra help to get through Stoptober? Better Health’s free Personal Quit Plan can help you get started with personalised support based on your smoking habits.

Answer a few simple questions to get practical tips that can help you:

• prepare for your quit date
• see how much money you could save
• manage smoking triggers and cravings

Published: Oct 20, 2026