Appointments

Do I need to see a GP for minor ailments?

Under the "Pharmacy First" scheme, local pharmacies can manage the following without you needing a GP appointment:

• Ear infections (1–17 years)
• Impetigo (1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (1 year and over)
• Shingles (18+ years)
• Sinusitis (12+ years)
• Sore throat (5+ years)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (16–64 years)

Pharmacies can prescribe medications, including antibiotics, when appropriate.

Your pharmacy can advise you on minor illness without the need of an appointment. Please speak to a pharmacist first.

Pharmacy & Self-Care

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice, over the counter medicines and their use, to effectively and safely manage a range of minor health concerns. They can also help you to decide whether you'll need to see a doctor. You don't need an appointment and you won't even be asked to make a purchase. Every pharmacy also has a private consultation area for you to talk about your symptoms in private if you prefer.

FIND A PHARMACY

• MSK self-referral
• New pregnancy self-referral form for maternity services 
• Help with stop smoking from Bexley Stop Smoking Service 
• CBT and mental health support 
• Local help from Bexley Voluntary service

Can I self-refer for mental health support or counselling?

Yes. You can self-refer to Bexley MIND via phone or online. You may also book with a GP to discuss your symptoms further as we can also offer medication. 

If you are feeling more unwell then please seek more urgent help either by calling the CRISIS line or going to A&E. Find out more here.

Can I self-refer for weight loss programmes like Slimming World?

You may self-refer through Gro Health Bexley if eligible. For more intensive services or possible referral for bariatric surgery (BMI over 35 with health conditions), please see a GP for a referral.

Do you have a non-urgent problem and can wait for 1 to 2 weeks to be seen?

There is a limited amount of Pre-bookable routine face-to-face and telephone appointments, which become available daily on a four-week rolling basis.

Appointments can be made by telephone, attending in person at reception or via Online Services. Online appointments become available on the day at 6:30am.

Pre-bookable late evening appointments with the Primary Care Paramedic are also available on Mondays at Westwood Surgery between 6:30am – 8:20pm. Please see the receptionist or call the surgery for more information.

We are able to book you with a GP or nurse at the Bexley extended-hours hub in the evenings and weekends via reception.

Each of our Doctors works on different days - Please ask the receptionist for the days they are available. Locum doctors work to cover holidays, study leave and maternity leave.

You can book an appointment online or by calling reception with the following details:

• Call the surgery on: 020 8303 5353
• Request an appointment online
• Download the NHS App

If you have an urgent medical problem and need to be seen on the same day, please phone the surgery and speak to a receptionist.

Urgent Appointments are firstly by telephone and face-to-face will be offered if appropriate throughout the day.

Only one problem per appointment, please. If you have more than one problem to discuss, please request a double appointment.

Please call us directly on: 020 8303 5353

Initially, you will have a triage telephone call with the duty doctor, who will then arrange an in-person assessment if needed. The receptionist will ask you for a brief summary of the reason for your booking and a few questions to confirm that the problem needs to be dealt with the same day - they may, with the guidance of the clinical team, offer you a pre-booked appointment in the near future if this is appropriate.

If you are worried about your issue, you can contact NHS 111 by calling: 111 or by visiting their website.

If you or someone you know has a life-threatening condition, such as loss of consciousness, a sudden confused state, chest pain, breathing difficulties etc, you should call 999.

Linked Profiles

Use the NHS App to manage health records, appointments, and prescriptions for someone you care for (including children) or receive support from a trusted person. Both individuals must be registered at the same GP surgery. To set up access, complete the required form or visit your practice with ID.

• Manage health services for others using the NHS App
• How to switch profiles on the NHS App

Proxy Access

Manage another person’s online account through Patient Access with their consent. Unlike Linked Profiles, Proxy Access allows access even if you are registered at different GP surgeries. To set up, visit your practice with ID for both yourself and the person you’re accessing services for.

• More information about Proxy Access

Can I request a routine blood test ("MOT" check)?

Routine health checks are offered as part of the NHS Health Check for those aged 40–74 without existing conditions: NHS Health Check Info. These are routine tests looking at your overall metabolic and cardiovascular health, including lipids and diabetic blood test (hba1c). Otherwise, blood tests are arranged based on individual clinical needs.

Can I have my blood test at the GP practice?

We currently offer limited blood test appointments for patients aged 75 and over. In Westwood surgery, this clinic takes place on a Monday. Availability varies – please check with reception, as we can also arrange tests at nearby practices.

Can I ask my doctor to review multiple problems in one appointment?

Appointments are 10 minutes long, so we generally address one issue per consultation to ensure safe and thorough care. If there is time, quick issues (e.g., prescription queries) may be dealt with at the clinician’s discretion.

How far in advance can I book an appointment?

Appointments can be booked up to two weeks in advance. If a GP advises a follow-up beyond two weeks, they will either ask you to book later or arrange for the surgery to note it.

My hospital appointment is a long way away – can the GP expedite it?

Unfortunately, GPs cannot influence hospital wait times. You may contact the hospital directly to ask about cancellations. If your symptoms worsen, please book a follow-up appointment.

I am waiting for hospital scan results – can the GP chase these?

Hospital scan results are sent to your hospital consultant, not your GP. Your specialist should discuss these with you directly as they are best placed to explain the results to you. 

The hospital asked me to have blood tests at my GP surgery – can I do this?

We do not have capacity to perform blood tests requested by hospital teams. These should be arranged by the hospital.

What happens after I have been referred to hospital?

Once your referral is processed, you will receive a letter or email with a referral code and contact number. Use these details to track or chase your referral if necessary.

How do I book a smear test?

Eligible patients (women and people with a cervix aged 25–64) can book smear tests at the surgery. Screening frequency is:

• Every 3 years (ages 25–49)
• Every 5 years (ages 50–64)
• After 65 only if previous results were abnormal.

Can I have a coil fitted at the practice?

Yes. We offer coil fittings monthly at our Coil Clinic. Please inform reception if you are interested and we will add you to the waiting list.

How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

If you are on blood pressure medication, checks are usually annual. It is advisable also to purchase your own machine to keep an eye on your blood pressure at home intermittently.

How often should I check my diabetes?

If your diabetes is stable, reviews are usually once a year. Your GP or nurse may advise more frequent checks depending on your situation.

How often should I check my thyroid levels if I am on thyroxine?

If stable, thyroid function tests (TFTs) should be done annually. If your dosage is changed or symptoms suggest instability, tests may be done more frequently. For other reasons, your specialist may also request testing in between your usual monitoring. 

My private provider has asked for a GP letter or referral – what do I need to do?

You will usually need a GP appointment. We will assess the referral need, ensure the correct information is included, and advise if there are any private administration fees.

I need an insurance form completed – what is the process?

Please bring the form to reception. Some forms can be completed without an appointment; others may require a GP assessment. There may be a fee for insurance forms – please check with reception.