Our phone lines open at 8.30am and it is best to ring in the morning for an appointment that day. We can also make appointments for the next day and for certain patients we can ‘pre book’ appointments. For those who feel that they only need to speak to a doctor or a nurse on the phone, there are telephone appointments available which are usually done at the end of morning surgery.

Appointments can be made with the Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Practice Nurse and Healthcare Assistant. If you are unsure of whom you need to see please ask the receptionist who will direct you.

Due to the doctors many commitments, they are only available on the following days:

We are a group based practice allowing you to see any doctor you prefer, but if that doctor is unavailable, you will be offered another doctor. We would be grateful if patients try to have follow ups with their ‘usual’ doctor for ongoing problems, although we appreciate that this is not always possible.

If a doctor writes to you and asks you to make a routine appointment with them, please do not panic and rush to see somebody else, but wait until that doctor is available or book a telephone appointment with them. If there is any urgency, the doctor will usually contact you personally by telephone or letter.

Unfortunately appointments are for 10 minutes only. If you feel that you need longer or have multiple problems please book a double appointment.

We are able to offer on average 120 appointments a day with doctors when all ‘hands are on deck’ and usually 50 appointments a day with the nursing staff.

Missed Appointments

Unfortunately we still have a lot of patients who book appointments and then do not come to the surgery.  Please remember to cancel any unwanted appointments as this will help accommodate patients that really need to see a doctor.

Telephone Appointments

The doctors and sisters are available to give telephone advice. These appointments can be made on the day or prebooked.

The sisters at Lenham are available to give telephone advice and will call you back if busy.

The Doctors at Lenham have pre-designated telephone consultation slots. These can be pre-booked over the phone. If you feel that it is appropriate to speak to a Doctor in this way, or if you would like advice about medication then you may use the telephone slots rather than an appointment. Please be aware that for confidentiality reasons, the doctor or nurse will not leave a telephone answering machine message if you do not answer the phone, unless specifically asked to do so.

Problems Registering?

For patients trying to register with any Practice, but having trouble doing so, please contact Judith Lane on 01622 655142 who should be able to help you.