When the surgery is closed, please call 111.   

NHS 111

In the case of urgent need when the practice is closed you can call NHS 111. Your needs will be assessed and advice offered or arrangements made for you to see a doctor.

Please do not ask to see a doctor out of hours unless you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.

Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.

Release the Pressure provides free 24/7 expert advice from trained counsellors for mental health concerns. If you need immediate help you can text the word 'Kent' to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160.

Samaritans provides 24/7 one-to-one support for any mental health concerns by phoning 116 123, or download their self-help app available on the webiste.

If you feel like you, or someone you care about, might attempt suicide or are at risk of serious harm, please attend a local Accident & Emergency Department or call 999 for urgent medical help. Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.

For other services and resources visit our Mental Health & Wellbeing page.

111 online is a fast and convenient alternative to the 111 phone service and provides an option for people who want to access 111 digitally. 

Your needs will be assessed and you will be given advice about whether you need:

• Treat yourself at home
• Go to a Primary Care Centre

If you need face to face medical attention you may be asked to attend a Primary Care Centre.

Click here to access NHS 111 online or call 111 to speak to a staff member.

Since the 1st October 2018, evening, weekend and bank holiday appointments will be available with range of Primary Care health professionals in Ashford.

This is part of a national drive to improve access to Primary Care services and give people the opportunity to have an appointment at a time that suits them.

These extra appointments, alongside existing services, will allow patients to pre-book routine appointments with healthcare professionals between 8am and 8pm each weekday as well as appointments on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Appointments will be provided from practices in different locations within Ashford, not necessarily at the patients’ own surgery, but the health professionals treating them will, with their consent, be able to see their full medical records.

Anyone needing to make an appointment should contact their GP practice in the first instance.

Trained reception staff will know when appointments are available and with which healthcare professional.  They will be able to book an appointment at either the patients’ own surgery or one of the other practices providing appointments within Ashford.   Patients should advise the receptionist if they particularly want an evening or weekend appointment.

Please note, these extra appointments will be available for pre-booked care.  It is important to remember that anyone who needs medical assistance when their practice is closed should continue to dial NHS 111.

We would welcome feedback on this new service – please either complete a Family and Friends Test questionnaire at the practice when attending for your appointment or alternatively email the CCG patient experience team on nelcsu.engagement@nhs.net.