eConsult

Click on the image to start an eConsult.
eConsult is now available between 8am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday, except on Bank Holidays. 
These requests will be managed in the same way we handle telephone calls - you may be offered an appointment with one of our team, or you maybe signposted to other services such as community pharmacies if appropriate.

 

Practice Mission Statement

 "To maintain and if able, improve the health and wellbeing of those Patients for whom we care"

UPDATED 29.09.25

We have severe reception staff shortages in September which will mean we cannot staff two receptions. 

The Laurels Surgery will be temporarily closed to patients on the following dates:

Wednesday 24th September The Laurels - Closed
Thursday 25th September The Laurels - Closed
Friday 26th September The Laurels - Closed
   
Monday 29th September The Laurels - Closed
Tuesday 30th September The Laurels - OPENED
Wednesday 1st October

The Laurels - CLOSED NOW 

Thursday 2nd October

The Laurels - CLOSED NOW 

 Friday 3rd October

The Laurels - OPEN 9am - 12 noon

Closed  12noon - 5pm

Sidney House Surgery will remain open and patients can contact us on the 'phone, in person and by using eConsult.

The Boreham Pharmacy is an independent business and will be open as usual.

We are engaging with agencies to support us with temporary staff, and members of the admin and management team will be redeployed to support the reception team during this period. 

We have recruited new colleagues who have started their training.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your patience whilst we work through this challenging period.

Changes To Managing Specialists Referrals From 1/10/2025

Helping You Manage Your Specialist Referrals – What You Need to Know

From 1 October 2025, there will be a small change to how you manage your hospital or specialist referrals. You’ll now be supported directly through the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS), which gives you more control and flexibility when booking your appointment.

What happens if I’m referred?

If your GP refers you to a specialist, you may be asked to book your own appointment using the NHS e-Referral system.

You’ll receive an email/ a letter within a few weeks explaining:

  • What you’ve been referred for
  • The hospital or clinic options available to you
  • How to book your appointment

How to book or manage your referral

You can book or manage your appointment in a way that suits you:

  • Online at www.nhs.uk/referrals
  • By phone via the National Booking Service on 0345 608 8888 (Textphone: 0345 850 2250)
    • Open Monday–Friday: 8am–8pm
    • Weekends and bank holidays: 8am–4pm

If you have a question about your appointment or referral, please contact the hospital or service provider directly.

Additional support while you wait

We understand that waiting for specialist care can be difficult. There are local services that can help support your health and wellbeing during this time:

  • Essex Wellbeing Service
    Offers practical, emotional, and health support.
    Call 0300 303 9988 or visit the Essex Wellbeing Service website
  • My Planned Care
    Visit
    www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk for estimated hospital waiting times and local support options.
  • Patients Know Best
    If you live in Mid and South Essex, you can access your hospital information (appointments, test results, letters) through the Patients Know Best portal.
    Find out more.
  • NHS App
    Download the NHS App for quick and secure access to your referrals, prescriptions, and health advice from your phone or tablet.

 

 

Seasonal Influenza and Covid Vaccinations Autumn 2025

 
We are working through all eligible patients and sending them a text message with a URL link to book directly into our Flu clinics. Clinics start from 1st of October for Adults.
If you have access to online services you can book your appointment here
 
Please help us with the telephone queues and use the URL link to book your slot. Remember to confirm your slot when asked on the last page, only then your appointment is booked.
 
We will be providing Covid vaccinations this season. There will be separate clinics available to book into soon. All eligible patients will be invited as soon as the clinics are added.

 

Bereavement Help Point 

Information on drop in group sessions for anyone bereved organised by CIRCLE adult bereavement support can be found here

 

Update on tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management

 

On 23rd June 2025, it was announced that people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings. However, the national roll out does not mean all people will be able to get a prescription for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on this day.

 

UPDATE - 04.09.25

In mid and south Essex, Mounjaro is only available through the specialist Tier 3 weight management service and is prioritised for patients with the highest clinical need. 

If you're currently paying for Mounjaro privately and would like to access it through the NHS, please be aware that you must meet the local NHS eligibility criteria at the time you are referred to the Tier 3 weight management service.

Please note that acceptance onto the Tier 3 weight management service does not guarantee access to the medication, as it may not be clinically suitable for everyone on the programme. In addition, access to the drug on the NHS must also be accompanied by wraparound dietary and physical activity support.

If you are currently paying for Mounjaro privately for weight loss and now wish to stop or taper off the drug, please speak with your private provider.

Visit the NHS Mid and South Essex website for further information about access to Mounjaro, as well as details of wider weight management support services

 

New Childrens' Mental Health Service

 

We would like to make you aware of the NEW children and young person’s mental health service, who are located in our GP surgery. Please contact the reception team to book an initial telephone triage session if your child or young person is presenting with symptoms of mild depression, low mood, and anxiety.

Please see the link for more information and if you want to book an appointment, please speak with the reception team.

Website: SET CAMHS - Primary Care Network | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

  

Changes to the medical examiner system and death certification process

From September 2024

A new medical examiner system is being rolled out in England and Wales over the next few months prior to it becoming a statutory requirement on 9 September 2024. Please see further information about the changes here

Surgery Closed for Staff Training 2025 - 2026

All GP practices in Mid and South Essex will be closed from 12.00pm on the dates below.  The closures are for staff training.  Mid and South Essex ICS will be providing out-of-hours care for our patients from 12:00 until 18:30.  If you require medical care during the hours that we are closed please call NHS 111 who will make an appointment with the out-of hours provider where necessary. 

 

Tuesday 11th February 2025   Thursday 18th September 2025
Thursday 13th March 2025   Thursday 16th October 2025
Tuesday 29th April 2025    Thursday 20th November 2025
Thursday 15th May 2025    Thursday 11th December 2025
Thursday 19th June 2025    Thursday 19th February 2026
Thursday 17th July 2025    Thursday 19th March 2026

 

 

 

Page last reviewed: 30 September 2025
Page created: 01 December 2018