Willingham and Longstanton Surgery Newsletter
Willingham 01954 260230 / Longstanton 01954 207600 / Dispensary 01954 207602
Website: https://www.willinghammedicalpractice.nhs.uk
Community (District) Nurses: 0330 726 0077 Health Visitors: 0300 029 5050
a&e is not an alternative to a gp appointment
when the surgery is closed, please call 111 for medical assistance, or 999 for a life-threatening emergency
for urgent mental health support, please call 111 and select option 2
Surgery Closure
Please note the surgery will be CLOSED from 1pm on WEDNESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER for whole staff training.
Please plan ahead and make sure you have enough medication to last, remembering to order your repeats at least THREE WORKING DAYS before collection.
MOBILE TELEPHONES
| To help maintain a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment for all patients, we ask that mobile phones are not used in the waiting room. This helps protect patient privacy and confidentiality, reduces the risk of interference with medical equipment, and ensures a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for those who may be feeling unwell or anxious. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. |
MISSED APPOINTMENTS
During April and May, there were 129 missed GP appointments and 95 missed nurse appointments across the Willingham and Longstanton surgeries. It is extremely disappointing when appointments go unused, as they could have been offered to other patients and helped reduce the lengthy waiting times we are currently experiencing.
If you are no longer able to attend your appointment, please remember to cancel it by telephoning the surgery. You do not need to wait on hold—simply select Option 3 to leave a cancellation message.
Please avoid cancelling appointments at the last minute via email. During busy periods, we are unable to monitor the inbox continuously, which can result in appointments going unused when they could have been offered to another patient.
PRIVATE INSURANCE WORK
The GPs will complete most private insurance documentation (e.g. claim forms for holiday cancellations, private healthcare questionnaires, factual medical reports etc) however, these are not covered under the NHS contract. As a result, because the GPs need to prioritise their clinical work, these types of requests may take a while so please allow 30 days for your request to be completed and be aware that charges will apply.
BAGS FOR MEDICATION
Please remember to bring your own bag(s) when collecting your medication. Our dispensary does not hold a supply of carrier bags and is therefore unable to provide them. Bringing your own bag will help ensure a smooth and efficient collection. Thank you for your understanding and support.
HOSPITAL BLOOD TESTS
Unfortunately, the surgery DOES NOT have the capacity to carry out hospital requested blood tests. If you have been asked by your hospital consultant/clinic to arrange a blood test then please use the Phlebotomy Clinic at the hospital or the drive-through Outpatient Phlebotomy Service, referring to your hospital clinic letter for further information. Located at the Newmarket Road Park and Ride, Cambridge, CB5 8AA their opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on bank holidays). Please also note that the surgery does not carry out blood tests requested by private consultants or that are required for private appointments.
Vaccinations
| The Pneumococcal Vaccine is available year-round for everyone aged 65 years and over. |
| The RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine is available year-round for everyone aged 75 and over, as well as all pregnant women from the 28th week of their pregnancy. |
| The Shingles Vaccine is available year-round for everyone who is aged between 65 and 80 years, individuals who are aged 50 years and above and meet the definition of severe immunosuppression and for those who are aged between 18 and 49 years and receiving a stem cell transplant. |
Carers Meetings
If you are a carer for someone and need advice and financial or emotional support, please come along to our next carers support meeting which will take place on Wednesday 2nd September (there will be NO meeting in August), at the Wilford Furlong Centre in Willingham, where we will be holding a drop-in session between 2pm and 4pm. Please come along and get some support from other people in the local community. Refreshments are provided, there’s no need to pre-book and it’s completely FREE! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month (except August) and for more information please contact alaine.bunce@nhs.net@nhs.net
Willingham Medical Practice – August 2026
