Constable Country Medical Practice

Our team of healthcare professionals and additional clinicians offer a number of clinics and services to promote good health and wellbeing whatever your medical condition. This may include services offered by the Midwife, Podiatrist or Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine Doctor. 

We hope you enjoy having a look around the site and familiarising yourself with some of the online features such as ordering a repeat prescription. Whatever your thoughts, be sure to let us know via our feedback function. Comments and suggestions are always a great way of helping us continue to enhance the way we look after you.

We strongly encourage our patients to kindly use "E-Consult" for routine or non-urgent matters instead of telephone as far as possible; click on the link opposite to access the service.

 

South Rural Primary Care Network (PCN) was formed in June 2019 and is made up of five individual, well-established practices:

• Bildeston Health Centre
• Constable Medical Practice,
• Hadleigh Boxford Group
• Holbrook & Shotley
• Needham Market Country Practice

Between us we look after around 55,000 patients and that number continues to grow.  

The PCN is lead by two enthusiastic Clinical Directors who are Dr Chris Lewis (Needham Market) and Dr Carrie Everitt (Hadleigh). Our PCN Manager is Lisa Coleman who works alongside the clinical directors on PCN projects.  

By working together our vision is to provide a joined up service for local communities. By diversifying our workforce and benefitting from a greater skill mix we can in turn create and develop a better care package for our patients.

Currently as a PCN:

• We offer extended hours appointments to our patients
• We provide an enhanced health in care homes service to the 16 care homes across our area
• We employee additional health care professionals to support our practices. The roles we currently have in place are:

• Clinical Pharmacists
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Trainee Nurse Associates  
• Care Coordinators
• Health and Wellbeing Coaches
• First Point of Contact Physiotherapists
• Paramedic/Emergency Care Practitioners
• Mental Health Practitioners

Visit the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex website to learn more about the different health care professionals working in GP surgeries: suffolkandnortheastessex.icb.nhs.uk/gp-roles

• We provide peer support to each other sharing best practice and learning outcomes
• We are working to improve early cancer diagnosis rates through increasing national screening uptake
• We are using population health management tools to understand our patient population and tailor services to improve outcomes for our patients

Over the next two years, we hope to be able to bring more new roles and services into our practices. We will keep you updated as the South Rural Primary Care Network develops.

• Wednesday 7th December 2022 - Shutdown Notice

  The Practice will be CLOSED from 13:00 for our monthly CCG training. Please use E-Consult for anything which is not urgent.

  Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

  Published 6th December 2022

 

• Thursday 10th November 2022 - Planned IT Maintenence & Afternoon Shutdown Notice

  Please note planned IT maintenance will be taking place the morning of Thursday 10th November 2022 which may impact our services and cause delays. Additionally we will be CLOSED from 13:00 for our monthly CCG training. Please use E-Consult for anything which is not urgent.

  Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

  Published 8th November 2022

 

• Monday 19th September 2022 - Practice Closure 

Please note the practice will be closed on Monday 19th September 2022. This has now been announced as a bank holiday due to Queen Elizabeth II funeral taking place.

E-Consult will be unavailable during this time.

Booked appointments will be rescheduled accordingly and we will be in contact to offer alternative appointments in due course. 

• Tuesday 20th September 2022

Normal practice will resume, however we expect to be busier than usual due to demand from the additional day’s closure after the weekend. Our staff work hard to ensure the best care is provided for every patient and wait times on the phones may be slightly longer than usual. We encourage all patients to use the E-Consult service where possible to avoid waiting on the telephones. 

• Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th September 

The reception desk at Capel will be closed. The Capel premises will be open as usual for access to the pharmacy and for patients who have appointments booked with clinicians working at Capel. These patients should use the check-in screen and wait in the waiting area to be collected by the clinician.

Repeat prescription slips will be collected from the box.

If you experience difficulty in contacting us by phone, please use our eConsult service for any non-urgent issue.

We hope to be able to re-open the reception desk on Wednesday 14th September.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Published 12th September 2022

 

• Autumn Flu and Covid Vaccinations 

The practice is planning to vaccinate patients against flu and covid from the week commencing 10th October.

We are expecting to have both vaccinations delivered during the first week of October and we will be sending invites to patients as soon as we have taken delivery.

Vaccines will be co-administered, i.e. one in each arm and patients will be invited strictly in the order determined by NHS England, i.e. vulnerable and elderly patients first.

As per previous years, patients will be sent a text message invite and will be able to book an appointment on-line. Any patient without a mobile phone will be contracted separately. The practice has a robust system for ensuring all patients are offered vaccinations.

Initially, all vaccination clinics will be held at East Bergholt due to the logistical challenge of storing both vaccines.

Please note that the vaccination programme will last into December and patients in the 50 to 65 year age range may not receive invites until mid-November.

Separate arrangements will be made to ensure that housebound patients are vaccinated.

Please bear with us during October and November. The vaccination programme is additional to usual practice demand and the pace of the programme is dependent on the availability of vaccinators.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Published 1st September 2022

 

• August Bank Holiday 

      Please note that the practice will be closed on Monday 29th August for the Bank Holiday. 

      Please ensure prescription requests are in by Tuesday 23rd August to be able to collect on Friday. 

      Thank you for your cooperation.

      Published 22nd August 2022

 

• Staff Shortages 

Due to sickness/leave you may experience a longer than usual wait on the phones. Please be patient with the staff as they are all trying their    best . Also please consider using the E Consult service as this can be very useful for obtaining a call with the GP. 

Published 5th August 2022

 

•  Patient Experience Survey

We now have a new feature on our website. This is an opportunity for patients to inform us of how their appointment/experience went with us.    This can be found on the Home page.We thank you in advance and look forward to receiving your feedback. 

 

•  Community Pharmacist Consultation Service

From 30th March 2022, when you call the practice, you will be asked about your symptoms. If they indicate that you can best be helped by a          pharmacist, you will be offered a same day private consultation with a community pharmacist. Community pharmacists have already successfully seen thousands of patients for a consultation for a minor illness, following a call to NHS 111. This new way of arranging consultations with the pharmacist by a GP practice, has been successfully piloted around the county.

Published 22nd July 2022

•  
• Capel reception closed 30th June 2022

Due to severe staff shortages, mainly as a result of Covid, we have had to close the Capel reception today. The site will remain open for patients to see clinicians. Patients can phone the practice on the normal numbers or submit an eConsult. We will open Capel reception as soon as we are able.

Thank you for your understanding

• Results 

• Travel Information 

      If you are planning a holiday abroad this year, please see our updated information on our Travel advice.

      Published 17th June 2022

 

• Training Day Thursday 16th June 

      Please note that the practice will be closed on the afternoon of Thursday 16th June for training.

      If your need is not urgent, please call us the following day or submit an eConsult.

      Thank you for your cooperation.

      Published 9th June 2022

 

• We are unable to take prescription requests over the phone 

All medication details are recorded on our computer system and therefore if you lose your repeat prescription slip, please don't worry, we are able to look at our records and still order your repeat. You can also order your prescription on line via SystmOne, please ask one of our receptionists for your log in details if you do not already have them. 

It is our policy to support the recommendations of the prescribing advisors at the Ipswich & East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group regarding the issue of prescribed drugs.  Our normal issue is 28 days supply

Published 24th May 2022

 

• Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 

Please note that the practice will be closed on Thursday 2nd June and Friday 3rd June. 

Please ensure you order any prescriptions you will need by Friday 27th May.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Published 16th May 2022

 

• Training Day Wednesday 18th May

Please note that the practice will be closed on the afternoon of Wednesday 18th May for training.

If your need is not urgent, please call us the following day or submit an eConsult.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Published 16th May 2022

 

• Easter Opening Hours 2022

The practice will be closed on Good Friday 15^th and Easter Monday 18^th April for the Easter Break.

We anticipate high demand on Thursday 14^th and Tuesday 19^th April.

Please note than on these days we would appreciate patients contacting us only if their need cannot wait until after the Easter break.

The eConsult service will be suspended from 8am Thursday 14^th April and will reopen at 7am on Tuesday 19^th April and we would encourage patients with non-urgent issues to contact us using the eConsult service when it reopens.

We continue to experience high levels of staff sickness, primarily as a result of covid, and the above measures will help us ensure we are able to meet the needs of patients with pressing issues.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Published 12th April 2022

 

• Severe Staff Shortages

The practice is experiencing very high sickness levels at the moment - mainly due to Covid-19.

This is affecting our doctors, nurse team and administration team.

As a result, it may take longer for your call to be answered and we may need to postpone non-urgent treatment or consultations.

Please bear with us. If your need is urgent then let our reception team know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

If your need is non-urgent and can wait, please don't contact the practice but wait until the current high Covid infection rate has passed and staffing levels are back to normal.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Published 28th March 2022

  

• Urgent Covid Booster Update

The practice will be offering a limited number of Covid Booster vaccinations at our East Bergholt site between the 20^th and 24^th December to help with the national push to ensure that all adults are fully vaccinated.

Note that we will be administering the Pfizer vaccine.

We will be sending text message invites to patients who are eligible but have yet to receive their booster.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE PRACTICE BY PHONE.

We are aware of which patients require a booster. We have limited capacity so will be sending invitations to vaccinate as many patients as we can.

Booster vaccinations can also be booked at a number of vaccination sites across Suffolk and can be booked via the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Published 16th December 2021

 

• Covid Booster Update

If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination you can go to a walk-in clinic, with no need for an appointment. See list of walk-in clinics here: https://sneevaccine.org.uk/location-of-walk-in-clinics/

Or you can make a booking by calling 0344 257 3961 - this is also the number to call if you have any questions and there is no need to call this surgery.

You do not need to wait to be invited by the NHS – you can check your eligibility for a booster here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-booster-vaccine/

It is very important to have the booster to protect your own health and health of your loved ones. Rates of infection continue to increase and having the booster will give you an extra layer of protection over the winter months.

Please take action now.

Published 21st October 2021

 

• Influenza vaccinations

The practice has now administered flu vaccinations to the majority of patients over the age of 65. Patients over 65 who have yet to receive their vaccination should phone the practice to arrange a vaccination.

Patients under the age of 65 will be administered a different flu vaccine to those over 65. The supply of this vaccine has been delayed nationally and we are taking delivery in small shipments over the coming weeks. For this reason we are prioritising the patients we invite for vaccination.

Currently, we have invited every patient between the ages of 18 and 49 who are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination. These patients will generally have an underlying health condition which puts them at greater risk should they catch flu. The majority of these patients have been sent a text message with a link to book an appointment. Those who we were unable to send a text message to will be contacted by phone.

When we have sufficient vaccine stock we will invite patients between the ages of 50 and 64. Initially we will contact those with underlying health conditions, followed by all other patients within this age range. Patients will be sent a text message with a link to click to book their appointment, or alternatively contacted by phone or letter if we are unable to send a text message.

Please wait to be contacted by text, phone or letter to book you flu vaccination appointment. We expect vaccine deliveries to continue into December and all eligible patients will be prioritised and contacted as soon as we have sufficient supply.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Published 19th October 2021

 

• Covid 3^rd dose/Booster Update

Some patients have received a letter informing them that they are eligible for a 3^rd covid vaccine dose. These are patients who have medical conditions where the recommendation is for a 3^rd dose 12 weeks after receiving a second dose. The letter can be taken to a vaccination centre as evidence that a 3^rd dose should be administered.

However, we understand that many of these patients are entitled to a covid booster vaccination as 180 days have elapsed since they received their 2^nd dose.

These patients should book their booster vaccination once informed. A further ‘3^rd dose’ will not then be necessary.

Published 19th October 2021

 

• COVID-19 Booster vaccinations

Please note that the practice is currently unable to administer Covid booster vaccinations. Please do not contact the practice regarding the booster as our reception team are unable to provide any additional information.

Patients will be contacted by the NHS by text, letter or email when they are due their booster vaccination. You'll only be able to book an appointment for a booster dose at a vaccination centre if it's been at least 6 months (180 days) since your 2nd dose of the vaccine, so please wait to be contacted. You can visit the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/covid-booster for more information and to book a booster when it is due.

Patients will be invited for booster vaccinations by the practice if the situation changes and we are able to administer them.

Published 5th October 2021

 

• Practice demand
  

  Many of you may be aware of the pressures the NHS is under. As a practice we are still facing unprecedented circumstances. Recently we have faced issues such as wait times for an ambulance of more than 10 hours, lack of chemicals to do blood tests, cancellations of flu deliveries, referral waiting times of 40-45 weeks. 

  We are trying hard to cope with the circumstances and are also aware that things are not yet back to normal. We apologise for any inconvenience faced by you. With winter round the corner, we are trying to prepare ourselves for further challenges and will be much obliged if you could kindly help us by considering the below requests. 

  The practice is currently receiving a very high call volume. And some of these are for things which could be done without getting in touch with us. It blocks valuable resource.

  We aim to answer your calls as quickly as possible but please be patient with the reception team. Recently, there has been unnecessary abuse towards staff who are trying their best to help you. Please refrain from using abusive language or rude behaviour towards staff members. It is not something the practice will to tolerate. 

   

  • COVID-19 NHS app - Please email ccmp@nhs.net with your queries, please DO NOT call the practice. We ask that all patients visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ first before contacting the practice as we are very limited to what help we can provide. 

   

  • Prescription query - If you call is regarding a prescription query then please phone the practice after 11am or please visit of prescriptions page on our website which offers help and advice. If you are calling to chase up your prescription, please contact the pharmacy first. Please note: Capel Pharmacy (Villapharm) and Constable Country Medical Practice are NOT connected. Although the pharmacy is located in the same building as our Capel site, they are separate entities. We unfortunately cannot help you with queries or issues relating to the pharmacy. 

   

  • Blood or investigation results - Please contact the practice after 11am after the morning rush has settled down. Alternatively, you can visit our 'Test Results' page on the website where you can request them online. 

   

  • Flu vaccine - Please continue to follow our website or social media page for regular updates. We have only received delivery of vaccines for those who are 65 and over. 

   If you are 65 or over and have not booked your appointment please contact the practice after 2pm to arrange an appointment. 

   If you wish to decline the vaccine this year, please still let us know by either phoning or emailing the practice that you wish to decline.

  We are expecting to get deliveries of flu vaccines for those under 65 group at a later date. As you may be aware, there is disruption in delivery chain due to shortages of delivery drivers and the practice itself does not get notified well ahead of time. We will sure update our social media and website as soon as we know further. 

  Published 24th September 2021 
  
  

• Statement regarding Constable Country Medical Practice surgery premises

  Over the past five years the GP Partners at Constable Country Medical Practice have invested in refurbishing and upgrading the Capel surgery premises in order to prolong the life of building. We have also been actively developing the practice including attracting NHS and private practitioners to offer their services locally and becoming an approved GP training practice. More recently, we have been working collaboratively with four other local practices to successfully undertake covid vaccination clinics and have secured funding and approval to employ both a full-time pharmacist and a full-time paramedic. 

  However, as we grow the practice team to improve the services we offer, clearly we need additional space to accommodate our clinical and admin staff. The planned residential developments across the area will also increase the practice list size significantly over the next 5 to 10 years. We are aware that residents at Capel St Mary have also expressed a desire for fit-for-purpose health facilities in the locality. With this in mind, the GP Partners and management at Constable Country Medical practice have invested a lot of time working with the CCG, NHS England, our Patient Participation Group and Parish and District councils to try to secure support and funding either to further improve and expand our current premises or, preferably, secure new premises perhaps as part of one of the new residential developments in the area.

  After much lobbying, many meetings, and the commissioning of a comprehensive independent study, we have been told that unfortunately there is no viable option to alter the current premises at either site, and no funding for premises development will be available to the practice for the foreseeable future. This is a big disappointment to the practice as our desire is to further develop the range of services available to our patients and to deliver these services from premises which are modern and fit for purpose. Despite this setback, we will continue to lobby the CCG and NHS England in the hope that they will revisit their decision. We will keep you posted if anything changes but as of now we do not expect any significant shift in the position from higher authorities with regard to this issue. 

  The GP Partners and Practice Manager
  Constable Country Medical Practice

        Published 24th August 2021

 

• FLU VACCINATIONS  - We are now sending out invites for flu vaccinations to those who are aged 65 years old and above. The clinics will be starting on the 13th September 2021 and will be held at both our East Bergholt and Capel St Mary sites every weekday afternoon. More dates will be available in due course.

   We are sending out text message invites for all patients we have mobile number for and we will contact other patients by phone or letter. If you are unable to book your appointment via the text messaging service then please contact the reception team who will book your appointment for you.

  If your appointment is at East Bergholt, please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible. Once you have arrived please make your way into the main entrance of the practice where you will be greeted by a member of our team and marked as arrived for your appointment. Our clinics in East Bergholt will be held in our waiting area. Once you have had your vaccine please exit the building through the main entrance.

  If your appointment is at Capel St Mary, please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible. Once you have arrived please make your way to the back of the building and queue up outside the back door where the vaccinator will come and get you. Once you have had your vaccine you will exit the building through the main doors at the front.

   Please wear appropriate clothing so you can easily uncover your upper left arm for vaccination. Please also wear a mask while in the building and do not come to the practice if you have any symptoms which may suggest you have Covid.

   We are expecting to take delivery of vaccines for our patients who are under 65 in mid-October. These patients will receive invites through October with vulnerable patients being prioritised.

  Published 24th August 2021