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Need to see a GP quickly in Barking and Dagenham, London?
A fever that won't come down, a pain that started overnight or a child who feels unwell before school are all situations where the first question is often which GP near you can see you without a long wait. Church Elm Lane Medical Practice sees patients at Church elm medical practice, 169 Church Elm Ln RM10 9RR Barking and Dagenham, London. Calling the surgery's phone number will tell you whether the practice is open today and whether some GP appointments are kept for same-day requests. The receptionist can also tell you whether another option would suit you better.
A common health problem or ongoing care to arrange?
Not every concern is equally urgent. A sore throat, a stomach bug, a urinary infection or a skin rash usually need a one-off consultation. Diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or long-term pain, on the other hand, need ongoing care with regular reviews. You can often book an appointment in advance for a fit note, a vaccination or a health check. Telling the receptionist why you are calling helps the practice offer you the right type of GP appointment, whether with a doctor, a practice nurse or another member of the team.
How can you tell if this surgery is right for you?
Each GP practice is organised differently. Some offer appointments only, while others keep a few same-day slots. Practices may also offer home visits, telephone or video consultations, and care for babies or older patients. In the UK, you normally register with a single GP practice, and practices usually only accept patients living within their practice boundary. If you are comparing GP surgeries near you to find a GP, call Church Elm Lane Medical Practice to check that your address is covered and that it is currently accepting new patients.
Limited availability because of work: what are your options?
If you can only attend early in the morning, at the end of the day or on certain days, check the opening hours shown on this page and confirm them by phone. Many practices offer GP online services. These include online consultation forms and the option to order repeat prescriptions, and in England they are available through the NHS App. Some matters, such as renewing a stable prescription or discussing test results, can sometimes be handled remotely, depending on how the surgery is organised.
NHS care and charges: what should you ask?
Appointments with an NHS GP are free at the point of use for registered patients. Prescription charges may apply in England, while prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Some services fall outside NHS care and may carry a fee set by the practice, such as certain travel vaccinations or medical reports for insurers or employers. Ask about this when you call. Remember to bring proof of address if you are registering, along with a list of any medicines you currently take.
What should you do if symptoms become worrying?
An appointment with Church Elm Lane Medical Practice isn't suitable for every situation. Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness on one side of the body or difficulty speaking mean you should call 999 straight away. If the surgery is closed and you need urgent advice that is not an emergency, contact NHS 111 where it is available, or your local out-of-hours GP service.