Dear patients,
We want to be open with you about the challenges The Grove Medical Group is currently facing, and to ask for your patience and support while we work through a particularly difficult period.
At present, we are experiencing exceptionally high demand for appointments. Many more people are living with long-term or complex conditions, which increases the level of care and follow-up our clinicians need to provide. As always, the winter months bring added pressure, with colds, flu, and other infections circulating widely.
Staff sickness is naturally higher at this time of year. Even just having one member of staff unwell has a huge impact on the team. When clinical staff are unwell, the effects are even more noticeable – fewer GPs available to review patients, fewer Nurses to complete blood tests, vaccines, or health reviews. And when Admin colleagues are off sick, the processing of prescriptions, results, and other essential tasks slows down.
We understand how frustrating this can be – we feel it too. Our whole team is here to provide safe, timely care, and we are working hard to maintain this despite the pressures.
To strengthen our capacity, we want you to know that we are actively recruiting for a new GP to join the team. This will help us manage demand more effectively in the months ahead.
How We Prioritise Care
Our priority is always to ensure that patients with the greatest clinical need are seen as quickly as possible. Every request submitted through our online triage system is assessed by one of our Doctors, and we regularly review our processes to keep things fair, safe, and consistent.
How You Can Help
Using online services whenever you can helps us care for everyone more efficiently:
- Submitting an online triage request sends your query straight to the practice.
- Ordering repeat prescriptions or requesting fit notes through the NHS App enters our system automatically.
- The NHS App also lets you check test results and track your hospital referrals.
- Chase any hospital investigations with the consultant team who organised them.
- Contact your dentist or 111 with dental problems.
For many minor illnesses, your local community pharmacy can provide quick, expert advice without the need to see a GP first. Pharmacists can help with coughs, colds, sore throats, aches, minor infections, rashes, and other common concerns as part of the Pharmacy First Programme. Pharmacy First: Quick Help for Everyday Health Problems – The Grove Medical Group
Our Resources page on our website also includes useful guidance on a range of topics, including self-help advice, practice policies, referrals, and information in accessible formats. Resources – The Grove Medical Group
A Kind Reminder
Please continue to be patient and kind to our staff. Every member of the team – clinical, reception, and administrative are working under considerable pressure to support you. Your understanding and courtesy truly make a difference.
Thank you for your ongoing trust and support,
The Grove Medical Group