Significantly Reduced GP Capacity

We want to let patients know that Dr Phinal Patel is currently off work due to serious, unexpected sickness. At present, the duration of this is unknown. Dr Patel is one of our full-time GP Partners, and this absence has significantly reduced our GP capacity. We wish Dr Patel a full and speedy recovery.

This situation is compounded by the ongoing absence of another GP, Dr Emma Jende, meaning we currently have the equivalent of two full-time GPs unavailable.

As a result, we are currently very short staffed. We are actively trying to arrange locum GP cover, but due to local and national GP shortages we do not expect to be able to fill all sessions. We have already had to cover gaps by redistributing work across the remaining team and, at times, by using limited internal capacity to keep services running.

We have informed the local NHS/ICB about our current staffing pressures.

We ask for your patience and understanding while we do our best to help everyone safely. We will continue to use our triage system so we can prioritise those patients with the most urgent medical needs. Where appropriate, we may advise self-care for minor illnesses, or signpost you to other NHS services that can help.

We understand that many patients value timely appointments with a GP they know and trust. Unfortunately, our ability to offer this is limited at present, but we will continue to do everything we can within the constraints of these circumstances and the wider pressures across the NHS.

Patient-facing care will be prioritised. Please also be aware that some non-urgent processing may take longer than usual, including routine paperwork, prescriptions, and results. Clinically important and urgent work will be prioritised over routine requests.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Published: Dec 22, 2025