About us
At Priory Medical Practice in Bedford, the doctors and nurses take pride in offering the highest standard of patient-centred healthcare. We run many clinics for chronic disease care and offer a wide variety of other medical services such as antenatal and postnatal care, joint injections, childhood vaccinations and well-person check-ups.
In addition to everything you need to know about the practice you will also find a wealth of health-related information on our website. Please have a look around and do send us some feedback by completing the online Friends and Family Test on the left-hand column.
We welcome new patients from Clapham, North Bedford and the surrounding villages, please contact the reception for more information.
Blood Test Appointments
Blood tests requested by your GP are no longer taken at South Wing.
The Blood tests are taken at Gilbert Hitchcock House (North Wing Hospital), Kimbolton Road, Bedford. These are for patients over 16 years of age.
Book an appointment online (available 24/7) https://myappointments.online and choose Bedford as your location.
Book an appointment via the automated phone booking line (available 24/7) 01234 607075.
Book an appointment at Gilbert Hitchcock House reception desk – available Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00.
Book an appointment by phone and speak to a receptionists – 01234 792160 available Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00.
You MUST have a paper copy of the Blood Request form with you issued by your GP.
All Phlebotomy services are closed at the weekends and Bank Holidays
Paediatric Blood Tests
Please see below for the brochures for Bedford hospital, which are a simple guide for parents. They outline the ways an appointment can be arranged for children who need a blood test, what to do if it is a fasting or genetic blood test, and how to prepare a child who is coming to Paediatrics Out Patients for their blood test. For Bedford Hospital it is children up to the age of 16 years.
Clinics & Services
Antenatal Clinic
Tuesdays from 1.00 – 4.00pm by appointment only. Please see your doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant to register for antenatal care. For healthier babies don’t smoke or drink!
Baby Immunisation Clinic
Every Monday from 8.50am – 10.50am. You will be advised by the Health Authority when your child’s immunisations are due, immunisations at the clinic are from birth to school age. Please contact the surgery to make an appointment. Your doctor will need to carry out development checks at 8 weeks, please make sure you have had your baby checked before they are immunised.
Screening Programmes
The practice nurses can give advice on womens’ health problems, cervical smears, or for advice before becoming pregnant. We recommend cervical smears every 3 years – 5 years according to National Guidelines. Breast screening by mammography is available every 3 years for women aged 50-64 years, you will be contacted automatically by the Breast screening service.
There is a nationwide Bowel Cancer Screening Programme which offers screening every two years to men and women aged 60-69 (this is in the process of being extended to people aged up to 74 years).
There is a programme for screening men aged 65 for Aortic Aneurysm.
For all screening you will be invited by the administration office for the relevant screening programme who will also then send you your result.
Family Planning
Please make an appointment for any surgery or well-woman clinic. Remember to check your Rubella (German Measles) immunity before becoming pregnant, please see one of the Practice nurses if you need advice.
Travel Clinic
The Practice Nurses will advise on all aspects of travel health. Please aim to see the Nurse 6-8 weeks before your initial departure.
Injection Clinic
The Injection Clinic for Minor Injuries is held on the last Friday of each month and is performed by Dr Jackson, from 2.00pm. Please discuss this with your Doctor who will arrange for you to be given an appointment.
Cryotherapy Clinic
The Cryotherapy Clinic is held at the Surgery on the last Wednesday of each month and is performed either by Dr Tredget or Dr Kirkbride-Jamu from 2.00pm. Please discuss this with your Doctor who will then arrange for you to be given an appointment.
Diabetes and Asthma Clinics
These are led by our nursing team and offer advice for the care of long term conditions, annual reviews and general health check-ups.
Smoking Cessation
If you wish to give up smoking, please discuss this with your Doctor. We offer dedicated smoking cessation sessions with our Practice Nurses and Health Care Assistants.
Health Promotion Checks (HPCs)
We believe in health promotion and disease prevention. We carry out basic health promotion checks in which we enquire about your smoking and drinking habits and the amount of exercise you take. We check your weight, height and blood pressure and analyse a sample of your urine. Cholesterol checks are available. Advice can be given on changing your lifestyle.
Patient Health Checks
The doctors and nurse will make opportunistic enquiries about your lifestyle when you attend for other problems, but if you do want a health check at any time please make an appointment. We recommend that you have one at least every 5 years.
Contact Us
Please view our contact us page, here.
Coronavirus – Reducing your Risk
This page contains information and links to resources on how you could reduce the risk of contracting Coronavirus, and also information on ways to help you reduce the severity of symptoms should you contract Coronavirus.
Whilst we cannot guarantee that your symptoms will be less severe, there is growing evidence that a healthy BMI and respiratory system, along with overall wellbeing, are contributory factors in reducing your risk*.
Top 4 Things
Wash your hands
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands
Social distancing
www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home
Wear a mask
Get tested if you have symptoms
Better Health Campaign
The Better Health Campaign is recently launched government programme that can help with weight loss and increased activity
You can also self-refer to the Lifestyle hub for support with weight loss and exercise here
www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/lifestyle-hub-bedford-hospital
The NHS BMI calculator can be used to help you monitor your progress
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator
The Couch to 5K programme can be accessed here
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week
If you have already completed the Couch to 5K programme, you can find tips on how to continue and stay motivated here
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-what-next
The charity Caraline offers support to people living with eating disorders. You can self-refer to the service here
Stop Smoking
The stop smoking service offers specialist help and support, along with the option for Stop Smoking medication
www.thestopsmokingservice.co.uk
Mental Health
Every Mind Matters has expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing, and addresses the challenges we all face with Coronavirus
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
You can self-refer to the Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service here
bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk
Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online chat service which is available to young people aged 11 to 25
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year on 116123
Sleep
There is lots of help around sleep on Every Mind matters
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/sleep
Sleepstation is a clinically validated sleep improvement programme that can help you sleep better after just 4 sessions. Some options are available on the NHS
Flu Vaccinations
If you are eligible, you should have the flu vaccination. Whilst this does not protect you from Coronavirus, it will give you some immunity from flu, which like Coronavirus, is predominantly a respiratory illness
Coronavirus Resources
Your plasma might save lives! The NHS Blood and Transplant are asking 18-65 year old males who have had COVID-19 to donate their plasma (antibodies) as part of research into new treatments. For more details, visit : www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help/convalescent-plasma-clinical-trial/. Thank you.
COVID – Advice when isolating at home
To apply for a CoronaVirus Test, please visit www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test.
Patients who have planned operations are asked to self-isolate for two weeks prior to the surgery. Please do not ask your GP or the hospital to provide a sick note – if you require a sick note to cover absence from work, you can obtain this by following this link: 111.nhs.uk/isolation-note
To participate in the clinical trial by donating blood plasma, you can sign up for this through the NHS Blood and Transplant site at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help/convalescent-plasma-clinical-trial. If you have had a positive test result for Covid-19, or have had symptoms, you may be able to help.
Coronavirus vaccine research
Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.They’re designed so they do not give people the infection they’re protecting against.Research into vaccines is the only way to find out which vaccines will work. Researchers need people to take part in their studies so they can find out which possible new vaccine works best. Visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccine-research to find out more about taking part in approved UK coronavirus vaccine studies.
Free Online Courses to Support Your Wellbeing
Parent Information leaflet – where and how to seek help when your child is unwell.
Red Cross Support Services – for Bedford Borough Residents.
This link will take you to the self-isolation and symptom treatment approach www.nhs.uk/self-isolation-and-treatment
For patients needing help while self-isolating please contact Bedford Borough Council.
The following link contains information on local support, but also a wide range of links to activities and resources – www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk/self-isolating-need-something-to-do/.
To access resources on mental health and wellbeing during this period of crisis, please go to www.gov.uk/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing.
Luton & Bedfordshire Mental Health Crisis Support – To access mental health support in the event of a crisis, contact 111 option 2.
Useful videos by the Association of Palliative Medicine on Care Planning; hoping for the best and preparing for the worst: apmonline.org/news-events/covid-19-resources-for-the-public/.
If you have a musculoskeletal issue, please visit our musculoskeletal information page for further information.
Q&A from Cancer Charities – update 18th May 2020
Advice for Parents
The following links have a variety of resources for parents:
RCPH: What to do if your child is unwell during lockdown
A guide for parents on which service to contact during Covid-19.
Advance Care Plans
If you wish to complete your Advance Care Plan for Covid-19, guidance notes and a template are available here.
Please note that this is not a Do Not Resuscitate order, and you will need to speak with your GP should you want further information on this
Coronavirus Vaccination Programme for Bedford
Update 13th July 2021
Updated 12th July 2021
GP surgeries are no longer booking Covid vaccinations, and the Kings House and Temples sites have closed.
Vaccinations are now available through 3 different options:
Contact 119
Use the national booking portal at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
Drop in at Bedford Heights, between 08:30 and 15:00 Tuesday to Saturday (Bedford Heights, Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7BJ)
Update 26th May 2021
GP surgeries in Bedford continue to focus on booking appointments for second doses for patients that we vaccinated the first time around. So if you were vaccinated at Kings House or at the Temple for your first vaccination, then we can book you for your second vaccination. Please only call your practice if we can help you to book your second appointment, from 8 weeks onwards.
If you had your first vaccination at any other location, please call 119 to make your second appointment, as we cannot make your appointment via the practice.
If you are trying to make your first appointment there are now 5 different options:
1) contact 119
2) use the national booking portal www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
3) book an appointmentat *http://www.bedford.gov.uk/vaccinations* which will book an appointment at Kings House or at the Temple, where there are new 1st appointments available
4) or you can phone 01234 718077 – which is for appointments at Kings House or at the Temple, where there are new 1st appointments available
5) if you are aged 40 or over you can drop into Bedford Heights, without an appointment between 8:30 and 3pm each day
Update 30th April 2021
GP surgeries in Bedford are no longer routinely booking first dose vaccination appointments, as the service has moved on to delivering second doses for those patients that we vaccinated the first time around.
If you are newly eligible in the age groups 40-49, you will only be able to book your vaccination through the national booking portal www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.
If you are not able to have the AstraZeneca vaccination, the BLMK Clinical Commissioning Group are currently working to source alternative vaccinations, and as yet the plan for this has not been finalised. Once we know what the arrangements are, we will be able to let you know. This will be relevant to patients that should be vaccinated now but are aged under 30, pregnant, or have other clinical indications that a contra-indicated for the AZ vaccination.
Update 24th March 2021
As of 24th March, GP surgeries in Bedford will no longer be routinely booking in first dose coronavirus vaccine appointments, as the service is now moving to deliver second doses. If you believe you are eligible for a first dose due to age (over 50 years) or identified as at risk, please contact your GP practice as soon as possible to book an appointment.
If you have previously declined the vaccination, you can still take the vaccination offer up. Please phone us if you have changed you mind, and we will book your appointment.
Venues
Kings House Conference Centre on Ampthill Road, MK42 9AZ
Guru Nanak Gurdwara Temple on Ford End Road, Queens Park, MK40 4JX
Making Your Decision
To help you make your decision to have the Covid-19 vaccination, this video clip that was shown on TV on 18th February may be useful:
Celebrities join together to encourage the BAME communities to take up the COVID vaccine
Cohorts
These are the defined groups by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, and are referred to as groups or cohorts.
Some do’s and don’ts
Please arrive at the time of your appointment – not too early or late, as this is a complicated process and timing is going to be a challenge.
Please wear a short sleeved top under your coat, so that the vaccination team have easy access to your arm.
You will need to wear a face mask or covering.
Please attend on your own, unless you need someone with you for support, to minimise the number of people present.
Be prepared for this to take a little time – as you will have a 15 minute monitoring period after your vaccination, so you will not be leaving straight away.
If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
You must have a 4 week gap between a covid positive test or covid symptoms and having your vaccination.
Coronavirus – ways to get help
As the coronavirus pandemic affects all areas of our lives and lockdown, furlough and job uncertainty make everyone think differently, we have pulled together a list of resources that may help.
Food
Call us if you need support from the foodbank – we can provide you with a voucher code which can be used for 3 days emergency food supply and personal items. (If you are self-isolating, someone can attend the foodbank to collect on your behalf – you will need to contact the foodbank to advise them).
There are various locations around Bedford, follow the link below to view specific locations and opening times.
Let us know which foodbank you will use so we can issue you with the appropriate code.
www.bedford.foodbank.org.uk/get-help
Below are some useful links on how to eat well on a budget:
www.nutrition.org.uk – Healthy eating on a budget
www.bhf.org.uk – Healthy eating on a budget
Below is a link with information on how to reduce food waste:
Financial health
Our social prescriber can work with you to support you with your finances and create a financial recovery plan.
If you would like to be referred to the social prescriber, send us a message through the website outlining the reason for the referral. A member of the team may contact you if we require additional information; otherwise we will refer you directly.
www.stepchange.org is a charity that can give practical advice on how to manage any debts you may have.
www.entitledto.co.uk offers a benefits calculator that can check if you are entitled to any benefits.
The ‘Browse: How benefits work’ page on the Gov.uk website lists all available benefits, with links to allow you to apply.
The ‘Benefits’ page on the Citizens Advice website includes information on benefits you may be entitled to during coronavirus.
www.benefitsguide.co.uk is charity that has some useful information on benefits.
Mental Health
If you need to speak to someone the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123.
Below are some useful links:
www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Young people
Below are links to some services that offer support specifically for young people:
www.kooth.com (free, safe & anonymous online chat service available to young people aged 11-25)
www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk (free and confidential counselling for young people aged 13-25)
Covid Booster and 3rd Primary
Covid Booster
This is your third Covid-19 vaccination, and you are eligible 91 days (or roughly 3 months) after your second vaccination.
You will be contacted by NHS England to let you know when you should book in.
There are two ways to book an appointment:
Via the national booking portal
Phone 119
Your GP practice cannot book you in, and we cannot bring your vaccination date forward.
3rd Primary
The 3rd primary vaccination is the same type of vaccination, but is given to patients that are immunocompromised and whose immune-response to the first two doses of the vaccination is likely to have been lower than the rest of the population. The intention is that this group have a 3rd primary vaccination at least 8 weeks after their 2nd vaccination, and will then still have their booster dose 6 months after their 3rd primary.
Patients will be receiving a letter from their consultant confirming that they are eligible for the 3rd primary vaccination, and where timing is crucial to their immune response to the vaccination, will specify the timing as to when the 3rd dose should be administered – as this ‘sweet spot’ in immune response will vary from person to person, and their individual treatment and circumstances.
We have also been advised that if you have received a text confirming you are eligible for the 3rd primary, you can take this text with evidence of identity, to one of the mass vaccination centres – please see www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/blmk-vaccination-sites for details.
CQC Report
You may review our CQC report information, here.
Digital Health Apps – NHS
Find digital tools on the NHS Digital Apps website to help you manage and improve your health, sourced by the NHS. These can be downloaded on any Apple or Android device and there are plenty of apps to help you with long term conditions and other health related issues. These include the following list:
Disabled Access
The surgery is wheelchair accessible throughout the whole building, with the front door being on a flat pavement. There are also disabled toilet facilities available.
Home Visits
Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 12:00pm.
You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls
You can also be visited at home by a community nurse (formerly known as District Nurses) if you are referred by your GP.
You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.
Opening Hours
We are currently open.
Monday
08:00-13:00,14:00-18:30
Tuesday
08:00-13:00,14:00-18:30
Wednesday
08:00-13:00,14:00-18:30
Thursday
08:00-13:00,14:00-18:30
Friday
08:00-13:00,14:00-18:30
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a free-to-call single non-emergency number medical helpline. It has replaced the telephone triage and advice services provided by NHS Direct. The service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Walk-in Centres
Walk-in Centres can treat minor illness and injuries that do not need an A&E visit. They are open seven days a week and you don’t need an appointment.
In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.
Training Sessions
Practices will be closed between 12.30pm – 4.30pm due to in house training
September 28th 2022
October 26th 2022
November 30th 2022
January 25th 2023
February 22nd 2023
March 29th 2023
Telephone Opening Hours
Our telephone lines are open 8.00am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Making Appointments at the Practice
In order to ensure you receive the most appropriate help in a timely manner, the reception staff will ask questions about the nature of your call and why the appointment or message is needed – your co-operation would be greatly appreciated. The purpose of triage is to ensure that the patient is referred to the appropriate clinician for the appropriate level of care within an appropriate period of time – this may not always a doctor.
Morning appointments with your Doctor can not be pre-booked and we ask that you telephone prior to your arrival at the surgery. The lines open at 8:00 am – 10:30 am and we suggest that you ring as early as possible on the day you wish to see your Doctor.
Once you have telephoned and placed your name on the morning list we ask that you arrive between 09:30am & 10:30am to ensure that you are seen, patients are seen in order of arrival at the surgery. It may not possible to see late arrivals. Afternoon surgeries by appointment – these are pre bookable.
Your are now only able to book afternoon appointment’s on line
PM ( Afternoon ) appointments are time specific.
Practice Leaflets
Vacancies
Vacancies
Prescriptions
Request a Repeat Prescription
Request your repeat prescription online
Christmas Period
During the Christmas period there will be changes to prescriptions. The last day to order prescriptions will be:
Before Christmas day – 19th December
Before New Years – 27th December
Please request your medication accordingly.
NHS prescription costs
View the current NHS prescription costs.
Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)
Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).
NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).