Antenatal clinic
These clinics are run by Midwives and appointments can be booked in by telephoning the surgery or calling in to the reception.
Information on Clinics can be found here: https://www.pregnancyadvice.org.uk/. If you have any questions about your maternity care, the Midwives can be contacted via the Surgery reception.
Cervical (Smear test) Screening
Women will be invited by the National Screening Team for a routine cervical smear every 3 – 5 years depending on their age. This appointment can be booked with one of our fully trained nurses.
Ask our receptionist if you require an appointment in the evening or on the weekend.
Cervical Screening (Smear Tests)
Cervical screening reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer rates have halved since the 1980’s largely due to most women regularly having cervical screening. Cervical cancer can often be prevented.
All women aged 25 to 64 are offered cervical smear tests. You will automatically receive an invitation from the National Screening Programme, plus a reminder if you do not make an appointment. You will receive invitations every three years between the ages of 25 and 49 and then every five years between 50 and 64.
When you receive your invitation letter, please phone the surgery on 01480 483100 to make an appointment with one of our Nursing Team.
To find out more please follow the links below.
If you would like to opt out and not be offered smear tests please follow the link below and fill in our opt out form. Once you have filled it in you will need to bring it to the surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns about cervical screening, see our cervical screening videos!
Cervical Screening – Your Questions Answered
Cervical Screening: your questions answered – each link will take you to a video answering a question you may have about cervical screening.
- Do I need to shave?
- Will it hurt?
- I’ve never had a smear before, what’s going to happen?
- I’m feeling really uncomfortable about it…
- Can I come if I’m bleeding?
- I’ve never had sex do I still need to come for a smear?
- I have changed my gender from female to male do I still need a smear?
- I’ve had a hysterectomy do I still need a smear?
- I’m post menopausal what advice can you give me about my smear?
- What happens after?
Childhood Immunisation Clinics
These are held throughout the week. Immunisations are an important part of protecting a child’s health. If you need further information about vaccinations, please contact your health visitor. Parents will be contacted about making an appointment.
Chlamydia Screening
This is the most common sexually transmitted infection and 1 in 10 sexually active under 25 year olds will have this without having any symptoms. If untreated, the disease can cause infertility. We encourage all patients aged 15 – 24 years to take a simple test for chlamydia.
This can be done by a simple urine test whilst in the surgery and the result will be sent direct to the patient, via text, email or post.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chlamydia
Q:What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the under 25year age group. It is a bacterium that is passed from one person to another during sex.
Q:How Would I know I had it?
You may not know as 70-80% of infected women and over 50% of men will have no symptoms. If you were to have symptoms it usually occurs 1-3 weeks after coming in contact with the infection, women may notice bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, unusual vaginal discharge or think they have urinary tract infection or cystitis. Men may have pain on passing urine, some penile discharge and some testicular pain.
Q:How can I get tested?
We can test on a urine sample for either men or women, preferably using the first urine sample of the day. Women may also choose to do a self taken vaginal swab. There is no examination involved. You don’t even need an appointment! You may choose to collect a urine sample bottle from reception and return in with your name, DOB and mobile phone number for results.
Q:How will I get my results?
You can receive your results either by text, email or letter depending upon your personal preference, please state how you would like to receive your results on the sample bottle or enclose a note.
Q:What is the treatment?
The treatment consists of a single dose of antibiotics which will either be 2 or 4 tablets taken all at once. You should then either abstain from sexual activity for 1 week or use condoms.You may choose to be re screened after treatment to ensure the infection has cleared; this can be done 6 weeks later.
Chronic Disease Clinics
We run nurse-led clinics to monitor patients with medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes and heart disease. The experienced nursing team will advise you if you need to see the doctor about your condition.
HRT / Menopause reviews
Please contact reception for more details on this service.
LARC Long Acting Reversible Contraception
Acorn Surgery is happy to be able to offer appointments for contraceptive implant insertion and removal.
Patients can also access appointments for the fitting, six week checks and removal of coils.
Please contact the Reception for more information.
Please click HERE for information on Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Mammogram Information (Breast Screening)
Having a mammogram (an x-ray of the breasts) is an important part of health screening and can detect breast cancer early so patients can receive the right treatment. Women are invited for breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 & 71 and receive a letter in the post from the National Screening Service. Patients should get their first invite between the ages of 50 & 53.
If you’re a trans man, trans woman or you are non-binary, you may be invited automatically or you may need to call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment on 01223 217627. Having this screening is really important, only takes a few minutes and could be life-saving.
If you receive a letter, please attend for your mammogram and if you have any concerns about it or need more information, please visit our website to download a booklet or visit this website.
Minor Injuries
Accident & Emergency
We work closely with our colleagues at Hinchingbrooke Hospital & Addenbrookes Hospital to ensure that NHS services and funds are used appropriately. Please only use A&E departments if you have a genuine emergency or accident which cannot be dealt with by the Acorn Surgery doctors. Unless you have a life-threatening emergency—when you should dial 999— if you need care during normal surgery hours, please contact us first and we will either see you at the surgery or offer appropriate advice over the telephone.
Cambridge University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Hinchingbrooke Park
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6NT
Minor Illness & Injury Units
Minor Illness and Injury Units can treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings.
Ely Minor Injury Unit
Princess of Wales Hospital
Lynn Road
Ely
CB6 1DN
Open 8.30am-6pm seven days a week excluding Christmas Day, when this location is closed. X-ray services offered 1pm-5pm on weekends and 9am-5pm on weekdays.
Wisbech Minor Injury Unit
North Cambs Hospital
Wisbech
PE13 3AB
Open 8.30am-6pm Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and Bank Holidays (including Christmas Day). X-rays offered 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
Doddington Minor Injury Unit
Doddington hospital
Benwick Road
PE15 0UG
Open 8.30am-6pm Monday through Friday. Closed on Christmas Day, but open on other weekend days and Bank Holidays between 9am-5pm. X-rays offered 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. No x-rays at weekends.
Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre
Peterborough City Hospital
Edith Cavell Campus
Bretton Gate
Peterborough
PE3 9GZ
Open 8am-8pm seven days a week, including Bank Holidays.
Minor Surgery Clinics
We perform a wide range of minor surgical procedures at the practice such as joint injections and removal of some types of moles and warts. Ask the doctor for advice.
Please Note – Due to changes in our team this service is temporarily limited to injections while our clinician completes necessary training
NHS Health Checks
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease but these diseases can often be prevented. We offer the NHS Health Check at the Surgery to adults between the ages of 40 and 74. We will assess your risk and offer personalised advice on how to reduce it. The check includes:
- height & weight measurement
- urine testing
- cholesterol test
- diabetes screening
- blood pressure check
- dietary advice
- smoking advice
- exercise advice
The checks are carried out by our nursing team. If you wish, we can refer you on to a health trainer to give you tailored support and guidance on your health and wellbeing.
Batch Prescriptions
At the Acorn Surgery we work on a 28 day cycle, which means every 28 days a new cycle of medication can be issued.
What is a batch prescription?
A batch prescription is a prescription that issues a multiple number of 28 day cycles of medication.
The pharmacy dispenses these every 28 days, without the patient needing to request their medication from the surgery.
Batch prescriptions can be in sets of 2 cycles, 3 or 6 cycles.
They can only be issued to patients that are on regular medication.
If you no longer wish to be on a batch prescription please let the Prescription Administrator know and they will arrange for you to revert back to regular prescription orders.
What happens when a batch has finished?
When you collect the last of your batch, the pharmacy should let you know its your last one. All pharmacies are different however this may be verbally or a note in with your medication.
It is then the patients’ responsibility to request a new batch from the surgery.
NO REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE PHONE
- Via the NHS App – Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is the most simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. The NHS App is available now on iOS and Android.
- NHS Online Login – You can view your current repeat medication and order the items you require. This is for patients who have a NHS login.
- Contact Us Online – This is the best way to request medication if you don’t use the NHS App, you are requesting medication for someone under 16, are a housebound patient or ordering Acute Medication. Click here to open the form.
- In Person – post in the black prescription box in the waiting room.
- SystmOnline – using the following LINK.
Before a new batch can be issued, you will need a medication review, and for this you may need an appointment, we will let you know once we receive your request.
If you need an appointment it may be for:
- Blood tests
- Medication review with our Clinical Pharmacist
- Blood Pressure, height, weight, oxygen levels and/or pulse checks etc.
- Medical condition review
If your appointment is after the next issue date of medication, one cycle can be issued to cover you until after your appointment.
Please note you will need to request a new Batch Prescription after your appointment.
Items that can not/do not routinely go on a batch
- Controlled Drugs
- Some high risk medication
- Inhalers are not routinely put on a batch unless they are taken everyday on a regular basis – for example, Fostair
- Creams, lotions and emollients
- Blood glucose strips
- Sharps Bins
- Insulin needles
- Lancets
- Warfarin
However if you would like something on batch that is listed above please let the Prescription Administrator know and they will discuss your request with the Doctor.
Emergency Contraception
Contact your pharmacy for the Morning After Pill
Advice:
Search for your nearest pharmacist
Further information about emergency contraception available from NHS UK.
Family Planning
We offer a range of family planning services including emergency contraception (morning after pill), coil insertions and contraceptive implants.
Speak to one of our team for further information.
In Times of Bereavement
The Final Days of Life
What to expect when someone is approaching death
As illness progresses, people become weaker and need more support from those caring for them. Understanding what happens when they are approaching death will help to anticipate the care they need. Some of the things that happen at this time may seem strange or frightening, especially if they are not expected. People are individual, so it is not easy to say exactly what will happen and in what order changes might occur, but this sheet seeks to explain what may happen in the last few days and hours of life.
Eating and drinking
As people become weaker, they may need help with eating and drinking. They may feel sick or find it difficult to swallow: if this happens, it is important to tell their nurses or doctors. As people get nearer the end of their life they often don’t want to eat or drink: this is normal and rarely causes them distress, though those caring for them are often worried about this. Again, it is important to let the doctors and nurses know about any concerns you may have.
Medication
As people become weaker they may find it difficult to swallow medication. Their doctor will often decide that some medications can be stopped as they are no longer needed in the final days of life. Other medications, for example pain relief, can be given in different ways.
Sleeping
As a person’s illness progresses, they are likely to get weaker each day and will spend more time sleeping and become more drowsy. They will become less able to talk or join in things that are happening around them. Even if they are drowsy or asleep, they may still hear what’s going on and can take comfort from hearing the usual sounds of life or hearing someone talking to them, even when they are unconscious. Towards the end, some people may lapse into unconsciousness and cannot be roused at all for a period before they die. Some people never lose consciousness and die in their sleep.
Breathing
People may experience changes to their breathing in the last days of their life. People who have had difficulty breathing may find it easier to breathe, as the body needs less oxygen because it is less active. Breathing may be made worse if they are anxious. People who are very drowsy or unconscious may have noisy breathing because of a build-up of fluid in the back of the throat, which they are no longer able to cough up. Such noisy breathing does not distress the patient, though it may be distressing for those around them: it may be eased by moving the patient into a different position and by medication.
When death is near
When death is only hours away, breathing may change again, becoming shallow and irregular. Sometimes there are pauses between breaths that become longer until the last breath is taken. They may produce less urine and it will become darker in colour as they drink less. They may lose control over their bladder: if this happens the nurses will give advice. Some people may become restless, agitated or confused: if this happens, the nurse or doctor can consider giving medication. Arms and legs may become cool to the touch and blue in colour as a result of blood circulation slowing down. The skin may become dry or moist and clammy.
Support in the home
Doctors and nurses should be visiting to check on people close to the end of life: they will be happy to answer any of your questions. They are available 24 hours a day every day of the week, though they are often particularly busy during the night.
It is normal for people to feel frightened and out of their depth when their loved one is close to death. It is OK to ask for help or just to talk to someone about your concerns and fears. In working hours call your GP practice: at nights and weekends call 111 (rather than 999) who will be able to get hold of a doctor or nurse for you.
When someone dies
Most people stop breathing and die peacefully after a period of unconsciousness. If you think this has happened, phone your GP practice in hours, or 111 out of hours, and explain that you think they have died and that this was expected. They will arrange for someone to visit to confirm that they have died and explain what happens next and what you need to do and what support is available.
Bereavement Support
Non-urgent advice: Support
If you feel you need support or advice, it may be helpful to first talk to your GP. They may be able to signpost you to support services. Your place of work or school may also be able to help. Faith communities can also be a source of support for many people.
If you feel that you or a loved one are at immediate risk to themselves or others, please contact your GP, A&E department or call NHS 111. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 111 and select option 2 when prompted for the mental health service. You can also access 111 online via www.111.nhs.uk . You can also contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123.
Hospital Bereavement Care Services
If a person died in hospital, support for the bereaved is offered by the hospital bereavement care services and the chaplaincy teams.
Please note that chaplaincy services in all the hospitals are for people of all faiths, or none.
Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Chaplaincy Team
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 217 769
Website: Chaplaincy | CUH
Bereavement Care Services
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 217 537 (extension 217537)
Website: Bereavement Care Service | CUH
Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Chaplaincy
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01480 847 474
Website: Chaplaincy – North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (nwangliaft.nhs.uk)
Bereavement Care Services
Tel: 01480 847 494
Website: Bereavement – North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (nwangliaft.nhs.uk)
Peterborough City Hospital
Chaplaincy
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01733 673 115
Website: Chaplaincy – North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (nwangliaft.nhs.uk)
Bereavement Centre
Tel: 01733 673 543
Website: Bereavement – North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (nwangliaft.nhs.uk)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn
Chaplaincy Team
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01553 613 441
Website: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust: Chaplaincy (qehkl.nhs.uk)
Bereavement Care Services
Tel: 01553 613 878
Website: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust: Bereaved (qehkl.nhs.uk)
Royal Papworth Hospital
Chaplaincy
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 639 121
Website: Chaplaincy Service at Royal Papworth Hospital
Bereavement Care Services
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 217 537 (extension 217537)
Hospice Bereavement Support Services
Alan Hudson Day Treatment centre, Wisbech
part of Arthur Rank Hospice Services
Offers bereavement support to the families of patients who have received care from the service.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01945 669 620
Arthur Rank Hospice, Cambridge
Offers bereavement support, including a monthly wellbeing and relaxation support group, to the families of patients who have received care from Arthur Rank House Hospice services.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 675 770
Website: Bereavement – Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (arhc.org.uk)
Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger, Bedford
Offers bereavement support to families and friends of those patients for whom this Hospice service has cared.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01767 642 446
Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, Peterborough
Family support team
Specially trained staff and volunteers offer family support to patients, and pre- and post-bereavement support to their loved ones on a one-to-one and group basis, including Wayfinders, a bereavement support walking group. Specialist support is also available for children and young people.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01733 225 921
Website: Online Bereavement Support | Sue Ryder
The Norfolk Hospice
Tapping House
Offers support in bereavement to family members of patients who have received care from the service. This includes counselling, individual support and bereavement support groups.
Tel: 01485 601 700
Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
Website: The Norfolk Hospice
Support after the loss of a child, including during pregnancy and birth.
PETALS
Provides specialised counselling for parents suffering trauma or loss during pregnancy or birth.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0300 688 0068
Website: Petals Charity | The Baby Loss Counselling Charity
SANDS: Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths Charity
Emotional support for anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0808 1643 332 (Freephone)
Website: Sands | Saving babies’ lives. Supporting bereaved families
Saying Goodbye
Provides comprehensive information, advice, support to anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or infancy.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0300 323 1350
Website: Saying Goodbye – support for miscarriage and baby and infant loss
The Compassionate Friends
A charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents who support other bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0345 123 2304
Open every day 10:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 22:00
Website: The Compassionate Friends (tcf.org.uk)
Bereavement support for children
Centre 33
Provides free counselling to young people aged 13 to 25 years in
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. There is also support for young carers aged 8-18.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0333 414 1809
Website: Free Help & Counselling for Young People ¦ Cambridgeshire, Peterborough (centre33.org.uk)
Child Bereavement UK
Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Email: [email protected]
National support & information line: 0800 028 8840
Website: Child Bereavement UK
CHUMS
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Service for Children and Young People provide bereavement support.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01525 863 924
Open every day 9:00 to 17:00
Website: CHUMS – Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service for Children and Young People
Cogwheel Trust for Children
Provides subsidised counselling in Cambridgeshire to couples, families and individuals of all ages.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 464 385
Open Monday to Friday 10:00 to 14:00
Website: Cogwheel Counselling – Affordable help when life slips out of gear
CRUSE Bereavement Care
This voluntary organisation has a specialist team providing support to children and young people.
CRUSE National helpline: 0808 808 1677
Open Mon and Fri 09:30 to 17:00, Tuesday to Thursday 9:30 to 20:00, weekends 10:00 to 14:00
Website: Home – Cruse Bereavement Support
Little Miracles
Provides bereavement support and counselling to families that have a child under 25 with an additional need, disability or life limiting condition.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01733 262226
Website: Little Miracles – About Us (littlemiraclescharity.org.uk)
Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Provides support to young people, up to and including the age of 18 years who have suffered the loss of a parent serving with the British Armed Forces.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0800 092 8571
Website: The Charity for Bereaved Military Children | Scotty’s Little Soldiers (scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk)
Ormiston Families Stars
Provides specialist counselling for bereaved children and young people aged 0-25, living in Cambridgeshire. Also provides support for families and professionals. (Service not provided to those living in Peterborough).
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 292 276
Website: Ormiston Families Stars – Ormiston Families
The Young People’s Counselling Service, Peterborough
Provides free and confidential counselling for young people aged 11-16 years old who are dealing with emotional distress – such as bereavement, loss, loneliness and anxiety, low self-esteem, bullying, self-harm, abuse, addiction or depression.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01733 903288 (Peterborough), 01945 479956 (Wisbech)
Website: The Young People’s Counselling Service – Supporting Young People (ypcs.uk)
Winston’s Wish
Supporting bereaved children, their families, and the professionals who support them.
Email: [email protected]
National helpline: 0808 802 0021 (Freephone)
Open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00
Website: Winston’s Wish – giving hope to grieving children (winstonswish.org)
Bereavement support and counselling services
Bereavement UK
Provides bereavement support and information, including podcasts, articles and free e-books.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Bereavement UK
BIG-C in Kings Lynn
Offers support for people affected by cancer including bereavement.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0800 092 7640
Open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00
Website: Home – Big C Online Support Centre (big-c.co.uk)
Caring Together
At Caring Together we provide information and advice, run services in our local communities and campaign for carers’ rights, so that carers have choices. Our support for carers can continue after their caring role has come to an end.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0345 241 0954
Open Monday to Thursday 09:00 to 17:00, Friday 09:00 to 16:30
Website: Caring Together | Carers Support | Homecare | Cambs, P’boro and Norfolk
CRUSE Bereavement Care
CRUSE bereavement care promotes the wellbeing of anyone bereaved by death to enable people to understand their grief and cope with their loss.
CRUSE National helpline: 0808 808 1677
Open Mon and Fri 09:30 to 17:00, Tuesday to Thursday 9:30 to 20:00, weekends 10:00 to 14:00
CRUSE National website: Home – Cruse Bereavement Support
CRUSE Peterborough branch
Email: [email protected]
Website: Contact your local branch – Cruse Bereavement Support
Macmillan Cancer Support
Offers support for people affected by cancer including bereavement.
Tel: 0808 808 00 00
Open every day 08:00 to 20:00
Website: Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK’s leading cancer care charity
WAY – Widowed and Young
Provides a social and support network for widows and widowers up to age of 50. Members can meet and chat online through a secure website.
Tel: 0300 201 0051
Open Monday to Friday 09:30 to 17:00
Website: WAY Widowed & Young – Bereavement support UK (widowedandyoung.org.uk)
Bereavement by suicide
Lifecraft Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
A contact point providing support and information on bereavement after a loved one’s suicide.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01223 566 957
Website: Welcome – Lifecraft
Compassionate Friends – Local Groups
Local support groups for parents bereaved through suicide within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Please contact National Helpline or [email protected] for further information on local support groups available.
National helpline: 0345 123 2304
Open every day 10:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 22:00
Help is at Hand
Provides video advice and a further directory for Bereavement support.
Website: Help is at hand – Support After Suicide
Keep Your Head
Provides video advice and a further directory for Bereavement support.
Website: Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Adults Mental Health Support – October 2017 (keep-your-head.com)
The Heart and Soul Team at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust
Provides a bereavement support group to give individuals the opportunity to meet others who have been bereaved by suicide and be able to talk in a warm, caring environment supported by experienced bereavement volunteers.
The bereavement support group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, from 6.00-7.30pm, via Zoom. Meeting ID details will be sent to you on enquiry.
Tel: 07973 883511
Email: [email protected]
Support After Suicide
A network of organisations who support people who are affected by suicide
Website: Support After Suicide
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
Support for people aged over 18 who have been bereaved as a result of suicide
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0300 111 5065
Open Monday and Tuesday 09:00 to 17:00
Website: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – Overcoming the isolation of people bereaved by suicide (uksobs.org)
Other information and advice
Age UK
Provides wide-ranging support and information for older people through an advice line‚ publications and volunteer network.
Tel: 0800 055 6112
Open every day 08:00 to 19:00
Website: Age UK | The UK’s leading charity helping every older person who needs us
Evolve Counselling
Provides an individual counselling service with a range of fees according to ability to pay.
Tel: 01223 233 047 (Cambridge)
Tel: 01733 553 166 (Peterborough)
Website: Evolve Counselling – Community Counselling Charity
Cambridge University Counselling Service
This free service is for enrolled students and staff of the University of Cambridge.
Students email: [email protected]
Students Tel: 01223 332 865
Staff email: [email protected]
Staff Tel: 01223 762 160
Website: University Counselling Service | Student Counselling (cam.ac.uk)
Staff Counselling Centre | (cam.ac.uk)
Dying Matters
A coalition of members across England and Wales, which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
Website: Dying Matters | Hospice UK
Healthwatch
Healthwatch offer a signposting service for health and social care services across the area. If you are unsure who to speak to you can contact them for advice.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0330 355 1285
Open Monday to Thursday 09:00 to 16:00, Friday 09:00 to 15:30
Website – Cambridgeshire: Healthwatch Cambridgeshire | Your spotlight on health and social care services
Website – Peterborough: Healthwatch Peterborough | Your spotlight on health and social care services
Lifeline
Mental Health helpline for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Tel: 0808 808 2121
Open every day 11:00 to 23:00
Website: Lifeline – Lifecraft
The Samaritans
Provide confidential emotional support at all times of day and night.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 116 123
Open 24/7
Website: Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
In the unfortunate event that a person has passed away, there are three things that must be done in the first few days;
- Get a medical certificate from your GP or hospital doctor (this is necessary to register the death)
- Register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). You will then receive the necessary documents for the funeral.
- Make the necessary funeral arrangements.
Register the death
If the death has been reported to the coroner (or Procurator Fiscal in Scotland) they must give permission before registering the death.
You can register the death if you are a relative, a witness to the death, a hospital administrator or the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors.
You can use the ‘Register a Death’ page on the gov.uk website that will guide you through the process. This will also explain the registration process for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Arrange the funeral
The funeral can usually only take place after the death is registered. Most people use a funeral director, though you can arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral directors
Choose a funeral director who’s a member of one of the following:
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- National Federation of Funeral Directors
- Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
These organisations have codes of practice – they must give you a price list when asked.
Some local councils run their own funeral services, for example for non-religious burials. The British Humanist Association can also help with non-religious funerals.
Arranging the funeral yourself
Contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council to arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral costs
Funeral costs can include:
- funeral director fees
- things the funeral director pays for on your behalf (called ‘disbursements’ or ‘third-party costs’), for example, crematorium or cemetery fees, or a newspaper announcement about the death
- local authority burial or cremation fees
Funeral directors may list all these costs in their quotes.
Non-NHS Services
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges.
Examples include the following:
- Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
- Insurance claim forms
- Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
- Private sick notes
- DVLA reports
- Subject Access Requests
- To Whom in May Concern Letters
The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability. Private work does not take precedence over our routine practice work and therefore will be completed when time allows. Please allow at least four weeks when asking for any private work to be completed.
Please note all ‘To Whom it May Concern Letters’ also attract a fee. These should always be requested from reception and not during a consultation with the Doctor.
There is a charge for services carried out where these are not part of general NHS provision. Please note these charges apply per request for a service.
All requests are to be made in writing online through our contact page or via our Patient Services Coordinators at the Front desk in reception.
Payment in advance is required. This can be by either bank transfer or cash. Unfortunately, we do not currently accept debit/credit cards.
For more information on our Non-NHS services please click here.
Patient Transport Services
Patients who require non-emergency transport to appointments should contact the East of England Ambulance Service who have been commissioned to provide this service. The number to contact is 0845 603 8117.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
For information and guidance on eligibility including how to claim PIP
Travel Information
If you require vaccinations relating to travel, we recommend you visit www.fitfortravel.com website. Once you have checked which inoculations you need for your visit abroad, please contact us and we will check your medical record and organise for you to come in to see our Practice Nurse to have some of the vaccinations that you might need.
Non-urgent advice: Notice
Please note that we are contracted to offer an NHS travel service which includes tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccine.
For other immunisations, because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS, we suggest contacting a provider such as the Cambridge Travel Clinic on 01223 367362, as they are a dedicated Travel Vaccination Service.
For your information there is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below
| Europe & Russia | North America |
| Central America | South America |
| Caribbean | Africa |
| Middle East | Central Asia |
| East Asia | Australasia and Pacific |
Travelling in Europe
If you are travelling to Europe a very useful booklet has been published with advice and guidance to help you get the most out of your holiday. To visit please click: http://ec.europa.eu/publications/booklets/eu_glance/86/en.pdf (this is a large document and may take a minute or two to view).
Which vaccinations are free?
See this link Vaccination information