We use cookies to make this site work. We'd also like to set optional cookies so we can understand how the site is used and improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept them. You can change your choice at any time from the Cookie settings link in the footer.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the site to work. They store your cookie preferences and keep your session secure. They are exempt from consent under PECR Regulation 6(4) because they are essential to deliver the service you have requested.
Optional cookies
Optional cookies help us understand how the site is used and provide additional features such as analytics, accessibility tools and translation. We will only set them if you accept.
Appointments
Book or cancel an appointment at St James Surgery
Before you book an appointment
See a pharmacist
Many conditions can be treated without the need to see your GP.
Who to see?
Advice
You can also get medicine for many health issues from a supermarket or pharmacy.
Your pharmacist can give you advice and suggest the best treatments for your symptoms.
Self-care
Help and support available from many National and Local Organisations
Book an appointment
Improving access to appointments
We are making some changes to the way we use our appointment system to help improve access to Primary Care and reduce waiting times for routine appointments.
Book an appointment
We are implementing an Anima appointment system at the surgery to allow us to effectively utilise the limited appointments available. The Anima booking system will be operational from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays). Your requests will be processed during surgery opening hours.
Sickness certificates (fit notes)
You must give your employer a doctor's 'fit note' (sometimes called a 'sick note') if you've been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.
Travel vaccinations
Information and advice for travelling abroad.
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 if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. If you need a home visit, please call our main number 01304 225 559 before 10:30am. Please note that we do not accept home visit requests unless they are made by telephone.
Your clinician 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. You may be called back by one of our clinicians for further assessment before the visit is arranged. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls.
You can be visited at home by a community nurse or a paramedic if you are referred by your clinician. You could also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a us and have a child under five years.
Text reminder service
We have a text messaging service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments. If you do not wish to use this service please follow the instructions on the text message.
Please remember to update your contact details when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.
Change or cancel an appointment
It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient. If you fail to notify the practice that you are unable to attend, you will be sent a letter informing you that you have defaulted from your appointment. Persistent defaulters maybe removed from the list.
To cancel an appointment you can use our Check and Cancel Service by calling the surgery on 01304 225 559 and selecting option 0. You can also text to cancel your appointment.
Out of hours
Urgent treatment centres
Urgent treatment centres are open every day and treat minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains, minor burns and broken bones.
Check if an urgent treatment centre is right for you and see waiting times for some via the Kent and Medway Integrated Care System website
Life threatening
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you or someone you know needs immediate help
- you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.
Non-urgent
Use NHS 111 if:
- You need help now, but it’s not an emergency
There will be someone to provide you with advice and to direct you to a clinician if it is necessary.