Information For Patients Living in Higham

We understand that people living in Higham may feel worried about what will happen when the Higham surgery closes.

A closure date has not yet been confirmed. However, services at the Higham site will reduce over the coming months.

Our main aim is to support our patients and make this change as easy as possible.

We want to make sure we know about any patients who may find it hard to travel to our other surgery sites or who have problems with mobility. This helps us understand how best to support you.

We will also share clear and simple information about the different ways you can use our services, so you can continue to get the care you need.

Blood Tests

If you need a blood test, you can book an appointment at reception or online.
A blood test usually takes about 10 minutes.

Please drink plenty of water before your appointment.

You can also have your blood test done at other locations which may be closer:

• Call Medway Community Health (MCH) on 0300 123 3444 (option 1) or visit their website. Blood test service (phlebotomy) – Medway Community Healthcare
• They run blood test clinics at different places across Medway
• Information about public transport from Higham to Gun Lane blood clinic (local MCH blood clinic) can be found here

Ordering Medication

• Online
  You can order your repeat medicine online if you are registered via the NHS app.
• In Person
  Each prescription has a tear‑off slip.
  Tick the medicines you need and return the slip to the surgery.
• Higham Pharmacy
  You can take your prescription request directly to the pharmacy.

Please note: We cannot take medicine requests over the phone.

Combining Appointments

We are working to help patients who may be vulnerable or who find it hard to get to the surgery.

If we know about these needs, we may be able to arrange more than one service during the same visit. This can help reduce the number of times you need to come to the practice.

If you think this would help you, please complete the Patient Access Support Form at the bottom of this page.

Your information will be checked, and your medical record may be updated.

Home Visits

We have increased the number of clinical staff who can visit patients at home where this is clinically appropriate (for example, if a patient is housebound or unable to attend surgery due to medical reasons).

We want to understand if any patients may find it difficult to travel to our other sites, so we can offer the most appropriate support and help plan appointments in a way that best meets your needs.

Please note that home visits are arranged based on clinical need. Difficulty with transport alone does not automatically mean a home visit is required.