Please note our practices will be closed on the following bank holidays; Monday 25th December, Tuesday 26th December and Monday 1st January.

Please click here to view local pharmacy opening times during the Christmas period.

Dr Skioldebrand – Retiring:

Dr Skioldebrand is retiring on 21st March 2024. Patients of Dr Skioldebrand will be registered with another GP for administration purposes.  A patient can always contact a doctor of their choice. Click here to read her statement.

Upcoming Closure Afternoon:
From 12:30 to 18:30 on Wednesday 6th March 2024, this practice will be closed for important clinical education and training purposes: Emergency cover will be provided, please telephone 111 to access these services.

ABOUT

Stowhealth

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional health care across Suffolk. 

askmyGP

Get help from your practice, skip the phone queue, ask any time, we respond in working hours. askmyGP was developed to make access to healthcare easier and faster for patients.

NHS App

Use the NHS App, to order repeat prescriptions, view your medical record and more. No need to contact the surgery to register just download the app.

Register as a new patient

We are actively accepting new patients that fall within our catchment area.

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Patients

Self-Referral & Support Services

We understand the importance of easy access to healthcare services. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of self-referral options available across Suffolk

If you're experiencing musculoskeletal issues, we recommend consulting a physiotherapist. They can assess, diagnose, and provide treatment, as well as refer you to orthopaedic specialists if needed. You can self-refer to the Allied Health Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy service here or by calling 03330 433966.

For dental issues, please contact your local dentist surgery or call 111. Unfortunately, GP contracts do not cover dental problems.

Click here to find your nearest NHS dentist

Manage your weight and improve your fitness:

For sexual health services, visit the iCaSH website here.

For mental health support and resources:

Expecting a baby? Congratulations! Self-refer for maternity care:

We do not offer travel advice however you can find information from the below websites:

For further information & support to manage sleep problems:

For podiatry needs, self-refer using this website.

If you're a family carer, support is available from Suffolk Family Carers. Call 01473 835477 or visit their website.

Get advice and help with the cost of living, grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills, to check what benefits you can receive, and much more please visit the citizens advice website here.

Appointments

Book your appointment by using askmyGP.

You can request the doctor or nurse (as long as they are working) of your choice and choose to be contacted by the surgery by telephone or secure message.  If we need to see you we will usually give you an appointment the same day.

You will need to register the first time you use askmyGP, but this can easily be done online without any paperwork by clicking the link above.

askmyGP is available to all Stowhealth patients and you can use it to ask about your children or other people you care for (as long as they are registered with us).

We are encouraging everyone who has access to a computer, smartphone or tablet to use askmyGP from the link above or on our home page.

If you do not have access you can still contact the surgery by telephone on 01449 776000 and speak to the reception team who will make your appointment for you.

To ensure you get the care and support from your preferred GP please try and contact us on the day that your GP works.

If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else.

We are proud to have become an Armed Forced Veteran Friendly practice. If you served in the Armed Forces, if even for one day, there is a whole host of additional NHS services available to you, so please do let us know. More information.

What we offer

Our Services

If you require a blood test, you can have this carried out at the surgery. Simply book an appointment at reception; you will need to show a request form that you have been given by your GP or Nurse.

Blood tests are carried out by our HCAs and Phlebotomists

Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Surgery provides a range of Sexual Health Services which can be accessed in the first instance by booking an appointment with the Practice Nurse.

NHS Suffolk also provides Sexual health Services 01473 428001 which can be freely accessed by any patient.

If possible please try to telephone reception before 11am if you require a home visit.

A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed arrange a hospital attendance.

House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or disability.

The Long Term Medical Conditions Clinic is an innovative approach to the way the practice cares for its patients with long term conditions (asthma, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, COPD, cononary heart disease). It allows us to recall patients to have their conditions and medication reviewed in a more effcient way. The clinics are set up to reduce the need for patients to make mulitple visits to see the practice nurse or doctor. The LTC clinics are run by the Heath Care Assistants (HCA), Practice Nurses and Doctors all working together.

The prevalence of Mental Health Issues and stress related conditions within the UK is high.

The fact is that GPs and Nurses see a very large number of people with Mental Health Issues ranging from mild depression or anxiety all the way through to more serious conditions and are very experienced at putting patients at ease.

Your GP will be able to refer you to an appropriate specialist service if you require further treatment.

You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

After the first 7 days, you will need a sick note from your GP. If necessary, this can be backdated to ensure continuity of sickness absence so an immediate appointment is not necessary.

When you know the date you are returning to work, we can often give you a ‘starting back’ note (also known as a ‘fit’ note or ‘return to work’ note) upon request.

The practice is able to treat basic minor injuries between 08:00 and 18:30.

At any other time you can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency.

we can treat minor injuries that patients cannot manage themselves.

These include;

  • Cuts, grazes and lacerations

  • Minor eye infections, foreign bodies and scratches

  • Infected wounds

  • Minor scalds and burns

  • Sprains and Strains

Audiology is about identifying and assessing hearing and balance function and their associated disorders.

We are asked to do many medical reports every week for various agencies, including:

  • Insurance companies

  • Social Services

  • Benefits Agency

  • DVLA

  • The Armed Forces

As these reports are not funded by the NHS we are obliged to charge a fee.

Please allow as much time as possible for us to deal with your request, these will be done outside of clinic times as our priority is always patient care.

Flu Immunisation (the “‘Flu jab”) gives excellent protection against seasonal flu and lasts for one year. The vaccine is normally ready and given in October and November each year. It is made from the strain of influenza virus that is expected in the coming winter.

You will be notified by SMS or Letter when flu clinics are available.

More Information

New Patients

We are actively accepting new patients that fall within our catchment area as seen in the map. If you wish to register with us please come into the surgery and speak with reception.

When you register you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire. This is because it takes time to receive your medical records from your previous practice.

If you have medications on repeat, please make sure you get a month’s worth of medication from your previous GP Practice.

Please note:

  • We are unable to accept patients that are currently registered at Combs Ford Surgery.
  • If you are returning temporarily from university and needing medical help please contact Stowhealth to register as a temporary patient and do not use the link below.
  • Please allow 24 hours for your registration to be completed.

Contact Us

Violet Hill House, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1NL
01449 776000