As well as the communication tools of telephone and video consultations, we have learnt that other professionals can help with the management of patients’ health and social problems.

The Practice now has several additional professionals who can deal directly with problems that patients present with. These include

•  Nurse Practitioners – very experienced clinicians who can deal with most clinical problems as well as prescribe when necessary
•  Senior physiotherapists working as First Contact Practitioners (FCP) - They can deal with most musculo-skeletal problems eg back pain, joint pain, etc
•  Clinical pharmacists - can manage most medication-related problems
•  Care Co-ordinators – keep an eye on patients with long-term conditions as well as house bound patients. They report to the GPs with any problems they find.
• Nursing Associates – support the Practice nurses in their work

In February 2026 we had 380 patients not attend a scheduled appointment which equates to 8.4 hours of clinic time a week. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to make your appointment, this allows us to offer the slot to someone else who may be waiting for care. You can also complete our appointment cancellation notification request form. This can only be used if your appointment has been arranged for more than 24 hours in advance (excluding weekends and public holidays). You can also text to cancel your appointment.

If you need help when we are closed

Click here for information about out-of-hours services available.

The Harbour Medical Practice is pleased to be part of the Extended Access Service with our PCN Practices. This service provides extra GP/Nurse appointments outside of normal GP Surgery times - providing a wider range of times to suit patients who are unable to get to their GP during normal working hours. 

The following clinics are available at either The Harbour Medical Practice, Princes Park Health Centre or Stone Cross Surgery. If you would like to book an Extended Access appointment, please speak to one of the Reception team or call us on 01323 470370.

If your illness truly prevents you from being able to get to the Practice to see a doctor then please telephone the Practice and speak to one of the Reception team. A doctor will usually call you back to discuss the problem. They may be able to give you some advice over the phone. If thought necessary, the Doctor or Paramedic will visit you at home.

We would generally recommend that you make every effort to come to the Practice if you wish to see a doctor. This is because, with all necessary equipment to hand, we can give a better service from the surgery. It takes as much time to see approximately three patients at the Practice as it does to see one patient at their home

Consultations with the doctors and nurses are by appointment only. We ask that when booking an appointment that if possible you let the Receptionist know briefly what the appointment is for - this will help them direct you to the most appropriate person.

To book an appointment please telephone the reception desk or call at the surgery in person.

Appointments can be booked up to one month in advance, or on the same day if considered urgent.

We try to accommodate all patients by booking in appointments with the Dr or Nurse of your choice - however this is not always possible.

We ask that if you are unable to attend your appointment that if possible please telephone the Practice at least an hour before which will allow us to offer the appointment to another patient.

Please tell us:

• If there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
• If you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
• If you need an interpreter
• If you need a chaperone
• If you have any other access or communication needs

If you're planning to travel outside the UK you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

View the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice

We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.

To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.

Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.

Complete our SMS Reminder Form