Practice News

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS

Prescriptions

Remember, we’re closed on various dates over Christmas. Please ensure you’ve ordered enough medication to cover these dates.

Prescription ordering can be busier than usual in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Please ensure you order your medication with extra notice during this time.

Over the festive season, our opening hours will change, and we’ll be closed on bank holidays.

We will be closed:

Thursday 25th December 2025 – Christmas Day

Friday 26th December 2025 – Boxing Day

Thursday 1st January 2025 – New Years Day

Please remember if you need help now or when we are closed: 

If you need medical help  now, use NHS 11 online or call 111. 

NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5. 

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. 

Say it with a Smile

Life- changing Dementia Support Course 

Next Course 

Thursday 8th,15th,22nd and 29th January 2026

Time: 10.15am to 12.30pm 

Venue: Leavesden Country Park, YMCA Community Hub, College Road, Abbots Langley. WD5 0GU 

Booking Required 

• Created for people diagnosed with Dementia, their carers and loved ones 
• Designed by Say it with a Smile families 
• Led by Medical Professionals and Social Care Providers 

Booking and information 

Call: 07398 425 040

E-Mail: info@sayitwithasmile.org.uk

Website: www.sayitwithasmile.org.uk

Lets talk about Cancer

Let’s talk about Cancer

Menopause and Cancer

Virtual event ( via Teams)

Tuesday 9 December 2025 6.30 – 7.30pm

Please join us for this free online event (via Microsoft Teams) for anyone who wants to hear more about cancer.

The East of England Cancer Alliance Patient Participation Group is hosting this special event with a line up of speakers and a chance for you to ask your questions.

This is one of a series of events to keep you well informed about cancer.

If you would like to join the event please e-mail cpicb.eoecancerallianceteam@nhs.net for details.

For more information visit: canceralliance.co.uk/public/lets-talk-about-cancer

SAMARITANS

Whatever you're facing 

We're here to listen 

Call free day or night on 116 123

E-mail jo@samaritans.org

Write to us at Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS 

samaritans.org 

Peri/Menopause and emotional wellbeing

Hertfordshire Talking Therapies offers psychological help and employment support for people experiencing a wide range of common emotional difficulties. It is part of the NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression programme.

How can we support:
Peri/Menopause is a life transition that all people who have or have had menstrual cycles go through. It is characterised by hormonal fluctuations and decreasing levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Many people find these changes overwhelming and difficult to navigate. It can be hard to talk about how you are feeling and ask for help, but you do not have to struggle alone; there is support available.

More information can be found here Peri menopause / Menopause leaflet

Right to Choose: ASD & ADHD Assessment Pathways

What is Right to Choose?
In England, under the NHS, you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider, including for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments. This service, offered through the NHS, is free of charge.

Introduction to Right to Choose Referrals
Did you know that NHS patients have the legal right to select their mental healthcare provider? This important right allows you to explore alternative providers if the waiting time for an ADHD or ASD assessment is too long. Right to Choose, introduced in 2018, is still a relatively new system, and many patients may not be aware of these options.

Who Can Offer Right to Choose Assessments?
Several clinics across the UK offer Right to Choose ADHD and/or ASD assessments. To be eligible to provide this service, clinics must also offer the same service to the NHS in England. Private-only clinics are not eligible. Checking a provider’s website is a good way to determine if they offer the services you need.

Which Providers Offer Right to Choose Assessments?
The list of clinics offering Right to Choose assessments is constantly evolving. Currently, several clinics are available, but there may be other providers worth researching as well.

Important Resources

• ADHD & Right to Choose referrals: Visit the ADHD website for more information.
• ASD & Right to Choose referrals: Visit the National Autistic Society website for helpful details.

Things to Consider About Right to Choose
It’s important to note that many clinics offering these assessments can diagnose ADHD or ASD but may not provide medication titration. This means you might need a local NHS referral if medication is required to manage symptoms.

When Can You Not Use Right to Choose?
There are certain restrictions on eligibility for Right to Choose referrals. You are not eligible if:

• You require urgent or emergency treatment.
• You are already receiving care for the condition you are seeking an assessment for.
• The provider you choose cannot provide appropriate care for your condition.
• You are a prisoner or in specific secure settings such as a secure hospital or under the Mental Health Act.
• You are a serving member of the armed forces.

How to Request a Right to Choose Referral from Your GP
Have an open conversation with your GP about your concerns regarding ADHD or ASD. Your GP may suggest a referral for an official assessment. With extensive waiting times for ADHD and ASD assessments in Hertfordshire, Right to Choose can offer faster alternatives, reducing the long wait for diagnosis and support.

What Happens After Choosing a Clinic?
Once you select a clinic, either you or your family (if the patient is a child) will need to research and decide which provider to choose. Your GP cannot advise on which clinic to select. After making your choice, email or send an admin E-consult with your selection and any relevant forms to ensure an efficient referral process. The NHS standard contract (section 7.9) dictates the use of the e-RS referral system but does not require the use of a form to accompany such a referral. Your GP will make the referral by letter but will not complete forms created by the providers.

How Much Quicker Will Right to Choose Be?
The speed of the assessment depends on your chosen clinic and whether they offer medication titration. Generally, Right to Choose assessments can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 12 months—much quicker than the local NHS alternatives, which have waiting times of up to 7 years. If a clinic offers a diagnosis but not medication titration, you may need an additional referral for post-diagnostic support,which can take up to 24 months locally. Your GP will not initiate specialist medication and will only prescribe once the patient is stable on a dose and if the provider can meet the same standard for shared care as local NHS services.

Why Choose Right to Choose If Medication May Not Be Easily Accessible?
Many patients find that a diagnosis is sufficient for obtaining additional support from schools or employers, or they may not need medication at all for managing their conditions.

Further Questions?
If you have additional questions, a simple call to your surgery may provide answers. For further research, here are some helpful resources:

Information on ADHD

• AHD UKD: A charity offering free advice and information on ADHD and Right to Choose referrals
• ADHD Foundation: The UK’s leading neurodiversity charity, offering services for those who live with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, DCD, Dyscalculia, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome and more
• NHS Website
• Mind: ADHD and mental health

Information on ASD

• National Autistic Society: offer support and advise for autistic people in the UK and their families
• Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan
• NHS Website
• Mind: Autism and mental health

Supporting Dads

Calling all dads in Hertfordshire!

Discover a wealth of resources and support tailored just for you at the Families First Support for Dads webpage. Whether you're looking for parenting tips, local activities, or advice, we've got you covered. What you'll find:-

- Parenting advice and tips

- Local events and activities

- Support services and resources

- Community connections

Visit our page and be the best dad you can be!

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/familiesfirstdads

Healthy Herts

Their aim is to promote cardiovascular health and well-being throughout the local community in Hertfordshire, England.

Whether you're managing cardiovascular conditions, concerned about your heart health, or caring for a family member, they're here to provide support.

Explore the website for valuable resources, including links to support organisations, frequently asked questions, and a form where you can express interest in participating in their events.

Collaborating closely with the practice team, they're committed to refining the referral process, ensuring tailored support through local charities and social prescribers. For more information or to get involved, please reach out to the practice directly or complete their contact form.

Blood Tests

A notice from West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

You now need to book an appointment for a blood test

From December 1st you can register with the online system to book appointments from December 14th