Rivermead Gate Medical Centre

Enhanced Access & Extended GP hours

The Practice is now in a position to return to Enhanced Access appointments.  These are appointments that are offered outside of the Core Opening Hours.

These are a 50/50 mix of face to face appointments and telephone appointments and are available to book in advance throughout the week.

Local residents registered with a GP practice in mid Essex can now access an appointment with a GP, nurse or healthcare assistant in the evening and on Saturday and Sunday thanks to the opening of extended access health hubs.

extended access appointments information poster

What is the GP Extended Access Service?

The Extended Access Service offers residents of mid Essex bookable appointments with a GP, Nurse or another healthcae professional in the evening, on weekends and bank holidays – making it easier for you to get an appointment at a time that suits you,.

If you find it difficult to attend an appointment during the working day, are a busy parent with small children or rely on working carers to take you to appointments then this service is here to support you.

Appointments will take place in one of our Extended Access hubs which offer most NHS services that your own GP practice would, including NHS health checks and smear tests. More information is available here:

How do I book an appointment?

Contact your GP practice in the usual way to request an appointment. If there is no appointment available at your practice, you can ask for an appointment with the GP Extended Access Service, if this is right for you.

If your practice is closed and you need a GP, please contact the out-of-hours by calling NHS 111. They will also be able to book an appointment for you with the Extended Access Service. Please note that your consent will be required in order for an appointment to be booked for you.

To cancel an appointment out of hours please call 07384 579474.

Where are the Extended Access Hubs located?

  • Blackwater Medical Centre, Maldon, CM9 5GP (7 days a week and bank holidays)
  • Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery, Halstead, C09 5EF (7 days a week and bank holidays)
  • North Chelmsford Health Centre, Chelmsford, CM2 5EF (7 days a week and bank holidays)
  • Douglas Grove Surgery, Witham, CM8 1TE (Saturdays only)
  • Crouch Vale Medical Centre, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5QP (Saturdays only)
  • Mount Chambers Surgery, Braintree, CM7 1TE (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays only)

When are appointments are available?*:

  • Monday to Friday: 6.30pm to 8pm (Maldon 9pm)
  • Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 8am to 2pm

*Opening hours may vary between the hubs

Temporary changes to service due to Covid-19

Appointments are still available to book; however, consultations will most likely take place via telephone or video call.

If it is thought that a face-to-face appointment is needed, you will be invited to attend an appointment at the North Chelmsford Medical Centre.

During the pandemic, we have increased the services weekend opening hours from 8am to 8pm.

As under normal circumstances, to book an appointment during weekdays patients need to speak to their own GP surgeries reception team. To book an appointment on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday please call 01245 398055.