News
Closure of Llyods Pharmacy inside Sainsbury's WWX - 31st January 2023
We would like to inform our patients who use Llyods Pharmacy situated inside WWX Sainsburys of its closure in June 2023.
Patients can still collect repeat prescriptions up until June, but have stopped taking any NEW requests. Due to staff shortages the pharmacy will only be opening 09:00am - 18:00pm and now closed on Saturday and Sundays.
If your nomintated pharmacy is Llyods please call the Surgery on 01843 267111 to update these details to a new pharmacy.
For any other questions relating to Llyods pharmacy please call them direct on 01843 865252.
Update on Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group Strep A - 9th December 2022
The most recent information from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) demonstrates that Scarlet Fever cases are still higher than we would expect at this time of year.
What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet Fever is an illness that mainly affects children. Iit usually follows a sore throat or a skin infection, such as impetigo, caused by particular strains of streptococcus bacteria. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever so that early treatment with antibiotics can be given quickly:
- sore throat
- headache
- a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above), flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue.
- a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel – on darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
- The rash may be itchy. It usually occurs on the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body, such as the ears and neck.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Group A streptococcus (GAS)
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria, which causes a range of infections including scarlet fever. These infections are usually mild.
Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS)
GAS can also cause a rare, more serious infection called invasive group A strep (iGAS). This occurs when GAS bacteria get into parts of the body such as the lungs or bloodstream, where they cause serious disease. iGAS is a form of sepsis and you should take immediate action by calling 999 if your child shows any of the symptoms listed under the ‘Call 999 or go to A&E’ section below.
Additionally, you can view the linked YouTube video in which Dr. Sophie explains Strep A and key informtion: https://youtu.be/bTCErNyzmHA
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
How to prevent GAS bacteria spreading
GAS is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.
Good hygiene practice such as hand washing remains the most important step in preventing and controlling spread of infection.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and teach your child how to wash their hands properly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
- Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, then throw it away and wash your hands
- Keep away from others when feeling unwell
- If diagnosed, follow advice on keeping your child at home
A negative throat swab is not required for children to attend childcare, however children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should be excluded from nursery / school / work for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
COVID VACCINATIONS UPDATE 1st December 2022
The COVID Vaccination Site @ Curry's Vaccination Hub (WWX) is now closed.
TO FIND A COVID VACCINATION SITE:
Please book via the National Booking System or call 119, this will also show you your nearest vaccination site.
Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
For any further information relating to COVID, please call 119.
Please note, the surgery cannot book COVID vaccinations for you
12th September 2022
BANK HOLIDAY CLOSURE FOR 19th SEPTEMBER
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, will be a national bank holiday and therefore the surgery will be closed.
In line with other bank holiday measures, should you require medical advice or assistance during this time please contact 111.
In the event of a medical emergency please dial 999.
If you require any prescriptions for that date, please place your request by end of day on Wednesday 14th September 2022, in order to allow for any requests to be managed.
Covid Vaccine Updates - Autumn Boosters
30th August 2022 Update: 7th September 2022
Autumn Boosters Eligibilty Criteria:
- Adults aged 75 and over
- People aged 12 years or older with health conditions which put them at higher risk - including pregnant women
- Care home staff
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Carers aged 16 to 49
- Household contacts of people with weakened immune systems
- and have not had a COVID vaccination within the past 3 months
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A PHASED APPROACH AND VACCINATIONS WILL BEGIN WITH GROUPS:
- OVER 75s
- HIGHER RISK GROUPS AGES OVER 12
- FRONTLINE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE WORKERS
Clinics Commencing 13/09/2022
- Tuesdays
- Thursdays
- Saturdays
- 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 18:30 @ Old Curry's Building WWX
(Any patients still requiring 1st, 2nd doses, and childrens vaccintions 5 - 11 and 12 - 15 years, There will be a service for these on a Saturday between 17:30 - 18:30)- please book your appointment.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE BOOKABLE IN ADVANCE
BOOK BY CALLING 119 OR BOOKING VIA THE INTERNET https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SURGERY TO BOOK COVID VACCINATIONS
Flu Vaccination Clinics
19th August 2022
PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU HAVE PATIENT ONLINE ACCESS PLEASE BOOK YOUR FLU JAB VIA THIS ROUTE, AS THIS AVOIDS CONJESTION WITH OUR PHONE LINES.
(WE HAVE HAD A FEW TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH OUR PATIENT ONLINE ACCESS BOOKING - WHICH HAVE NOW BEEN RECTIFIED).
ON-LINE ACCESS IS NOW AVAILABLE TO BOOK YOUR FLU JAB - IF YOU HAVE SIGNED UP FOR THE ACCESS
WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED.
APPOINTMENT DETAILS:
Flu vaccinations will commence at the Surgery in September 2022 and all appointments will be at Mocketts Wood Surgery:
- Bookable and Walk In - Saturday 17th September 2022 08:00 - 18:30
- Please check ONLINE ACCESS for further additional dates or call the surgery
Invites have been sent to patients who are eligible for the vaccine:
ELIGIBILITY:
You are eligible for your flu vaccine if you are:
- Over 65s
- Have certain health conditions (at risk – all age groups)
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Asthma
- COPD
- BPD
- Learning Disability
- Chronic heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic liver disease
- Immunosuppression
- Chronic neurological disease
- Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- Morbid obesity >40BMI
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Live with someone who is immunocompromised or close contacts
- Are pregnant
- Carers
- Housebound and care home residents
- Front line staff employed
AGED 50 - 64 PLEASE SEE BELOW:
- Age 50-64 that are not eligible for the flu vaccination will BECOME eligible in Mid October, date TBC. (this enables prioritisation of those with clinical risks in the older age groups)
Delay in receiving radiology results (CT and MRI)
4th August 2022
Dear Patients
INFORMATION - RE DELAY IN RECEIVING RADIOLOGY RESULTS
Unfortunately we are currently experiencing delays in receiving reported radiology results for our patients, and have been informed that these can take up to 8 - 9 weeks athe moment.
EXTENDED ACCESS SURVEY
14th July 2022
The Surgery has sent out a survey to all our patients today with a view of collecting information regards to extended access appointments. We would be grateful if you could please spare some time to complete the brief survey as this will give us important feedback as to the planning of extended hours clinics from October onwards.
Some patients may have received more than one text, this will be due to the fact that occasionally the same mobile number is used for the same household. There is no need to contact the Surgery regards to this.
The survey has been sent out to all Surgeries within the Margate and Mocketts PCN (Primary Care Network) ie, Bethesda Surgery, The Limes Surgery, Northdown Surgery and Mocketts Wood Surgery.
Your feedback is important.
Guidance re wearing of face masks
7th July 2022
Although guidelines have changed recently, we would appreciate it if you could be mindful of wearing a face mask whilst in the Surgery, to protect yourself and others – however it is your preference.
If you choose not to wear a mask please be mindful of the following guidance:
- Patients with respiratory symptoms should wear a facemask or covering.
- The person sitting next to you could be receiving chemotherapy for cancer and at risk from serious covid infection.
- The child next to their parent could have a severe immunodeficiency and susceptible to severe covid infection.
- Staff are our most precious resource, we cannot afford them not to be at work due to covid. Help us to help you!!!
- We appreciate that masks are not worn at supermarkets etc, however we are a healthcare GP Surgery, looking after the most vulnerable in your community.
We thank you in advance for your understanding.
Receiving SMS for your appointments
24th June 2022
Please note that we are are having some technical issues with our system delivering SMS to patients regards to the initial SMS appointment confirmation details.
We are looking into this problem, and aim to have it solved as soon as possible. Therefore, please be mindful of your appointment details until such time that this problem is resolved.
Thank you.

Prescription dispensing - Rowlands Pharmacy
9th June 2022
We are aware that Rowlands Pharmacy Broadstairs are experiencing difficulties at the moment with regards to dispensing prescriptions. We would like to assure you that we are in discussion with Rowlands, in order to ascertain further information.
Our reception team and pharmacist are triyng their very best to assist with queries regarding this problem.
Please be patient with our team!!
Reminder - we do operate a Zero Tolerance Policy at the Surgery.
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Weekend
13th May 2022
Please note: =
The Surgery will be closed on:
Thursday 2nd June2022
Friday 3rd June 2022
WHAT TO DO WHEN WE ARE CLOSED:
Please use NHS111 if you need medical help when this practice is closed. The NHS111 team has trained advisers, nurses and doctors avilable at all times. They can help over the phone and advise you where to go if you need to see someone. Don't waste time going to the wrong place - phone NHS111 or go online: 111.nhs.uk
MISSED APPOINTMENTS
31st March 2022 - udpated 14th April 2022
ARE YOU HAVING DIFFICULTY GETTING AN APPOINTMENT?
This could be one of the reasons:
During February 2022 there were the following missed appointments which equated to 23 hours and 20 minutes:
- 17 missed GP appointments and
- 57 missed nurse appointments
During March 2022 the missed appointments equated to 26 hours and 15 minutes:
- 31 missed GP appointments and
- 57 missed nurse appointments as well as
- 3 missed physiotherapy appointments and
- 4 mental health nurse appointments
If you do need to change or cancel your appointment please give the Surgery a call so that we are able to offer the appointment to another patient.
Thank you.
Social Prescribing Link Worker
16th March 2022
Mocketts Wood Surgery now have a Social Prescriber Link Worker (Becky), who can support you with any queries concerning housing, employment, loneliness, assistance to enable you to become more socially connected, as well as assisting with many other social queries you may have, which can make a difference to your health and wellbeing.
You do not need to see the GP to be referred to Becky, please call the Surgery, select option 2 or ask reception to put you through.

Abuse - #notinadayswork
17th November 2021
- Caring for you - Yes
- Keeping you well - Yes
- Taking abuse - No
- Please remember that our staff are here to help you, not to be abused. Abuse #notinadayswork
Covid Booster

Online consultations - August Bank Holiday Weekend 2021
25th August 2021
To help practices better meet the needs of patients who require care over the August Bank Holiday weekend the online consultation system eConsult will NOT be available from:
18:30 on Friday 27th August until 08:00 Tuesday 31st August 2021.
If you need urgent care, NHS111 is there for you 24 hours a day. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can help you with minor health concerns. You can find out opening hours of pharmacies near you on the NHS England website.
Opting out of Information Sharing for Research and Planning
21st June 2021
There has been a lot of information on social media recently regarding opting out of data sharing The deadline for this has now been extended to 30th September 2021.
All of the information you need to know on how to opt out can be found on the following website:
https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/
If you wish to opt out you need to follow the link and guidelines of either submitting your choice online, printing out the form to complete and either send back to them via email or post. The surgery is not responsible in submitting your choice.
It is important to remember that this information is used to help the NHS plan for future services and to research items, like the COVOD pandemic.
100.000 Covid Vaccinations given
21st June 2021
The SAGA GP Vaccination Site which is made up from the Margate & Mocketts Wood PCN (Primary Care Network) and CARE PCN celebrated last week giving our 100,000 Covid vaccination.
Thanks goes out to all the staff across the surgeries and volunteers who have worked tirelessly in supporting the programme by vaccinating, coding, marshalling, cleaning and booking and arriving patients.
The vaccination programme has been rolled out well and has seen Thanet record a very low rate of infection.
We are on the final push now and are grateful for such a wonderful team that has been created at SAGA.
Margate and Mocketts Wood PCN (Primary Care Network)
1st June 2021
Since the NHS was created in 1948, the population has grown and people are living longer. Many people are living with the following:
- long term conditions
- suffer from mental health issues
- may require further input from social prescribing
- may need to access their local health services more often
In order to meet these needs and to support our patients in the best way possible, GP practices are now working together with community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital and voluntary services in their local areas in groups of practices known as primary care networks (PCNs) who support each other, although all Surgeries still remain independent.
Mocketts Wood Surgery is proud to be part of the Margate & Mocketts Wood PCN which consists of four GP surgeries, namely:
Bethesda Medical Centre
The Limes Surgery
Northdown Surgery
Mocketts Wood Surgery
Letter to Patients Regarding Care at Mocketts Wood Surgery Following COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Mocketts Wood Patients
Thank you for bearing with us during the last year which has been a challenging and stressful time for everyone. We have tried to provide you with the best care during this period, and have thank you for your support which we have received.
This letter is to update everyone on how we are coping post Covid pandemic with the increased demand, the changing delivery of primary care and how we can work collaboratively with you to deliver safe care.
Increased demand
NHS England has published data on the increased numbers of appointments within General Practice compared with the same period in previous years, the following link displays the data:
With a very elderly population who naturally have a greater need for primary care we are experiencing a huge increase in demand. This demand is above what we would expect and includes:
- Consultations from patients with numerous problems
- Requests to chase hospital appointments
- Requests for help with minor problems where self-care would be more appropriate.
Self-Management
Many patients phone with concerns about minor illness/ problems, without trying home remedies such as simple pain killers or other treatments for problems like constipation or diarrhoea. We are not suggesting that if you are seriously ill, or if you have a red flag symptom, that you wait to get worse before getting in touch with us.
With self-care most cases of minor illness do resolve without ever needing treatment from the GP. By encouraging self – management in these instances this will reduce the huge pressure we are currently experiencing.
Red flag symptoms are symptoms like chest pain, bleeding, paralysis, difficulty swallowing that could indicate serious disease like cancer, a stroke or heart attack. We actively encourage you to get in touch with the right professional if you have red flag symptoms.
Telephone Consultation
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS England and NHS Improvement supported all GP practices in England whilst in the lockdown period with the rapid implementation of a ‘total triage’ model using telephone and online consultation.
Total triage means that every patient contacting a GP practice is first triaged before making an appointment.
Looking Ahead
All appointments are managed via telephone triage in the first instance. Once triaged the appropriate face to face appointment will be made if necessary, with the most appropriate clinician, at the most appropriate time.
This system benefits all patients, as it ensures that those with immediate needs are given priority.
Working collaboratively
There remains a lot of work for the team to do at Mocketts Wood Surgery such as:
- palliative care
- care of the elderly
- support for those with chronic conditions, immunisations
- planning and working with others such as secondary care colleagues to improve health outcomes
Whilst we continue to do this you can help us by:
- Using services carefully and thinking about self-care first.
- Helping the doctor to prioritise care if you have a number of problems that need to be dealt with.
- Contacting others that can help you like mental health support services.
- Letting us know when it’s a good time to call you for telephone consultations.
- Updating the Surgery with your current contact telephone number and email address.
- Ensuring that you give accurate details to the receptionist to pass on for the telephone triage.
Please continue to work with us, to help us help you.
We have learnt a lot during the pandemic and want to improve care as we come out of it however we can only do this within the resources we have and we need to use them wisely.
Mocketts Wood Surgery
Thanet Coronavirus Assistance Page - Local Service
Comprehensive list of services in order to get help, and also give help to your local community.
Help for Over 70s – Coronavirus - Local Service
FREE help for anyone who is:
Over 70, vulnerable, has no other support and lives in the BROADSTAIRS are.
Shopping delivery:
Can collect shopping and medicine and deliver it to you with no physical contact
Friendly chat:
If you feel lonely, isolated or worried, call one of our volunteers for a chat. You don't need to request a service. Sometimes it's just nice to talk
Who we are:
We are a local residents working in association with the award-winning Gap Project charity (based at Queens Road Baptist Church) to offer this FREE service in these worrying times.
CALL OR MESSAGE 07432 585515
Alternatively, call 01843 602762 or email cllr-aram.rawf@thanet.gov.uk
Thanks to the Royal British Legion and UK Mask Force
To the Royal British Legion and UK Mask Force
We wish to express our extreme gratitude to you for managing to source and provide critical PPE supplies for Care Homes and Doctors surgeries during these trying times. It was an honour to meet the team who came to present the PPE to Maurice House Care Home and the generous donation of face masks to our surgery as well!
We wish you all the best with this venture and hope to meet again.
Kind regards
The Doctors and Staff of Mocketts Wood Surgery
For those wanting to find out more or wishing to donate to this wonderful cause, please go to www.ukmaskforce.co.uk