Surgery News
September 2025
Anima Online Total Triage
We wish to share some news about a significant change to our appointment system that will improve the way our surgery delivers care to all our patients.
The GP contract means all GP practices are moving to a ‘Modern General Practice’ model to make access to care and treatment easier for patients and help us improve patient satisfaction. This is a national NHS project, and all general practices must adopt the system.
From the 1st October 2025 we are moving to a Total Triage model.
What is Total Triage?
Total triage is a General Practice workflow where every patient contacting a practice first provides some information about the reasons for the contact and is triaged before making an appointment.
All patient requests will be triaged by one of our experienced clinicians who will decide what the best course of action is. Where necessary, we might ask you to answer a few additional questions to help our doctor prioritise those patients who need more urgent care.
You could be given a face to face or telephone appointment, you could have a reply from the GP with self-care advice, or you may be signposted to an appropriate service.
The main purpose of the Total Triage model is to:
- enhance the quality of care our patients receive
- ensure they are given the most appropriate appointment or advice to meet their needs
- communicate with patients in a timely way
How does it work?
All patients need to submit their request via the surgery’s website by completing an Anima request form. You can do this using the links below or by clicking the links on our Home or Appointments page. Email requests will not be accepted and may delay your care as the mailbox is not monitored. You need to be sure that you will be available to take a call or attend a same day appointment on that day if needed.
Log in or Register for an Anima account
Ideally, patients will submit their own request however we appreciate that this may not be possible for a few patients. If you are unable to use or access the online form then please contact the surgery in the usual way and we will help you to complete the request, which will be added to the triage list to be reviewed by the duty clinician. You will need to ensure that your contact details are correct (e.g. email, mobile and home telephone number).
After the clinician has reviewed your request, you will either receive a call, be offered a same day appointment, receive a self-book link or you might receive a message with advice from a clinician. Please note that for the clinician to triage your request in a timely manner it is very important to provide detailed and accurate information about your symptoms.
For example, if a patient has a cough, it would be much easier for the GP to triage the request with the following information: ‘I have had a cough for 10 days. I have already used over the counter medicine but it is not helping and in the last couple of days my cough has been worsening, and it feels chestier. I also have a high temperature'. If the information given is less detailed, such as ‘I have had a cough for 10 days’, it makes it harder for the GP to triage, and we will need more information which may delay your care.
The Total Triage service will be open Monday to Friday. During the weekend or bank holidays please continue to use the 111 service or call 999 for life threatening emergencies.
How does this benefit you?
We know that change can be daunting but we are confident that Total Triage will bring many benefits to our patients.
- Total Triage has been shown to reduce waiting times, and it allows us to attend to your medical needs more promptly.
- Using digital communication will mean that you can engage with us from the comfort of your home or workplace.
- Triage ensures that limited healthcare resources are allocated to patients who need them most urgently.
- Total Triage will address the increasing demand for appointments and reduce the frustration of having to call and be in a long queue at 8am.
What do you need to do?
- Please ensure your contact details are up to date with our reception team.
- Where possible, please make email your preferred method of contact so we can respond to you more quickly and provide advice. Text messages are costly, and we can only send a brief message.
- Register with the NHS app(Framlingham Library can support you with this).
- Register with Anima (so we can quickly link your request to your medical records).
- Be available to speak to us/attend the surgery on the day you submit your request and check for our responses throughout the day.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the reception team who are here to guide and support you.
Thank you for supporting us.
Anima FAQs
What are the opening times for Anima?
We aim to have Anima open every weekday. Occasionally we may have to close Anima early, as sometimes the demand for a GP appointment far outweighs the safe capacity we can provide. On these days, we may have to turn anima off early because we are full. If you have an emergency in these situations, please call the reception team who will be happy to help.
How soon will I hear back?
We aim to respond to all queries as soon as possible.
Some more routine queries may take us a few days to get back to you. You can always check the status of your query via your Anima dashboard.
What happens if I can’t access the internet or don’t feel confident using it?
Our reception team are always happy to help.
They are able to submit requests for you and can call you back to inform you of the outcome of your request and book you in for the necessary appointment.
Can I use Anima to request a repeat prescription?
We would recommend you use the NHS app to request your repeat prescriptions.
Is Anima an App?
No, Anima is not an app currently. It can only be accessed through the website. The Anima team are working on integration with the NHS app and we will update you when this has happened.
You can log into Anima using your NHS app login credentials, or create your own unique Anima username and password.
Can I contact Anima directly?
Yes! We would encourage you to email Anima’s support team on support@animahealth.com if you have trouble using the website.
June 2025
Patient Information - Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss
You may have seen recent media reports stating that GPs can now prescribe weight-loss injections like Mounjaro. While this is true nationally, in our area (Suffolk and |North East Essex), GPs are not commissioned to provide these medications directly for weight loss.
Instead, the local NHS has chosen a Community Outreach service model.
This means access is only available through a specialist NHS weight management service (WMCOS). Please do not book a GP appointment just to request Mounjaro. Your GP will not be able to prescribe it outside of the community specialist pathway.
The Community Outreach service is not open to new referrals yet, as existing patients who were already on the waiting list are being prioritised. The ICB is aiming to enable new referrals later this summer and we will update information here as and when we have it.
The current criteria to be eligible is as follows:
A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more (or 37.5 kg/m² for people from minority ethnic family backgrounds) and have at least four of the following long-term conditions:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidaemia
- Established Cardiovascular Disease
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Please visit the following webpage for information about access to obesity management medications in Suffolk and North East Essex.
Changes to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer, if left untreated.
How often people need to have cervical screening is changing in England from 1st July 2025. Improvements in HPV testing enables the NHS to now offer a more personalised approach to preventing cervical cancer, which means those identified as lower risk won’t need to be screened as frequently, and those at higher risk will continue to be monitored more regularly.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers. Since December 2019 all cervical screening samples taken in England have been tested for high-risk HPV. It is a more sensitive and accurate test than the previous method and is the best way to find out who is at higher risk of developing the cell changes that over time could lead to cervical cancer.
At the moment, in England, women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 years are routinely invited for screening every 3 years. Now we have this better test for HPV, the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) has recommended that those testing negative, and with no recent history of HPV, won’t need to come for a cervical screening quite so often – every 5 years instead of every 3. If your cervical screening shows you have HPV, you may be invited for more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared and if not, if any cell changes have developed.
This change is strongly backed by robust scientific evidence. Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next 10 years. Research published by King’s College London showed that 5-yearly screening is as safe as 3-yearly; the same number of cancers will be prevented and less frequent cervical screening tests are needed.
For further information, including some Frequently Asked Question's please click the link below:
NHS CERVICAL SCREENING CHANGES JULY 2025
Changes to the Childhood Immunisation Programme
From the 1st July 2025, the following changes will apply for the Childhood Immunisation Programme:-
January 2025
Introducing Anima
Anima is an online service, which will replace the system we currently use called eConsult. Anima will be available from Monday 27th January and can be used for non-urgent queries or routine matters. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the practice by phone on 01728 723627.
This service allows you to submit your symptoms, general requests and inquiries to our practice. Our team will review your information, so we can assess and guide you appropriately.
To access this service, patients will need to register with Anima. You can do this by clicking on the link below and following the instructions. If you have any problems or require assistance with registering, please contact the surgery.
For repeat prescription requests, please use the NHS App.
Anima | The integrated care platform | Patients
Thank you
NHS App
Did you know you can request repeat prescriptions in the NHS App?
You can order your prescriptions at any time that suits you, there's no need to join a telephone queue or wait until the surgery opens.
You can easily choose where your prescriptions are sent. So, if you know you'll be away from home, you can change your nominated pharmacy from within the app.
Using the NHS App to request your prescriptions is also the most streamlined, efficient and quickest way for our dispensary staff to process your requests.
Some of our PPG members will be in the practice reception waiting area during October (please see the Patient Group page for specific dates), where they will be able to speak with you about the App, help you with getting set up and assist with any issues you may have using the App.
They will also be handing out a patient survey regarding communication with the practice. Your feedback is important to us, so please do pop in to have a chat with them.
To find out more about the app and how it can benefit you, or for help with using the app, visit NHS App and your NHS account.
Parking
As well as our own on site parking, we are fortunate enough to have plenty of on street parking available too, so when visiting the practice, can we ask that you are considerate of our neighbours and please do not park across or block driveways. Thank you.
Flu & Covid
We will be running flu and covid vaccination clinics from the week beginning the 7th October 2024.
If you are eligible and have not received an invitation, please contact the practice to book an appointment.
Dispensary
From Monday 2nd September 2024 our Earl Soham dispensary will be closed until further notice due to staff shortages. Patients that need acute and repeat prescriptions can collect them from Framlingham Dispensary. Framlingham Dispensary is open from 08:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:30. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Right Care, First Time.
General practice is facing unprecedented pressure. Demand is exceeding capacity, patients are facing longer delays and abuse in practice is rising as a result.
Right Care First Time #RightCareFirstTime - YouTube
Measles
There has been a recent rise in measles cases in the UK (Dec 2023). Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can spread very easily.
You can protect your child by making sure they get 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. Normally the 1st is given at 12 months and the 2nd around 3 years 5 months old. Even if you or your children have missed these vaccines, it’s not too late to get them. Contact your GP practice today.
If your child has had both doses of their MMR vaccine, there is almost no chance of them getting unwell with measles (unless they have a severely weakened immune system).
For more information click this link
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Op COURAGE
Op COURAGE provides specialist care and support for UK Armed Forces veterans, service leavers and reservists who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. Available across England, visit www.nhs.uk/opcourage for more information.
Join Dementia Research
Dementia affects more than 850,000 people in the UK.
Research offers hope. Only through research can we understand what causes dementia diseases, develop effective treatments and improve the care of those living with dementia.
But for research to make progress we need more people with and without dementia to take part in vital studies. Help beat dementia by signing up today.
Please click here
GP Staff Campaign
With the majority of GP Practice Staff (78%) facing threatening behaviour, racist or sexist abuse from patients, and 83% reporting having called the police for help, the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) launches a campaign to end all abuse towards general practice staff.
If I die it will be your fault - YouTube
Online Access
Accessing your GP held records via the NHS app or NHS website.
Call Statistics
In January 2023:
- The Practice received 7309 inbound calls, up from 5928 in December.
- The average queue time was 5 minutes 13 seconds.
- The main pressure on phone lines was on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8am to 11am
If you are trying to book a non-urgent appointment, we recommend phoning outside of these times to reduce
pressure on the phone lines and to decrease your queue time.
Please remember you can also use our call
back feature so you don't have to hold and wait.
Feel Good Suffolk
Feel Good Suffolk is a completely new approach to support people in Suffolk to improve their health and wellbeing.
Services include support to stop smoking, manage weight and be more active.
Self referral can be made on the Feel Good Suffolk website.
Services you can access directly
Most health and care services are accessed via your GP team, who will either treat you or refer you to a hospital or other medical service. However, some services allow you to refer yourself to them directly. Use this page to find services you can access directly.
Services you can refer yourself to - NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB
- Carer support Services
- Dementia services
- End of life, palliative care & bereavement services
- Healthy lifestyles and diabetes managment services
- Home from hopsital & home nursing services
- Learning disabilities and autism services, and neurodevelopmental services
- Maternity, reproductive and sexual health services
- Mental health services
- Ophthalmology and audiology services
- Physiotherapthy services
- Podiatry services
- Respiratory services
- Social prescribing and community outreach services
- Specialist paediatric services
NHS East of England Gambling Service
The NHS East of England Gambling Service launched 24th July 2023 to support people living in the region who are experiencing the negative impact of gambling. The service, which is a collaboration between the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and Inclusion (Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), brings together two NHS trusts with extensive experience and expertise in providing specialist gambling treatment. The service is keen to offer an ‘open-door’ approach and welcomes both self-referrals
Email Requests
There has been a recent rise in email requests for clinical advice or queries.
Unfortunately we are unable to accept email requests for GP advice or queries. Please use Anima or phone into Reception to make an appointment with the GP.
Missed Appointments (DNA)
Missed appointments waste NHS resources and can cause serious delays in treatment for other patients.
Between 1st January & 31st January there were 162 missed appointments at Framlingham Medical Practice.
Added to the 178 in December, 213 in November, 286 in October, 157 in September, 142 in August, 142 in July, 176 in June, 121 in April & 147 in May that’s 1724 in 10 months.
This equates to 300 hours of clinical time over 10 months averaging 30 hours of missed appointments every month.
Chickenpox
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How to contact us
Care Navigators
Incoming / Outgoing Calls
Please be aware all incoming and outgoing calls are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.
ReSPECT
Compassionate Companion
Guidance Regarding Strep A
Group A Strep (GAS) is a common bacteria which causes a range of infections including scarlet fever. These infections are usually mild. However, it can cause a rare, more serious infection called Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS). This occurs when GAS bacteria gets into part of the body where it causes serious disease, like the lungs or bloodstream. For more information regarding Strep A please see the posters below and the link to the NHS guidance and the UK Health Security Agency guidance
Online Access to Medical Records
The BMA says a decision by NHS England to halt the automatic, blanket roll-out of a scheme that would have given all NHS patients in England prospective online access to their GP-held records by the end of the month, is the ‘right thing to do’ for patient safety.
The decision comes after a series of talks between the Association and NHS England, in which the BMA made clear many practices would not be ready to roll out the programme in a safe way for patients, and that it didn’t comply with their data protection obligations.
Before now, every practice in England would have seen the mass roll-out occur on October 31st, which gives patients the ability to view their prospective GP medical record via the NHS App. While some practices were ready to implement this, many expressed concerns over safety aspects and that it wasn’t fit for purpose at the present time.
As data controllers of the patient record, GPs need to be sure the right safeguarding measures are in place to protect certain vulnerable patients who might access their records – for example, for those living with an abusive partner, or patients with particular health conditions.
Practices that have written to their IT clinical software supplier to ask that they do not turn on the functionality, will not see the programme switched on automatically on the October 31st, as had been planned.
Those that have not sent such a letter will be contacted by their system supplier to discuss what happens next, and when switch on will occur for them. These practices can still opt-out at this stage by sending a letter to their suppliers. The BMA will be in dialogue with IT clinical software suppliers on the next steps.
Patients can still request access to their digital records on an individual basis, as is the case now.
The BMA’s GP England committee (GPC England) is committed to working with NHS England over the coming months to ensure that progress on the programme going forward will be safe for patients, streamlined for practices and comply with data protection regulations.
Dr David Wrigley, deputy chair of GPC England at the BMA, said: “We’re pleased to hear that NHS England has decided to review the pace and timing of the automatic, mass roll-out of the Citizens’ Access programme. This is, without doubt, the right thing to do for patient safety.
“We want patients to be able to access their GP medical records, but this must be done carefully, with the appropriate safeguards in place to protect them from any potential harm. The deadline of November 30th was, for many practices, just too soon to do this, and removing it will come as a huge relief to GPs and their teams across the country.
“We’re pleased that our members’ concerns have been listened to and are open to working with NHS England to revise the programme accordingly to find a way forward that works for everyone.”
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
You can self refer to pulmonary rehabilitation when:
- you have a diagnosed respiratory condition
- you experience breathlessness as part of your everyday life
- you are registered with a GP in Suffolk or North East Essex
- you are able to commit to a twice weekly course of education and exercise
Call 0333 0433 966
Online Services
To use our online service to book appointments, order medication and access your coded medical record please click on the link below. Please note you must have registered with reception to use these services.
Serving You
Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home such as order a repeat prescription or cancel an appointment.
Partners in Care
Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction.
Opportunities at the Surgery
Please look on our recruitment page.
Fitness to Work (Sick Note) Updates
Fit notes are available after 7 days of self-certification and are requested by completing an Anima request.
For more information, please visit the GOV.UK website.
Armed Forces Veterans
Framlingham Medical Practice is an armed forces veteran friendly accredited GP Practice. The Veteran Gateway puts veterans and their families in touch with organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more. Please click this link to access the gateway.
Correspondence
All correspondence sent to the surgery or handed in at the surgery is opened by staff, including letters addressed to a particular GP. This allows correspondence to be scanned onto the patient record and forwarded to the most appropriate clinician. It also ensures that any urgent matters are dealt with immediately.
All our staff are required to preserve the confidentiality of patients and all matters connected with the Practice at all times.
Additional Hours Appointments
Don’t forget that you can now book a routine GP appointment to be seen at Wickham Market as part of the Enhanced Access service which offer appointments as follows:
- Weekdays: 6:30pm – 9.00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 13.00pm
- Bank Holidays: 9:00am – 13:00pm
To book an enhanced access appointment please contact Framlingham Medical Practice Reception during our normal surgery opening hours.
Patient Participation Group
Have your say – join our Patient Participation Group
Feedback
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Contact Details
Do we have your correct contact details? Are you happy to share your email address and or mobile phone number with us? Please complete a slip at reception if so to consent us to communicate with you in the most appropriate way.
