Cuckfield Medical Practice: appointments, opening hours, prescriptions, test results and NHS help
This complete guide helps patients use Cuckfield Medical Practice and The Vale Surgery without confusion: appointment request forms, urgent and routine appointments, RapidHealth/PATCHS/Accurx-style online contact routes, phone numbers, email, prescriptions, SystmOnline, NHS App, test results, sick notes, home visits, samples, new patient registration, doctors, reviews, CQC rating and what to do when the surgery is closed.
Use this number for: appointment-form help if online is difficult, urgent same-day questions, reception help, new-patient registration support, results queries, sick-note help, private appointment booking, home-visit questions, access needs and general practice enquiries.
Cuckfield Medical Practice
Glebe Road
Cuckfield
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH17 5BQ
The practice also runs The Vale Surgery at Bolding Way, Haywards Heath, RH16 4SY. Clinical and non-clinical staff rotate across both sites, so always check which site your appointment is booked at.
Open directionsGoogle and Bing search-intent map for Cuckfield Medical Practice
Patients search in many different ways before they find the right NHS route. This section answers the real intent behind common searches such as Cuckfield Medical Practice appointments, opening times, phone number, email, repeat prescriptions, SystmOnline, NHS App, test results, sick notes, doctors, reviews, The Vale Surgery, Haywards Heath, new patients, home visits and CQC rating.
| Search phrase | What the user usually needs | Best section |
|---|---|---|
| Appointments | Urgent/routine request form, phone support, triage, same-day response rules and Hub appointments. | Appointments |
| Opening hours | Cuckfield site hours, The Vale Surgery hours, out-of-hours and NHS 111. | Opening hours |
| Repeat prescriptions | NHS App, SystmOnline, email, paper form, 5-working-day processing and nominated pharmacy. | Prescriptions |
| Online services | NHS App, SystmOnline, RapidHealth, PATCHS, Accurx-style online contact and what apps can/cannot do. | Online services |
| Test results | NHS account, phone/visit window, result request form and FIT sample timing. | Test results |
| Doctors and reviews | Official team list, CQC rating, training practice, PPG and how to read reviews safely. | Team |
Unique patient decision hub: choose the right Cuckfield route in 60 seconds
Use this section whenever you need the practice. It helps you avoid the wrong queue, wrong site, wrong app, or wrong NHS service.
I need help today
If symptoms are dangerous, call 999. If urgent but not life-threatening and the practice is closed, use NHS 111. If the issue is GP-suitable, use the appointment request form or call reception if online is difficult.
I need a routine appointment
Use the appointment request form Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, phone from 8.30am if you cannot use the form, or use NHS App/online services where appropriate.
I need repeat medicine
Use NHS account, SystmOnline/Medication Request, email, or paper form. Do not phone in repeat prescription requests. Allow 5 working days for processing.
I need test results
If results need more action, the practice says it will contact you. Once reviewed, use NHS account, phone or visit between 10am and 4pm, or submit the test-result request form.
I need a sick note
If off sick 7 days or less, self-certification usually applies. If more than 7 days, use the sick-note request form, phone or visit from 10am to 6pm.
I need the right site
Appointments may be at Cuckfield or The Vale Surgery. The Vale Surgery also has a pharmacy and separate MSK clinics upstairs, so check your appointment location before travelling.
Cuckfield Medical Practice sites, phone, email and addresses
Cuckfield Medical Practice is a two-branch GP practice across Cuckfield Village and Haywards Heath. The official About Us page says the two purpose-built premises run together as one service with one computer system, and clinical and non-clinical staff rotate to both sites.
| Site | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Cuckfield Medical Practice | Glebe Road, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5BQ | 01444 458738 cuckfield.reception@nhs.net |
| The Vale Surgery | Bolding Way, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4SY | 01444 458738 Cuckfield.Reception@nhs.net |
Cuckfield Medical Practice opening hours
The official contact page lists Cuckfield Medical Practice and The Vale Surgery weekday opening times. Both sites are normally closed on Saturday and Sunday for routine access, with NHS 111 and 999 available for urgent/out-of-hours needs.
| Site | Monday to Friday | Weekend note |
|---|---|---|
| Cuckfield Medical Practice | 8:30am to 6:30pm | Saturday closed, Sunday closed. |
| The Vale Surgery | 8:30am to 6:00pm | Saturday closed, Sunday closed. |
| Extended Access / HUB appointments | Booked via the practice during normal opening hours | Evening and weekend appointments may be available at local primary care hubs depending on availability and record-sharing consent. |
How to request a Cuckfield Medical Practice appointment
The official appointments page says urgent appointments are available daily for medically urgent issues. To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow, complete the appointment request form Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, or phone 01444 458738 Monday to Friday from 8.30am so the team can complete the form for you. Request forms received before 4pm will be responded to the same day.
Use 999 for emergencies. Use NHS 111 when the practice is closed and the problem cannot wait.
The official appointment route runs Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm. Give one clear problem first.
Reception can complete the form for you by phone from 8.30am on weekdays.
Say when symptoms started, whether they are worsening, current medication, allergies, what you tried and what you are worried about.
If you are a parent, guardian or carer, the official page says to select “Someone else” and fill in both your details and the patient’s details.
The practice may offer phone, face-to-face, video, text/email advice, nurse, pharmacist, physio, mental health support or another NHS route.
Hello, my name is [your name]. My date of birth is [date of birth]. I am registered at Cuckfield Medical Practice. I cannot use the online form / I need help today. My main problem is [one clear sentence]. Can you complete the appointment request form with me?
Online services, NHS App, SystmOnline, RapidHealth, PATCHS and Accurx
The official homepage displays online contact options including RapidHealth, PATCHS and Accurx-style online contact. The official Online Services page also explains NHS App and SystmOnline. Use the live homepage button because online systems can change over time.
| Online route | What it helps with | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment request form | Doctor appointment requests, urgent/routine clinical or admin requests | Doctor appointments can only be requested through the online form, not directly through the apps below. |
| NHS App | Health advice, repeat prescriptions, hospital referrals, GP record and NHS services | Use official NHS App login only. |
| SystmOnline | Nurse/HCP appointment functions, repeat prescriptions, health record parts, test results and hospital communications | Register through the practice and keep login details safe. |
| RapidHealth / PATCHS / Accurx contact | Online patient triage, admin requests, medical requests and self-care information | Open the official homepage to use whichever system is currently live. |
Cuckfield Medical Practice repeat prescriptions
The official prescriptions page says the easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are through your NHS account or the GP online system Medication Request. It also says repeat prescription requests can be emailed to cuckfield.reception@nhs.net or brought to the surgery on the paper form Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6pm. The practice says it does not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.
NHS account / NHS App
Order repeat medicines where enabled. Check medicine name, dose, quantity and nominated pharmacy before submitting.
SystmOnline / Medication Request
The online account shows repeat medicine and dosage so you can choose what you need.
Email or paper form
The official page says you can email repeat requests to cuckfield.reception@nhs.net or bring the paper form to the surgery.
Allow 5 working days
Prescription processing time is listed as 5 working days for safer prescribing. Most medicines can be ordered up to 2 weeks before the re-order date.
Test results, FIT tests, PSA questions and follow-up
The official test-results page says the practice will contact you if your test results show that more tests or treatment are needed. Once a doctor has reviewed the results, you can view them in your NHS account, or phone/visit the practice between 10am and 4pm to ask what the results are.
GP-ordered results and hospital-ordered results may need different follow-up routes.
The practice says results can be viewed once a doctor has reviewed them.
Check results through the NHS website or NHS App if your account access is enabled.
The official page says to phone or visit between 10am and 4pm for results.
If you want to talk about the result, use the test-results request form and someone will be in touch.
Sick notes, fit notes and self-certification
The official sick-note page says if you have been off sick for more than 7 days, you can request a sick note by filling out the request form or by phoning/visiting the surgery from 10am to 6pm. If you have been off sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence and self-certification usually applies.
| Situation | What to do | Patient note |
|---|---|---|
| Off sick 7 days or less | Use self-certification | Your employer should not normally ask for GP medical evidence. |
| Off sick more than 7 days | Use sick-note request form, phone or visit from 10am to 6pm | Give clear dates and explain whether you are still off work. |
| Hospital treatment | Ask the hospital team about paperwork | Hospital discharge letters or hospital fit notes may apply. |
| Fit note renewal | Request before expiry where possible | Do not use emergency routes just for admin unless there is a medical emergency. |
Home visits: when they may be arranged
The official appointments page says if you are housebound and need an appointment, the practice can arrange a home visit. A GP will contact you first by telephone to discuss your needs and make an appropriate appointment. The official page says GPs usually carry out home visits during the lunch period from 1pm to 3pm.
| Situation | Likely route | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Housebound patient | Call the practice for triage | Explain why the patient cannot safely attend either site. |
| Too ill to attend | Telephone discussion with GP first | Give symptoms, age, risks, medication and whether symptoms are worsening. |
| Transport difficulty only | Usually attend surgery | Lack of transport alone may not justify a GP home visit. |
| Life-threatening symptoms | Call 999 | Do not wait for a GP home visit. |
Samples, swabs and paperwork: what to do before dropping off
The official appointments page says if a GP or nurse has asked you to drop in a sample and raised the request form, you can drop the sample at reception at either site. Samples should be dropped before 1.30pm so the courier can take them to the hospital laboratory in time.
Label the sample
Make sure the sample clearly shows your name, date of birth, NHS number and date of sample. Missing identifiers can lead to rejection.
Close it tightly
Leaking samples may be rejected and can be an infection risk. Check the lid before handing it in.
Bring the request form
Your sample must be accompanied by the correct request form if the clinician has asked for one.
Drop before 1.30pm
Drop samples at reception before 1.30pm at either site unless the practice gives different instructions.
Register with Cuckfield Medical Practice as a new patient
The official new-patients page says the practice welcomes new patients who live within its practice area. It asks patients to check they live within the catchment area before completing the online registration form. Paper registration forms are available at reception.
Use the official catchment tool or contact the practice if you are unsure.
Once you confirm you live in the catchment area, use the official online registration route.
Paper registration forms are available at reception.
Records can take time to transfer, so arrange regular medication safely before you run out.
GP practices can decide whether to accept out-of-area applications, so ask before relying on this option.
Cuckfield Medical Practice doctors, nursing team and wider support
The official About Us page says Cuckfield Medical Practice is a two-branch practice with 3 partners and 4 salaried GPs looking after about 12,700 patients. The practice has been a training practice for over 25 years and may offer appointments with GP registrars or FY2 doctors under supervision.
| Team | Official listed examples | Patient note |
|---|---|---|
| GP Partners | Dr Susan Ferrier, Dr Madeleine Babicki, Dr Louise Cotter | Team lists can change; check the official page for current details. |
| Salaried GPs | Dr William Bucher, Dr Samantha Chandrasekera, Dr Una Fallon John, Dr Priya Sarnobat, Dr Sophie Whitehouse, Dr Claire Hucker, Dr Caroline Wyatt | You may ask for a preferred clinician, but availability and urgency matter. |
| Nursing team | Lead Nurse, practice nurses, nurse associate, healthcare assistants | Nurses and HCAs may handle reviews, screening, bloods, observations and planned care. |
| Prescription team | Prescription Manager / Pharmacy Technician and prescription clerks | Useful for repeat medication, reviews, pharmacy liaison and medication queries. |
| PCN staff | Pharmacists, cancer care nurse, occupational therapist, mental health practitioners, first contact physios, social prescriber and care coordinator | The right professional may not always be a GP. |
Referrals, hospital booking and NHS e-Referral help
The official referrals page says if a clinician has referred you for ongoing investigation or care, you can make direct contact with the care provider for an update. It also asks patients not to ask reception to chase unless it is a 2-week-rule referral waiting longer than 2 weeks or you are unable to make contact yourself.
Ask if GP referral is needed
Some services need GP assessment first. Others may allow direct self-referral or pharmacy/physio routes.
Private referrals
The official page says private referrals from your GP take about 5 working days and you should not book until the referral has been sent.
Contact the provider
Once referred, contact the hospital or care provider directly for updates unless the practice specifically needs to help.
Two-week-rule referrals
If you were referred under the 2-week rule and have waited longer than 2 weeks, contact the practice or the provider for advice.
Access, interpreter needs, carers and communication preferences
The official appointments page says patients should tell the practice if they prefer a specific doctor, nurse or health professional, if they prefer phone, face-to-face, video, text or email consultation, if they need an interpreter, or if they have any other access or communication needs.
Interpreter help
Ask early if you need an interpreter. This helps the practice book the right support.
Carer support
If you are a parent, guardian or carer completing the form, include both your details and the patient’s details.
Consultation type
Tell the practice whether phone, face-to-face, video, text or email would work best for your needs.
Access needs
Mention hearing, mobility, learning disability, dementia, anxiety, language or communication needs in the request.
Hello, I have an appointment or request with Cuckfield Medical Practice. I need help with [interpreter / hearing support / mobility access / carer involvement / longer appointment / communication preference]. Can this be added to my request?
Cuckfield Medical Practice reviews, CQC rating and feedback
CQC lists Cuckfield Medical Practice as Overall Good. CQC also shows Good ratings across inspection domains and notes that it reviewed available information in July 2023 without finding evidence that it needed to reassess the rating at that stage. Online reviews can be useful, but they should not replace official CQC, NHS and practice information.
CQC rating
CQC lists the practice as Overall Good. Check the official CQC page for the latest rating and inspection history.
Patient Participation Group
The practice says it has a PPG representing patients and providing a link with the practice.
Check review dates
Appointment systems, online forms, staffing and practice processes can change, so old reviews may not reflect current service.
Look for patterns
Read review patterns about phone access, online forms, prescriptions, communication and staff attitude rather than trusting one comment.
What to do when Cuckfield Medical Practice is closed
The official contact and appointments pages direct patients to NHS 111 when they need medical help and the practice is closed. 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 where someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
| Problem | Use this service | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 999 | Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, collapse, not responding. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening | NHS 111 online or call 111 | You need medical advice today and cannot wait for the practice to reopen. |
| Child under 5 | Call 111 | The official appointments page says to call 111 if you need help for a child under 5. |
| Minor illness or medicine advice | Local pharmacy | Coughs, colds, sore throat, minor rash, medicine side effects, emergency supply questions. |
| Mental health emergency | 999 if immediate danger; NHS 111 or local crisis route if urgent | Call 999 if someone is at immediate risk of serious harm. |
Cuckfield Medical Practice map and directions
Main address: Cuckfield Medical Practice, Glebe Road, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5BQ. Use this map for the Cuckfield site. If your appointment is at The Vale Surgery, use Bolding Way, Haywards Heath, RH16 4SY.
Before travelling
Check whether you are booked at Cuckfield Medical Practice or The Vale Surgery, and whether your appointment is phone, video, text/email or face-to-face.
If you are late
Call reception as soon as possible. Some clinics, tests and time-limited appointments may not be able to run late safely.
The Vale Surgery note
The Vale Surgery is at Bolding Way, Haywards Heath, RH16 4SY. The About Us page says there is a pharmacy at The Vale for patient convenience.
Samples and forms
Bring the request form and drop samples before the listed courier time if the clinician asked you to submit a sample.
Cuckfield Medical Practice vs Cuckfield Medical Centre
NHS.uk lists the service as Cuckfield Medical Centre with code H82005, while the official practice website uses Cuckfield Medical Practice and The Vale Surgery. This guide refers to the same NHS GP service at Glebe Road, Cuckfield, with the branch at The Vale Surgery in Haywards Heath.
Official source check and reference notes
Official sources checked before writing: NHS.uk Cuckfield Medical Centre profile, official Cuckfield Medical Practice homepage, contact page, appointments page, online services page, prescriptions page, test-results page, sick/fit notes page, new-patients page, Meet the Team page, referrals page, GP training practice page, evening/weekend access page, About Us page and CQC profile.
Official links: NHS.uk profile · Official practice website · Contact and sites · Appointments · Online services · Prescriptions · Test results · Sick/Fit notes · New patients · Meet the team · Referrals · CQC profile · NHS 111 online
Why this guide is built this way: real users search appointments, hours, phone, email, repeat prescriptions, doctors, reviews, online services, SystmOnline, NHS App, The Vale Surgery, Haywards Heath, sick notes and test results. This page answers those intents in one place while still linking back to official sources for live confirmation.