Emergency first: This is an independent patient guide, not the NHS and not Downs Way Medical Practice. Call 999 now for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, collapse, severe burns, a serious allergic reaction, seizure not stopping, acute confusion, or someone not responding. For urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
Istead Rise NHS GP action guide
Downs Way Medical Practice: appointments, prescriptions, dispensing, registration and local surgery help
Downs Way Medical Practice is the official name of the surgery often searched as “Downsway Medical Practice Istead Rise”. The main Istead Rise site is at Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9LB. This guide gives patients fast routes for appointments, online triage, repeat medicines, test results, fit notes, branch surgeries, registration, access, parking, travel vaccines, complaints and out-of-hours help.
Patient route dashboard
999
Emergency?Call 999. Do not wait for Anima, eConsult, reception or callback.
GP
Medical help?Use the official online request route or phone if you cannot use internet.
Rx
Repeat medicine?NHS App or written request. No phone prescription requests.
111
Surgery closed?NHS 111 online or phone 111 for urgent non-emergency care.
Istead Rise and Shorne phone
Use this for: Istead Rise Surgery, Shorne Village Surgery, appointment help if online access is hard, repeat prescription questions, registration, disabled access, home visits before 10am, complaints route, dispensing queries, or if your usual branch is closed.
Main Istead Rise address
Istead Rise Surgery
Worcester Close
Istead Rise
Gravesend
Kent
DA13 9LB
Use “Downs Way Medical Practice, Istead Rise Surgery” in maps so you do not confuse it with Shorne Village Surgery or Summerhouse Surgery.
Open directionsOfficial name
Downs Way Medical Practice
Main site
Istead Rise Surgery
Reception
8:30am–6:30pm Mon–Fri
CQC
Overall: Good
Quick answer: Downs Way Medical Practice Istead Rise is at Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9LB. Phone 01474 247003. The official website says all medical appointment requests are triaged through the online request route, with phone support for patients who cannot use the internet. Repeat prescriptions can be requested in writing, at the surgery or through the NHS App, but not by phone. Allow 48 hours before collection and extra time for weekends or public holidays.
Decision hub: use the right Downs Way route first time
Choose the safest route before calling, submitting an online request or travelling to Worcester Close.
Call 999 now
Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, collapse, severe burns, serious allergic reaction, not responding, or seizure not stopping.
Use NHS 111
Urgent medical help when the surgery is closed, or when the problem cannot safely wait but is not life-threatening. Use 111 online or phone 111.
Use online request route
For medical help during practice hours. The practice triages requests and may respond by text, phone, video, face-to-face, Pharmacy First, 111 or A&E guidance.
Phone reception
Use 01474 247003 if you cannot use the internet, need help with nurse/blood appointments, home visit request, registration, access or branch confusion.
Ask pharmacy first
Use a pharmacy for coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble, aches and pains, medicine advice and many minor illness questions.
Use correct branch
Istead Rise and Shorne share 01474 247003. Summerhouse uses 01322 402210. Do not travel to the wrong site.
Downs Way Medical Practice sites: Istead Rise, Shorne and Summerhouse
The practice works across three sites. Istead Rise is the main surgery for this article.
| Site | Address | Phone | Patient note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istead Rise Surgery | Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 9LB | 01474 247003 | Main site. Phone and administration are central here. |
| Shorne Village Surgery | Crown Lane, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 3DY | 01474 247003 | Telephone is answered centrally at Istead Rise. |
| Summerhouse Surgery | Beaconsfield Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 2AE | 01322 402210 | Separate phone number listed by the practice. |
Local tip: when booking, ask “which site is this appointment at?” The three surgery names are easy to mix up, especially for nurse clinics, dispensing and branch hours.
Opening times and out-of-hours help
| Site / service | Official listed timing | Practical patient note |
|---|---|---|
| Istead Rise reception | 8:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday | Use Istead Rise for main surgery contact and central phone support. |
| Telephones | Listed as manned during normal daytime surgery hours | Listen to the phone message if your usual branch is closed. |
| Shorne reception | 8:30am–12pm and 3:30pm–6:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 8:30am–12pm Wednesday and Friday | During closure periods, contact Istead Rise. |
| Summerhouse reception | 8:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday | Use Summerhouse phone 01322 402210. |
| Enhanced access | Evening/weekend appointments through local GP practices at Swanscombe Medical Practice route | Official page says use The Ebbsfleet Academy address, Southfleet Road, Swanscombe DA10 0BZ. |
| Out of hours | NHS 111 | Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk for urgent non-emergency help; 999 for emergencies. |
Appointments: online triage, phone support and what happens next
The official appointment guidance says medical requests are triaged by clinical staff. Reception can take brief details if you phone, but clinical staff decide who sees you, when and how.
1
Check if GP is the right place.
If the matter is more urgent than 48 hours, the official guidance says it may need 111 or A&E rather than routine general practice.
If the matter is more urgent than 48 hours, the official guidance says it may need 111 or A&E rather than routine general practice.
2
Submit online request if you can.
Give clear medical details so the triage team can judge urgency and clinician type.
Give clear medical details so the triage team can judge urgency and clinician type.
3
Phone only if online is not possible.
Reception will ask brief details. You do not need to give “War and Peace”; a general idea is enough.
Reception will ask brief details. You do not need to give “War and Peace”; a general idea is enough.
4
Wait for the right outcome.
You may receive a text, phone call, video call, face-to-face booking, prescription, Pharmacy First signpost, 111 advice or A&E redirection.
You may receive a text, phone call, video call, face-to-face booking, prescription, Pharmacy First signpost, 111 advice or A&E redirection.
5
Blood and nurse appointments are different.
Blood tests can be booked online/NHS App/phone once the clinician has raised the pathology request. Nurse appointments should be booked by phone.
Blood tests can be booked online/NHS App/phone once the clinician has raised the pathology request. Nurse appointments should be booked by phone.
Phone or online request script
Hello, my name is [name]. Date of birth: [date]. I am registered at Downs Way Medical Practice. My main issue is [one clear issue]. It started [when]. It is [getting worse / not improving / affecting work, sleep or daily activity]. I have tried [medicine or self-care]. I can attend [Istead Rise / Shorne / Summerhouse]. Is this best for GP, nurse, pharmacist, physio, Pharmacy First, NHS 111 or A&E?
Repeat prescriptions: 48-hour rule, exact names and no phone requests
App
NHS App route
Use the NHS App to request repeat medicines where enabled for your account.
Write
Written request
The official page says repeat requests can be made in writing or by coming to the surgery when open.
No
No phone ordering
The practice says it cannot take prescription requests by phone to avoid mistakes.
48h
Collection time
Allow 48 hours before collection, plus extra time for weekends and public holidays.
| Prescription issue | Official / practical answer | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Can I request any medicine? | No. The official page says you can only order items on your repeat prescription list. | For new medicine or one-off request, submit a medical/admin request or speak to the surgery. |
| What details should I give? | Exact drug names are requested. | Copy from the box, label or NHS App. |
| Want prescription posted? | Practice says to enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. | Use only if appropriate and allow postal time. |
| Want prescription sent to chemist? | Mark the request clearly to show this. | Write pharmacy name and location clearly. |
| Running out today? | 48 hours may be too late. | Ask a pharmacy or NHS 111 about urgent medicine supply. |
| Medicine question? | The practice and local pharmacists can advise. | Ask pharmacist for side effects, minor illness and over-the-counter medicine advice. |
Patient trick: order when you still have at least 7 days left. This protects you from the 48-hour rule, public holidays, closed weekends, wrong pharmacy marking, medication reviews and pharmacy stock delay.
Istead Rise and Shorne dispensing: who can use it?
Downs Way is not just a normal prescription request page. The official site says Istead Rise and Shorne have dispensing provision, but strict NHS rules apply.
| Dispensing question | Answer | Patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Who may be eligible? | Istead Rise and Shorne patients who live more than one mile from a chemist. | Ask dispensary staff when joining or moving house. |
| Can anyone ask to be dispensing? | No. Health Service Regulations are strict. | Do not assume eligibility; confirm with the surgery. |
| Housebound delivery? | The official page says delivery is offered for housebound dispensing patients. | Deliveries are listed for Tuesdays and Fridays. |
| Istead Rise dispensary hours | Monday to Friday 8:45am–12pm and 3pm–6:30pm. | Do not arrive during the lunchtime gap. |
| Shorne dispensary hours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:45am–12pm and 3:30pm–6:30pm; Wednesday/Friday 8:45am–12pm only. | Check afternoon availability before travelling. |
Online services: eConsult/Anima, Patient Access and NHS App
The official website references online request tools and NHS-backed access routes. Because names and platforms can change, always start from the official Downs Way website buttons, not old bookmarked third-party links.
| Online route | What it can help with | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Online request route | Sick notes, GP letters, recent test results and medical/admin requests. | Official pages say forms can get what you need by the end of the next working day or sooner, depending on request type. |
| Patient Access | Book/cancel appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view summary record items. | Speak to reception to sign up. |
| NHS App | Symptoms advice, appointments, repeat prescriptions, GP record, NHS 111 online and vaccination status. | Useful if you already use online access; you can use NHS App as well. |
| Proxy access | For carers/parents helping someone else. | Ask the practice before trying to manage another person’s account. |
Safety note: never share NHS App, Patient Access or online-request login details with unofficial websites, Facebook pages, WhatsApp messages or callers.
Test results: where to ask and what to prepare
The site links test results into the online request route and also lists recent test results as a task available through the quick online form.
1
Ask who ordered the test.
If hospital ordered it, contact that hospital/clinic first because they are responsible for explaining their own tests.
If hospital ordered it, contact that hospital/clinic first because they are responsible for explaining their own tests.
2
Use NHS App or online request where possible.
Some result information may be visible online depending on account access.
Some result information may be visible online depending on account access.
3
Give exact test details.
Say blood test, urine, x-ray, ultrasound, hospital letter, date taken and who requested it.
Say blood test, urine, x-ray, ultrasound, hospital letter, date taken and who requested it.
4
Do not ignore worsening symptoms.
If symptoms are getting worse while waiting, use the appointment route, NHS 111 or 999 depending on severity.
If symptoms are getting worse while waiting, use the appointment route, NHS 111 or 999 depending on severity.
Register with Downs Way Medical Practice
Registration is not just a single form. The official page says the practice welcomes patients who live inside its boundary and prefers to register whole families.
1
Check practice boundary.
Use the official practice-area map before starting. Registration is for people who live within the boundary.
Use the official practice-area map before starting. Registration is for people who live within the boundary.
2
Find your NHS number.
The practice asks patients to have their NHS number to hand. NHS says it is useful, even though NHS services can still be used without knowing it.
The practice asks patients to have their NHS number to hand. NHS says it is useful, even though NHS services can still be used without knowing it.
3
Submit online pre-registration.
After successful submission, keep the reference number because the practice says it is needed with the medical questionnaire.
After successful submission, keep the reference number because the practice says it is needed with the medical questionnaire.
4
Complete the questionnaire.
Adult and child versions differ. Children aged 0–16 have a separate questionnaire.
Adult and child versions differ. Children aged 0–16 have a separate questionnaire.
5
Visit a surgery with documents.
The practice asks for photographic ID and confirmation of address. For children, it asks for a long/full birth certificate.
The practice asks for photographic ID and confirmation of address. For children, it asks for a long/full birth certificate.
6
Do not delay follow-up.
The practice says if ID is not provided within one calendar month of the original submission, the application will be shredded.
The practice says if ID is not provided within one calendar month of the original submission, the application will be shredded.
Reception timing tip: the official registration page asks patients to avoid first thing in the morning for in-person registrations because reception is busy with early surgeries.
Fit notes and sick notes
| Situation | Rule | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Off work 7 days or less | Your employer should not normally ask for GP medical evidence. | Use self-certification when you return to work. |
| More than 7 days | Employer will usually ask for a fit note. | Use the practice online request route or contact reception if you cannot use it. |
| Hospital treatment | Hospital doctor may issue fit note if they are treating you. | Ask hospital team before contacting GP. |
| Need GP letter as well | Some letters may be non-NHS work. | Ask about possible fee and processing time. |
Clinics and services: what can save a GP appointment
Antenatal clinic
Baby clinic
Asthma clinic
Diabetic clinic
Family planning
Well woman / smears
Minor surgery
Phlebotomy
Warfarin monitoring
24-hour BP monitoring
24/7 ECG by GP referral
Non-NHS medicals
| Service | Official detail | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Blood tests | HCAs/phlebotomists take blood each morning across sites. | Book via reception so they confirm which day and site applies. |
| Warfarin monitoring | Weekly anticoagulation clinics at each surgery, booked direct by team. | Bring your yellow record book every time. |
| 24-hour BP monitoring | GP referral, arranged via reception; machine fitted then returned 24 hours later. | Keep the required diary during monitoring. |
| Minor surgery | Carried out by named doctors and booked by strict waiting-time rotation. | Ask GP first if your issue is suitable. |
| Non-NHS examinations | Insurance, driving licence and similar medicals may be outside surgery hours and fee-paying. | Phone to book and ask the fee before appointment. |
Travel immunisations: start 10 weeks before travel
1
Start at least 10 weeks before travel.
The practice suggests beginning the process at least ten weeks before overseas travel.
The practice suggests beginning the process at least ten weeks before overseas travel.
2
Check the destination first.
Use TravelHealthPro country pages before booking.
Use TravelHealthPro country pages before booking.
3
Phone reception for travel clinic telephone consultation.
The nurse checks medical history and confirms what vaccinations are needed.
The nurse checks medical history and confirms what vaccinations are needed.
4
Expect face-to-face vaccination appointment.
The practice says vaccination consultations run every 2 weeks at the surgery.
The practice says vaccination consultations run every 2 weeks at the surgery.
5
Budget for private vaccines.
Some travel vaccines are not covered by the NHS; charge list is held at reception.
Some travel vaccines are not covered by the NHS; charge list is held at reception.
Access, parking and local arrival tips
P
Disabled parking
The practice says reserved disabled car parking spaces are marked near the front door at all surgeries.
Ramp
Wheelchair access
Wheelchair access is via a ramp to the front entrance. All three sites have lifts.
WC
Istead Rise toilets
Istead Rise has a disabled patients’ WC near the lift and another on the first floor.
Ask
Need adjustment?
The practice says it would consider suggestions if access proves difficult for disabled patients.
Local insider tip: if you have mobility needs, ask where to park and which entrance to use before travelling. For registration or paperwork, avoid the first morning rush because reception is busiest with early surgeries.
CQC quality snapshot
CQC lists Downs Way Medical Practice at Istead Rise Surgery, Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9LB.
| CQC item | Current public detail |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good. |
| Latest inspection | 6 September 2016; report published 28 October 2016. |
| Latest review note | CQC reviewed information on 6 July 2023 and did not find evidence requiring reassessment at that stage. |
| Registered activities | Doctors/GPs; services for everyone. |
| Practice background | CQC described the practice as operating over Istead Rise, Shorne Village and Summerhouse sites. |
Comments, complaints and suggestions
| Need | Official route | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Make a complaint | Write to the practice manager at Istead Rise Surgery with your concerns. | Give dates, names if known, what happened and what outcome you want. |
| Complaint for someone else | Patient consent is needed because confidentiality applies. | Include written consent if not the patient. |
| Suggestions | Suggestion box at each surgery or online form. | Use this for service improvement ideas, not urgent medical issues. |
| Legal liability or compensation | The practice says its complaints procedure is not able to deal with questions of legal liability or compensation. | Use appropriate legal/official advice routes if needed. |
Complaint wording template
I am writing about [date/time/site]. I am the patient / I have patient consent. The issue was [clear facts]. This affected me because [impact]. I would like the practice to [explain/review/correct/contact me]. My best contact details are [phone/email].
Map: Downs Way Medical Practice Istead Rise
Main address: Istead Rise Surgery, Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 9LB. Use this map for travel planning only. Confirm your appointment site before leaving because the practice also has Shorne Village Surgery and Summerhouse Surgery.
Before leaving home
Check appointment site, phone number, route, parking, medicines, forms, ID/address proof if registering, glasses/hearing aids and whether your appointment is phone/video/face-to-face.
Send to driver or carer
Downs Way Medical Practice, Istead Rise Surgery, Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9LB. Phone 01474 247003.
What to do when Downs Way Medical Practice is closed
| Problem | Use this | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 999 | Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, not responding. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening | NHS 111 online or call 111 | Too unwell to wait, unsure which service is needed, urgent advice. |
| Child under 5 needing urgent help | Call 111 | NHS 111 online is generally for people aged 5 and over. |
| Medication emergency | Pharmacy or NHS 111 | Running out before 48-hour GP prescription processing. |
| Minor illness | Local pharmacy | Coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble, aches, pains and medicine advice. |
| Routine admin | Wait for surgery / online request | Letters, non-urgent test results, routine forms, registrations and suggestions. |
Official action links used
These links are placed after the practical explanation so patients know what to prepare before opening forms or calling.
Official practice website · Contact details · Surgery times · Appointments · Prescriptions · Online services · New patient registration · Fit notes · Clinics · Travel immunisations · Comments and complaints · Useful numbers · NHS profile · CQC profile
Downs Way Medical Practice Istead Rise FAQs
Is it Downsway Medical Practice or Downs Way Medical Practice?
The official name is Downs Way Medical Practice, with a space. Many patients search “Downsway Medical Practice Istead Rise”, but the practice and NHS profile use Downs Way Medical Practice.
What is the phone number for Downs Way Medical Practice Istead Rise?
The Istead Rise and Shorne phone number is 01474 247003. Summerhouse Surgery is listed with 01322 402210. Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies and NHS 111 for urgent help when the surgery is closed.
Where is Istead Rise Surgery?
Istead Rise Surgery is at Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 9LB.
What are Istead Rise Surgery reception hours?
The official website lists Istead Rise reception hours as 8:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday. Weekend and out-of-hours urgent care is through NHS 111, with 999 for emergencies.
How do I request a GP appointment?
Use the official online request route if you can. If you cannot use the internet, phone the surgery. Requests are triaged by clinical staff and may result in text advice, phone call, video call, face-to-face appointment, Pharmacy First signposting, NHS 111 or A&E redirection.
Can I book blood test and nurse appointments online?
The official appointment guidance says blood test appointments are available online, through the NHS App or by phoning once the clinician has raised the pathology request. Nurse appointments should be booked by phoning the surgery.
Can I order repeat prescriptions by phone?
No. The official prescription page says repeat prescription requests cannot be taken by phone to avoid mistakes. Use the NHS App, written request, or come to the surgery when open.
How long do repeat prescriptions take?
Allow 48 hours before collection, with extra time for weekends and public holidays. Give exact drug names and clearly mark the chemist if you want it sent directly.
Who can use Istead Rise dispensing?
The practice says dispensing can be offered to Istead Rise and Shorne patients who live more than one mile from a chemist and register as dispensing when they join the practice or move house. Strict Health Service Regulations apply.
Is Downs Way Medical Practice accepting new patients?
NHS profile currently shows the GP surgery as accepting new patients, but registration still depends on the practice boundary and completion of the practice process. Check the official registration page before applying.
What documents are needed for registration?
The official page asks for a medical questionnaire, one form of photographic ID and one confirmation of address. For all children, it asks for a long/full birth certificate. It also says to provide ID within one calendar month or the application may be shredded.
When should I ask for a fit note?
If you are off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not usually ask for GP medical evidence and can ask you to self-certify. If you are off for more than 7 days, your employer will usually ask for a fit note from a GP or hospital doctor.
Does Istead Rise Surgery have disabled access?
The official contact page says all surgeries have disabled parking spaces near the front door, ramp access, lifts and disabled toilets. Istead Rise has a disabled WC near the lift and another on the first floor.
What is the CQC rating for Downs Way Medical Practice?
CQC lists Downs Way Medical Practice as Overall Good. The latest inspection was 6 September 2016, the report was published 28 October 2016, and CQC reviewed data again on 6 July 2023 without finding evidence requiring reassessment at that stage.
What should I do when Downs Way Medical Practice is closed?
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent medical help that is not life-threatening. Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies. For routine admin, repeat prescriptions, registration or forms, use official online routes or wait until the surgery reopens.
Independent directory disclaimer: medicalpracticeuk.org is not the NHS, not NHS 111, not CQC and not Downs Way Medical Practice. This guide is for general patient information only. Opening hours, appointment systems, online tools, branch access, registration status, dispensing eligibility, prescription rules, clinic availability, staff details, access arrangements and CQC information can change. Always confirm important details with the official practice website, NHS.uk, CQC, NHS 111 or the surgery before relying on them.
Downs Way Istead Rise
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