Birdhurst Medical Practice: Accurx appointments, hours, prescriptions, registration and CQC help
Birdhurst Medical Practice is an NHS GP surgery at 1 Birdhurst Avenue, South Croydon. This guide converts the official practice, NHS and CQC information into patient actions: how to request GP help after the June 2026 access change, when to use Accurx, how to order repeat medicine, how to register, where to park, what CQC says, and when to use Croydon GP Hubs, NHS 111 or 999.
Use this for: appointment help if online is difficult, urgent same-day concerns, nurse booking, registration support, prescription problems, test-result questions, access needs, complaints/feedback, or if you are unsure whether to use GP, pharmacy, Croydon GP Hub, NHS 111 or 999.
Birdhurst Medical Practice
1 Birdhurst Avenue
South Croydon
Surrey
CR2 7DX
Use the full Birdhurst Avenue address because NHS/CQC profiles and local service listings can show different names or older phone numbers.
Open directionsDecision hub: GP, Accurx, pharmacy, Croydon GP Hub, NHS 111 or 999?
Choose the safest first step before filling a form, calling repeatedly, or travelling.
Call 999 now
Loss of consciousness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, collapse, severe allergic reaction, serious injury, overdose, stroke signs or someone not responding.
Need same-day clinical help
Use the online contact route or phone 020 8686 2070. Same-day urgent requests are passed to the duty doctor for telephone triage.
Routine problem
If it can wait 1–4 weeks, use online consultation, NHS App or phone. Non-urgent problems may wait longer depending on availability.
Minor ailment or medicine advice
Use pharmacy first for minor ailments, bites/stings, upset stomach and medication advice where suitable.
Need GP but cannot get appointment
Croydon GP Hubs may help. Call NHS 111 before going to pre-book or be directed to Central Croydon, Purley or Parkway hub access.
Surgery closed
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent non-life-threatening help. Use 999 for emergencies.
Important 2026 access change: clinical review before booking
From 17 June 2026, Birdhurst Medical Practice changed how appointment requests and queries are handled. The key point for patients: reception staff no longer directly book GP appointments without clinical assessment first.
| What changed | What it means for patients | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| All requests reviewed first | Your request is assessed before a GP appointment is booked. | Give clear symptoms, dates, risk factors and outcome needed. |
| Online recommended | Official news says online is recommended for quickest access. | Use the website/contact online route where possible. |
| Phone and reception still available | You can still contact the practice by phone or in person. | Expect to answer the same triage questions. |
| Reception cannot directly book GP appointment | Clinical assessment comes first. | Do not argue for a slot; explain the health problem clearly. |
| Requests should be in English | The practice says it cannot provide a trusted translation service for online requests. | Ask a trusted person to help write clearly, or phone if language is a barrier. |
Opening hours and reduced phone service window
The official opening-hours page lists weekday opening and says the practice is closed on weekends and bank holidays.
| Day / item | Official detail | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8am–6:30pm | Use online route early if possible. |
| Tuesday | 8am–6:30pm | Good day for routine requests and forms. |
| Wednesday | 8am–6:30pm | Keep phone available after submitting request. |
| Thursday | 8am–6:30pm | Do not leave prescriptions until late week. |
| Friday | 8am–6:30pm | Order medicines before weekend pressure. |
| Saturday/Sunday | Closed | Use NHS 111 if urgent but not life-threatening. |
| Bank holidays | Closed | Order prescriptions early before bank holidays. |
| Phone lines 1pm–2pm | Reduced service Monday to Friday. | For routine enquiries, call after 2pm. Emergencies have an alternative number/message. |
Appointments: routine, urgent, hub and reminder rules
The practice lists routine and urgent appointment routes, but the 2026 change means requests are reviewed first before booking.
Loss of consciousness, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty or other life-threatening symptoms should not wait for GP triage.
Birdhurst says Accurx/contact online is the quickest and simplest way for most patients to access the clinical team.
The appointments page describes routine problems as non-urgent and suitable when you can wait 1–4 weeks.
Same-day urgent requests go to the duty doctor for telephone triage; face-to-face is arranged if phone cannot resolve it.
The practice uses text reminders, but do not reply to the reminder number because the practice cannot access messages sent to it.
Use the cancellation route or call. Do not waste a GP/nurse slot.
Hello, my name is [name]. Date of birth: [date]. I am registered at Birdhurst Medical Practice. I need help with [one clear issue]. It started [when]. It is [getting worse/not improving/routine]. I have tried [medicine/self-care]. I am worried because [reason]. Is this best for GP triage, nurse, pharmacist, First Contact Practitioner, Croydon GP Hub, NHS 111 or 999?
Accurx / contact online: how to avoid a weak request
Online requests work best when the practice can quickly understand urgency, risk and the outcome you need.
| Request type | What to include | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Health problem | Main symptom, start date, severity, changes, medicines tried, pregnancy/frailty/child concern, best phone number. | “Need appointment” with no details. |
| Ongoing condition | Diagnosis, current treatment, what has changed, recent readings, specialist letters if relevant. | Submitting separate vague requests for the same issue. |
| Prescription issue | Medicine name, dose, pharmacy, remaining supply and why it is urgent if urgent. | Calling repeatedly without exact medicine details. |
| Admin query | Document type, deadline, who requested it and where it needs to be sent. | Using urgent clinical route for routine admin. |
| Result query | Test date, test type, who ordered it and whether symptoms changed. | Asking GP for hospital-ordered results without hospital details. |
Repeat prescriptions: NHS App, Patient Access, online form, pharmacy, in person or post
The official prescription page says to allow two working days before collecting prescriptions. Posted requests need at least seven days.
NHS App
Quick route to order repeat medicine and choose a nominated pharmacy.
Patient Access
Links directly to your prescription record at the practice.
Online repeat form
Use if you are not registered for online services. No account required.
Pharmacy / in-person / post
Pharmacy may order on your behalf; you can return the right-hand slip, handwritten request, or post it.
| Prescription situation | Official route | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Routine repeat medicine | NHS App, Patient Access, online form, pharmacy service, in person or post. | Order before your last few doses. |
| Collection timing | Allow 2 working days before collecting. | Pharmacy dispensing and stock can add time. |
| Online account not set up | Use the repeat prescription online form. | No account required. |
| Pharmacy service | Ask your chosen pharmacy if it can order/collect on your behalf. | Useful if mobility or work schedule makes collection hard. |
| In-person request | Return right-hand half of prescription slip or handwritten request. | Include patient name, date of birth and exact medication. |
| Postal request | Post prescription slip/written request to practice. | Include stamped addressed envelope and allow at least 7 days. |
| Medication review due | Practice may ask you to see doctor, nurse practitioner or nurse at least once a year. | Do not ignore review message on repeat slip. |
Register with Birdhurst Medical Practice
The practice says anyone living within the practice area is eligible to register, and online registration does not require proof of address, immigration status, ID or NHS number.
Birdhurst says registration is for people living within its practice area.
The practice links to “Register with a GP surgery.”
The official registration page says you do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or NHS number.
The practice asks for lifestyle, previous medical history and medication details.
All new patients over 16 may be offered a new patient health check by the Healthcare Assistant.
Emergency treatment may be available for 14 days; temporary registration can last up to 3 months.
Clinics and services: use the right clinician
The official services page lists clinic and clinician routes that may be faster than asking only for a GP appointment.
| Need | Official detail | Best patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Ante-natal clinic | Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. | Ask reception for correct maternity route. |
| Postnatal / baby first check | Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 10:50. | Check exact booking requirement before attending. |
| Asthma / COPD | Separate clinics are run for asthma/COPD. | Bring inhalers/spacers and symptom pattern. |
| Diabetes | Separate diabetes clinic. | Bring readings, medications and questions. |
| Child health surveillance | Provided by named doctors on the services page. | Bring red book/child health record. |
| Joint, back, neck or muscle pain | First Contact Practitioner can assess, diagnose, advise, refer and request scans where appropriate. | Ask for FCP route rather than GP if musculoskeletal. |
| Smoking cessation | Separate smoking cessation clinic. | Ask for quit-support route and bring current smoking/vaping details. |
Parking, wheelchair access and arrival tips
The official about/access information says patient car parking is in metered bays nearby, not in the staff car park.
Parking
Metered patient parking is available in Birdhurst Avenue and Birdhurst Gardens. The practice car park is for staff only.
Bus stops
The practice says there are bus stops in South Park Hill Road and Park Lane.
Wheelchair access
There is wheelchair access to the surgery and all ground-floor rooms, including the toilet.
Guide dogs
Guide dogs are welcome, but the practice asks patients to be mindful of other people who may have allergies or fear of dogs.
Hello, I have an appointment/request at Birdhurst Medical Practice. I need help with [wheelchair access / accessible toilet / communication support / guide dog / carer support]. Can this be added to my visit notes before I attend?
Doctors, reception and practice team
The practice team matters because access is now triage-first. The right professional may be GP, nurse, FCP, pharmacist, receptionist/care navigation or admin/referrals team.
| Team area | Official examples | Best for patients |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors | Official page lists Dr Doyin Okuboyejo, Dr Vaishali Shetty, Dr Rachel Tunbridge, Dr Jas Dhoat, Dr Oyinda Kesinro and Dr Parmprite Dhami. | Clinical assessment, diagnosis, referrals, ongoing GP care. |
| Practice management | Michelle Kerrigan is responsible for running and administration of the practice and deals with complaints. | Complaints and administrative escalation. |
| Administration | Referrals administration team is listed. | Referral tracking, admin paperwork and document routing. |
| Reception | Receptionists are first contact point, provide basic information, direct patients, and handle appointments, prescriptions and records tasks. | Give clear details and accept signposting to the right clinician/service. |
CQC rating: Overall Good, but read the detail
CQC lists Birdhurst Medical Practice as Overall Good. The latest inspection was 9 July 2021, the report was published 10 September 2021, and CQC reviewed available information on 6 July 2023 without finding evidence that rating reassessment was needed at that stage.
| CQC item | Official detail | Patient meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good. | Use for quality history, not live appointment availability. |
| Safe | Good. | One of five key questions. |
| Effective | Requires improvement. | Important detail; do not only state “Good” without category context. |
| Caring | Good. | One of five key questions. |
| Responsive | Good. | One of five key questions. |
| Well-led | Good. | One of five key questions. |
| Latest inspection | 9 July 2021; report published 10 September 2021. | Not a new 2026 inspection. |
| CQC 2023 review | 6 July 2023 review found no evidence to reassess rating at that stage. | Still check live CQC profile for future changes. |
| Registered managers | CQC lists Dr Camilla Chambers and Dr Vaishali Vittaldas Shetty. | CQC profile detail, not appointment-booking information. |
Source mismatch: NHS “currently closed” notice vs live practice website
NHS.uk currently displays an “important: this GP surgery is currently closed” notice on the Birdhurst GP-surgery profile while also saying the surgery is accepting new patients. The live practice website is active and gives current contact, appointment, prescription and opening-hour routes. Explain this clearly so readers are not confused.
| Source | What it shows | How this article uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Official practice website | Birdhurst Medical Practice, 1 Birdhurst Avenue, phone 020 8686 2070, Accurx/contact online, prescriptions, appointments and hours. | Use first for live patient action. |
| NHS GP profile | Shows “currently closed” notice but also “accepting new patients.” | Use cautiously and verify through official practice website. |
| NHS service-directory chlamydia profile | Lists The Birdhurst Medical Practice at same address and phone. | Not the main GP appointment profile; do not use alone for appointments. |
| CQC profile | Shows Overall Good but older phone number on profile header. | Use for inspection history; use practice website for current phone. |
Map, directions and South Croydon visit checklist
Address: Birdhurst Medical Practice, 1 Birdhurst Avenue, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 7DX. Use the map for travel planning only and confirm opening/appointment details before travelling.
Before travelling
Check whether you actually need GP, nurse, FCP, pharmacy, Croydon GP Hub, NHS 111, A&E or 999.
Parking
Use metered bays in Birdhurst Avenue or Birdhurst Gardens. Do not assume the practice staff car park is available.
Bring with you
Appointment message, medication list, allergies, forms, samples if requested, hospital letters, glasses/hearing aids and phone.
If someone is driving
Send the exact address and phone: 1 Birdhurst Avenue, South Croydon, CR2 7DX. Phone 020 8686 2070.
When Birdhurst Medical Practice is closed
The official opening-hours page directs patients to 999 for emergencies and NHS 111 for urgent medical help when the surgery is closed. Croydon GP Hubs may also be accessed through NHS 111 guidance.
| 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 what service is needed, urgent help when closed. |
| Need GP but no appointment | Call NHS 111 before going to Croydon GP Hub. | Central Croydon, Purley or Parkway hub may be suggested. |
| Minor ailment / medicine advice | Pharmacy. | Minor ailments, bites/stings, upset stomach, over-the-counter medicine advice. |
| Routine admin | Use practice online route or call when open. | Letters, routine forms, results, fit notes, non-urgent appointment queries. |
Official action links used
Use these after reading the practical route above, so you do not land on the wrong page or rely on outdated profile data.
Official Birdhurst Medical Practice website · Contact page · Opening hours · Appointments · Contact online / Accurx · Repeat prescriptions · New patient registration · Services · About / parking / access · Doctors and team · NHS GP profile · CQC profile