The results of the 2025 National Patient Survey have been published. We'd like to say a big thank you to our patients who took part and responded to the questionnaires sent to you.

The results of the survey can be found here

Sat 5^th April saw the first step in an exciting building development program at Bicester Health Centre. The project will bring about a further 11 Clinical rooms (minimum) through a combination of expansion and re-development of existing space.

The practice will remain open throughout, with our carefully selected contractors working outside of hours where possible. Please be reassured that the excellent standard of service you have become accustomed to is expected to be maintained throughout the project which we expect to be concluded by this August.

We have decided that now is the best possible time to increase in physical size and freshen up the practice due to our list growth, need for more staff and desire for a fresher, better signed and more user-friendly practice.

Could this be you?  Launching this Spring, we’re looking for volunteers who can spare a few hours a month to help patients in all three practices who are struggling to keep up with technology and use a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.

In the future, we’ll be looking to develop new groups to help improve patient wellbeing from walking and talking to making connections to reduce loneliness.

We’re looking for volunteers to join us at a meeting on 27^th March 2025 at 6pm at The Health Centre, Coker Close OX27 6AT.  Even if you can’t attend on that date but you’d like to know more, we’d still like to hear from you.

If you’re interested, please submit your details on the following link:

https://forms.office.com/e/K71BTPRf4A

Organised by Bicester Primary Care Network, for all patients registered at a Bicester practice.

Our Patient Participation Group have launched a new Facebook page, which will allow more people to get involved in sharing ideas and taking a more active interest in influencing local healthcare services. 

This group is run by patients and is open for all registered patients of Bicester Health Centre aged 16 and over. 

You can be as involved or vocal as you'd like, and there are no requirements for meetings or any regular time commitments. 

Follow the below link to find out more and join the group: 

Bicester Health Centre Patient Participation Group (PPG) | Facebook

We're now using email to communicate with our patients more often- so please Don't forget to check your email spam folder.

While we used to rely only on text messaging, we can now also send emails and will use this as the main communication tool for our patients. However, we can still send text messages if you don't have an email address.
It's possible that the emails we send may end up in your email's junk or spam folder, and you might not see them. Therefore, we kindly ask you to check your junk or spam folder regularly, just in case an email from our practice is waiting for you there.

If you have recently changed your email address, or have never given us your email address, you can update your information here:
https://bicesterhc.co.uk/change-of-contact-details

If you're someone who's unable to come along for an appointment during the normal working hours of your GP surgery then there are special Saturday morning and weekday evening clinics.  

An appointment at one of these special hours clinics is made by contacting the patient services team at the Bicester practice where you're registered and will be subject to availability.

The special hours clinics are held as shown here: 

• Saturday mornings between 8am and 1pm at Bicester Health Centre, Coker Close, OX26 6AT
• Wednesday evenings between 6pm and 8pm at Bicester Health Centre, Coker Close, OX26 6AT

We understand that patients who wish to attend for a weekday evening or Saturday morning clinic may have some further questions, such as those shown below, and so we have provided answers for further assistance on both the clinics and the booking process.

Q. Will I be able to book a Saturday or evening appointment with my usual GP?

A. No, a rota of GPs will be available. If you need to see your usual or 'named' GP then please ensure you tell the patient services team at your surgery.

Q. How will I know where to go?

A. Your appointment will be confirmed in the normal way over the phone or by text when booking. Please ensure you've registered your mobile phone number with your practice.

Q. How do I cancel out of hours if I no longer need or can't make the booked appointment?

A. If you receive a text confirmation then you'll be able to cancel by following the instructions contained in the link within the text on your phone.

Q. How exactly do I book?

A. Please call your surgery in the normal way and ask for an appointment outside of normal working hours. The patient services team will be able to tell you if one is available and make the arrangements from that point. Saturday appointments MUST be pre-booked and are not available to be made on that day.

Bicester Health Centre does not offer routine ear syringing services. There are a number of private services available to patients locally, which can be found using either web searches or telephone enquiries.

You may find the information below is helpful in managing difficulties with a build-up of ear wax.

Blocked ears wax patient information.pdf

Out of hours Duty Social Worker- 0800 833 408

Child and Adult Social Care- 0345 050 7666

Carers Oxfordshire- 01235 424 715

Enrych IT Support-  07518 300 387

Oxfordshire Family Information Service- 01865 323 332

Age UK Oxfordshire-  0345 450 1276

Carers UK-  0808 808 7777

Oxfordshire Mind- 01865 247 788

Oxforshire Family Support Network- 07821 987 080

Samaritans- 116 123

The Money Advice Service-  0800 138 7777

Every day 6000 people in the UK become carers, looking after family or friends who are older, disabled or seriously ill. 

The 'system' can be bewildering. The emotions can be shattering. However caring affects you, we're here. 

For help and advice, visit the link below:

Help and advice on caring - Carers UK

This means if you are 18 or older and a child, another adult or both, who lives in Oxfordshire, relies on you because they are unable to cope themselves, you can rely on us as you figure out your path.

Whether you’re caring for an adult, a child or both, taking on a caring role for the first time, or have many years’ experience, you can rely on us.

Click on the link below to find out more about your role as a carer and how to get support- 

Recognise your role as a vitally important carer - Carers Oxfordshire