Brookside
Reception and enquiries
Reception and enquiries
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Additional information
Common Illness Room
Common Illness Room
Let’s see what we can do…
Get immediate help with minor illnesses and injuries:
- Coughs
- Flu
- Colds
- Blocked nose
- Blocked ears (wax)
- Headaches
- Hay Fever
- Back pain
- Sprains
- Burns and scalds
- Animal bites
- Insect stings
- Cuts and grazes
- Minor head injury
- Flu Vaccination Info – 65+
Pharmacists can also advise on minor illnesses and injuries:
Alternatively you can visit another Minor Injury Unit:
1st Floor
103 Broad Street Mall
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 7QA
Tel: 0118 902 8300
8am – 8pm every day
readingwalkinhealthcentre.nhs.uk
South Block
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
0118 322 7751
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:15 (excl bank holidays)
royalberkshirenhs.uk
If you wish to get advice or see a Nurse or Doctor, please visit our Consulting Room.
You can also ask a pharmacist a question.
Consulting room
Consulting room
How can we help you?
For forms, sick note requests, medicals, test results and certificates please visit Reception.
For health reviews, including Smoking cessation, Epilepsy and other reviews please visit our Health Review Clinic.
Visit a Minor Injuries Unit
- No appointment necessary
- Quick access to medical help
- Open till late and at weekends
Call 111
Visit a Pharmacist
- No appointment necessary
- Many pharmacists have a confidential area
- Open till late and at weekends
Contact a Nurse
Contact a Doctor
Travel Room
Travel Room
How can we help you?
Find out if you need vaccinations
Before you travel, it’s important to find out whether you will need vaccinations for the country you’re visiting. For patients registered with our Patient Online Services you can access your immunisation records there, or request a print out of your record at the surgery. The following websites will help you understand what you need:
To register for Patient Online Services please complete the online form. You will need to provide us with proof of ID, but once set up, you will be able to access you medical records, book and cancel doctor’s appointments and see your immunisation history.
Travel Immunisations
We offer a full travel advice and immunisation service. If you are travelling abroad please check what immunisations you need before making an appointment with a practice nurse (we recommend 6-8 weeks before travel).
Useful Travel Information
- Gov.uk for specific country travel advice
- EHIC to apply for your free European Health Insurance Card
- Stay healthy on your travels
- Patient information leaflets
Advice and help zone
Advice and help zone
Let’s see what we can do…
Refer to Social Prescribing
If you have been asked by one of our clinicians, please submit a Health and Wellbeing Referral Request.
Contact The Elderly
Do you know any older people in Wokingham who are dealing with loneliness and social isolation? There is a group of wonderful, committed volunteers in Wokingham who, once a month on a Sunday afternoon, arrange for volunteer drivers to take their older guests to a volunteer host’s home where they join a small group for tea, talk and companionship.
Call: 0800 716543
Thames Water Priority Services For Vulnerable Patients
Thames Water offer help and assistance to vulnerable customers during a water supply interruption. Not sure if you qualify as vulnerable customer?
Community Navigators
Community Navigators are local volunteers who help people find their way to activities, services or organisations which they would enjoy, find useful or benefit from within the local community. The service is for any age within the Wokingham Borough and people can access the service through a referral – either from a GP, social worker, family member or a self-referral.
Call: 01344 304404
Please see the self-referral form here.
Wokingham Community Services
Here you’ll find helpful information and resources for those needing advice about care and support for adults in their local community.
Cancer Help & Advice
For information about cancer types, symptoms and coping after treatment, follow the link below.
Macmillan Cancer Information Centre
This centre is based at The Royal Berkshire Hospital and offers support and information to anyone who has concerns about cancer, their relatives, friends and carers. No appointment is necessary, you can just drop in.
Prostate Cancer
Should I have a PSA test? Information for well men considering a PSA test can be found on the NHS UK website.
Wokingham Outreach Carers Service
Access to information, emotional support, financial support, advocacy and opportunities to take a break can help manage the impact of caring on the lives of carers.
Register a Carer
It is important that we know if you are a carer so that we can make sure you receive information, services and the help that is available.
Live-in care for a guaranteed peace of mind
Abilive-in offers a 24 hour rapid response care delivery service in the area with both long term and short term arrangements available. Both respite care to cover carer breaks or holidays and long term live-in care that is tailored to individuals are available.
ARC Information and Counselling Service
ARC Information and Counselling Service is a free and confidential counselling service supporting children, young people and adults when they are struggling to cope with a life changing situation or emotional problem.
For an ARC-funded set of counselling sessions located at Brookside Group Practice, please contact the ARC office on office@arcweb.org
Blood Tests
Children under 16-years-old, and those with special needs, can be seen at The Royal Berkshire Hospital Kempton Day Bed Unit (Level 3 Centre Block) and the Children’s Clinic (Level 1 South Block). Neither offer a walk-in service so appointments will need to be made in advance.
Children’s blood tests are also available at The West Berkshire Community Hospital in Thatcham or the Royal Berkshire Bracknell Healthspace which also offers a walk-in service.
Children aged over 12 can also attend the walk-in clinic held at Chalfont Surgery most Wednesday mornings, 7-10:30am, or you can book an appointment with one of our nurses. The blood test form must have been issued in advance by a doctor.
We recommend that children up to the age of 16 use EMLA cream, applied to both arms before their blood test. This can be purchase over the counter at most chemists.
Berkshire Child Health app
Get tips on how to manage common ailments, such as coughs, sore throats and teething and advice on when and where to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Chicken Pox
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point.
Children and Young people with additional needs
Children and young people with special needs and disabilities are now able to access a range of help and support available locally.
The following links provide more information and support.
West Berkshire – Find out more
Children and Young People’s Integrated Therapies
Fever in Children
A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children, a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can affect young children.
Headlice
Head lice are tiny insects that live in human hair. They’re particularly common in children.
Health Visitors
NHS Berkshire works with parents and carers offering professional support and advice about the health and development of young children.
New Baby Guide
Being a new parent can be a daunting time and you are bound to have lots of questions. There is lots of useful information and resources available that cover everything from soothing a crying baby to feeding advice.
Visit the Start for Life website: www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby
Contact your Health Visitors: cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk
Middle Ear Infection
This information will help you understand what to expect from acute otitis media (ear infection) and what to do if you become concerned.
NHS Vaccination Schedule
Slapped Cheek Syndrome
Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that’s most common in children, It usually causes a bright red rash to develop on the cheeks.
Further information
From warts and measles to chickenpox and tonsillitis, find out how to recognise some of the most common childhood conditions
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
If you have problems with bladder or bowl control, we can provide you with a variety of specialist continence treatments and advice.
NHS Health Checks
We no longer conduct CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) health checks at the practice. If you are between 40-74yrs and would like a health check please email healthchecks.wokinghampfp@nhs.net and put ‘Health Check Request’ in the subject line. They will get back to you with information about an appointment.
Diabetes Advice
Living with Diabetes is difficult. There are so many factors to consider and this can be stressful, but you shouldn’t need to put your life on hold.
For non-medical support and advice you can call the Diabetes help line
Call: 07736 833 978
Talking Therapies also offer support specifically for diabetics through their online programme called Silver Cloud.
Start your journey to a healthier you
Diabetes Eat4Health
Offers advice and support for prediabetics and how to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Reading Well schemes to improve health
This scheme uses reading to help people who suffer from conditions such as dementia. ‘Forget Me Not’ boxes contain items from social history to help trigger memories and spark discussions.
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There is also a free guide for people caring for and supporting those with dementia.
How to apply for a blue badge for a person with dementia:
Dementia Friends
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition. There are training opportunities available online or in a face-to-face Information Session for those wanting to learn more.
Dementia Care Advisory Service
This is an excellent local service providing advice, support and social activities all year long for people diagnosed with dementia, their carers, families and friends.
Call: 01189 495 101
Younger People with Dementia
Younger People with Dementia (Berkshire) charity was set up in 2012 to assist in filling this gap in provision for those with young onset dementia and their family and carers. Our aim is to provide meaningful respite that works with current provision over the working week.
Toothache
Toothache refers to pain in and around the teeth and jaws that’s usually caused by tooth decay.
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other with the aim of solving their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. If you need help with a drinking problem either phone the free national helpline or contact them via email.
Call: 0800 9177 650
Al-Anon
Support for family members of people affected by alcohol addiction, they hold local meetings.
Breaking Free from Substance Use
Breaking Free Online provide comprehensive treatment and recovery support based on robust behavioural science which has been developed in the UK by clinical psychologists. It is personalised to each individual service user and accessible online 24/7 on any device.
Drinkaware
We are an independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK. We’re here to help people make better choices about drinking. Get in touch to see how we can help you or someone you care about today.
Drinkline
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.
Call: 0300 123 1110
Drink Spiking and Date Rape Drugs
Every year in the UK, hundreds of people are thought to be victims of drink spiking, where alcohol or drugs are added to someone’s drink without them knowing. Please review the NHS guide for more information.
One You Drinks Tracker - Mobile App
Drinking a bit too much can sneak up on you. Our free drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.
Talk to Frank
If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Call: 0300 123 6600
Further information
For more information about the benefits of drinking less, top tips and more visit the link below.
Find out more
Alternatively, for more information on how drug misuse can be harmful to your health visit the NHS website.
Enhanced Recovery Programme
Enhanced Recovery Programme Following Surgery (Royal Berkshire Hospital)
The Enhanced Recovery Programme has been in place since 2010 and aims to return patients to normal fitness as quickly as possible after the following surgery:
- Primary Hip or Knee replacement
- Colorectal surgery
- Hysterectomy
- Cystectomy
- Nephrectomy
- Prostatectomy
The programme involves active patient preparation for surgery and participation in post operative recovery; until now, information has been given to patients at the time that they attend clinic and there is also an information leaflet available for information and awareness prior to coming in.
Free Health Walks
If you prefer being outdoors, why not take part in one of the many free health walks that are held throughout Berkshire?
One You Campaign - Mobile App
The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Further information
For more information about the benefits of exercise, quick workouts and more visit
Book your Flu jab
You must check that you are eligible for a flu vaccine before completing the form. It is very important that you book the correct clinic for your age as there are different vaccines this year for under 65s and over 65s.
Action on Hearing Loss
As people get older, hearing loss becomes a lot more common. Hearing loss can lead to difficulties with communication and social isolation. It increases the risk of developing dementia and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Action Hearing Loss know that support and helpful information is really important tool for helping people to feel confident in understanding and supporting hearing loss.
Antenatal Care
Free Postnatal Care Course
A new free four-week postnatal course covering sleep, baby massage taster, minor ailments, the importance of play and much more takes place at Wokingham Borough Children’s Centre
It is suitable for babies aged eight to 16 weeks and is open to Wokingham Borough residents only.
BPAS – British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Offers support when considering termination of pregnancy.
Call: 03457 304 030
NCT
First 1000 days new parent support. Get accurate, impartial information so that you can decide what’s best for your family.
Planning your Pregnancy
If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you can improve your chances of conceiving and having a successful pregnancy.
Postnatal Care
Reading Lifeline
Offers counselling and support for those affected by infertility or baby loss during pregnancy or soon after birth.
Call: 0118 9596 669
Further information
Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, you should find it here:
ARC Information and Counselling Service
ARC Information and Counselling Service is a free and confidential counselling service supporting children, young people and adults when they are struggling to cope with a life changing situation or emotional problem.
For an ARC-funded set of counselling sessions located at Brookside Group Practice, please contact the ARC office on office@arcweb.org
Living Life To The Full
Free online courses covering low mood and stress and all of the common linked problems this causes. Work out why you feel as you do, how to tackle problems, build confidence, get going again, feel happier, stay calm, tackle upsetting thinking and more. Try one of the below sample sessions now.
MindEd for Families
This service supports parents and those caring for children, young people or older people, who are worried about their mental health and wellbeing. It offers safe and reliable advice and offers hope to those who are affected by or living with those suffering with depression.
Mental Health Support Self Help Leaflets
The NHS have produced a whole range of helpful resources for people who suffer from mental and emotional health issues including anger, anxiety, bereavement, low mood, obsessions and compulsions and post natal depression, plus more.
Loddon Counselling & Psychology Service
Counselling offers an opportunity to explore and make sense of your thoughts and feelings in a space that is non threatening and non judgemental.
Mental Health Crisis Service
The team will try to prevent you being admitted to a mental health ward by providing you with intensive support if you have a mental health crisis in your own home.
MoodGYM
Learn cognitive behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression.
Reading Lifeline
Offers counselling and support for those affected by infertility or baby loss during pregnancy or soon after birth.
Call: 0118 9596 669
Samaritans
If something is troubling you, call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Call: 116 123
Self-Harm - A Guide For Parents & Carers
A guide has been developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping them cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person and what help is available.
South Central Veterans Service
We offer help and support to all former members of all ranks of the British Armed Forces who have received one day’s pay in one or more of the following:
• Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force
• Volunteer Reserve Forces, including Royal Navy Reserves, Royal Marine Reserves, Army Reserves and Royal Air Force Reserves
Stay Alive App
This app is a suicide prevention resource for those that are at risk and for those worried about someone.
Talking Therapies
Talking Therapies is a friendly and approachable service that helps people with depression, stress and anxiety problems.
They are here to help adults aged 17+ living in Berkshire and we have a team of advisors and therapists who c an help you to overcome life’s difficulties and problems and manage them better.
Trust House Reading
Offers specialist one to one counselling for people affected by rape, childhood sexual abuse and all forms of sexual violence.
Call: 0118 9584 033
Further information
For more information about mental health, ways to cope with it and more visit the links below
Berkshire Healthcare
If you’re suffering with physical problems caused by an illness, accident or ageing, there are lots of useful leaflets available to download.
If a problem is not resolving after 6 weeks of self-directed exercises like these, your GP may consider that NHS physiotherapy is appropriate and may refer you. If you have private medical cover you can self refer after discussion with your health provider at any stage.
3 Way Healthcare
Although 3 Way Healthcare is a local private practice, they are also able to provide NHS treatments. They are one of the preferred providers of MSK (Musculo Skeletal) Physiotherapy for Brookside Group Practice and other practices in the area.
Bowel Cancer Screening
When diagnosed at the earliest stage, more than 9 in 10 people will survive bowel cancer for more than 5 years and screening is an effective way to detect bowel cancer at an early stage, before symptoms show.
The introduction of the NEW FIT screening in 2019 for 60-74 year olds is a key step forward. It’s easier and it’s more accurate than the test that preceded it.
The test is intended for people without any signs or symptoms suggestive of bowel cancer therefore capturing cancer at its earliest stages.
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening reduces the number of deaths from cervical cancer by finding potentially harmful cells before they become cancerous, ensuring women get the right treatment as soon as possible. It is not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer.
All women and people with a cervix aged between 25-64 should be invited by letter for a screening.
Easy Guide to Cervical Screening
This information leaflet aims to help make sure cervical screening is equally accessible to women who have a learning disability or who struggle with written English.
Prostate Cancer
Should I have a PSA test? Information for well men considering a PSA test can be found on the NHS UK website.
Mammograms
Women aged 50-70 will be offered breast screening every 3 years, women aged over 70 can request one directly (they do not need to have symptoms).
In our area women may be offered a screening from aged 47-73 as part of an extended age roll-out.
Call: 0118 322 8282
NHS Breast Screening Programme Incident
Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England (NHSE) have become aware of an issue with the NHS Breast Screening Programme, which has led to some women not being invited for their final screen between their 68th and 71st birthday.
Any women who have missed their final screen, who are aged 70-79 on 1 April 2018 will be written to. You will be invited for a catch-up breast screen and do not need to do anything now. Invitations to women who are registered with a GP practice in England will be sent by the end of May 2018, and all women affected who wish to have a breast screen will receive an appointment to take place before the end of October 2018.
Call: 0800 169 2692
The Self Care Toolkit
The NHS has created a self-care toolkit for those living with persistent health conditions. This self-management toolkit is a simple information booklet that provides some handy tips and skills to support people along the way to managing their health and conditions.
Self Care Forum Fact Sheets
The Self Care Forum Fact Sheets for common ailments aim to help clinicians and patients discuss issues around self care within the practice consultation and especially how to handle the symptoms in the future.
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Victims of Sexual Assault
Solace Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide local communities with a safe, discreet and caring environment to support victims of rape and sexual assault.
SARCs are free and accessible to any person needing their services and who live within the Thames Valley area.
Family Planning Association
They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Safe Sex Berkshire
Sexual Health Help Line
The Family Planning Association Sexual health help line can give you confidential information and advice.
Call: 0845 122 8690
Further information
For more information about Sexual Health topics including a contraception guide visit
Sleeping Problems
Sleeping problems can be very distressing, but are very common. This resource can help you understand your sleep problem and to learn some simple ways to sleep better.
Sleepio
This is an evidence-based online sleep improvement programme suitable for adults with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, despite adequate opportunity to sleep.
NHS Smokefree - Mobile App
The Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4-week programme you’re up to five times more likely to stay quit for good.
Stop Smoking
We offer Stop smoking appointments with our in-house Smoking cessation advisor. Ideally you will need to commit to a course of 6 once-a-week appointments and we will try to book them at the time that suits you.
Call: 0118 966 9333
Further information
For more information about the benefits of stopping smoking, top tips and more visit
Stress and Anxiety Self Help Leaflets
Recognising whether or not you may be suffering from symptoms of stress or anxiety, understanding what they are, what can cause them and how to overcome them can be difficult. These resources cover all these questions and more, plus offer other help and advice that may be available.
Am I a Healthy Weight
Eat 4 Health
If you feel your weight is an issue and you are unsure what to do about it, the Eat 4 Health team can offer a Free 10-week self-referral weight management programme to support you in achieving your weight loss.
Get started on the nhs 12 Week Weight Loss Plan
The plan is designed to help you lose weight and keep it off.
One You Couch to 5K - Mobile App
The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.
One You Easy Meals - Mobile App
The free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll find delicious, easy meal ideas to help get you going if you’re ever short of inspiration.
Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Want to get more active
Get help and advice from NHS Choices including 10 Minute workouts, 12 week fitness plan, running & cycling for beginners and much more.
Weight Watchers
Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Further information
For more information about the benefits of losing weight, top tips and more visit
One You – How healthy is your food?
Parenting Teenagers Course
A course is running at Brookside Practice every Thursday in June for parents of teenagers. Run by one of the ARC counsellors, the course will cover areas such as Meeting teenagers’ needs, setting boundaries, parenting styles and much more. The course is £45 and includes a manual. For more information contact lucythomas41@gmail.com
ARC Information and Counselling Service
ARC Information and Counselling Service is a free and confidential counselling service supporting children, young people and adults when they are struggling to cope with a life changing situation or emotional problem.
For an ARC-funded set of counselling sessions located at Brookside Group Practice, please contact the ARC office on office@arcweb.org
Mermaids
If you are a young person that feels at odds with their birth gender, or you are a parent with a child who feels this way, Mermaids can help.
Self-Harm - A Guide For Parents & Carers
A guide has been developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping them cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person and what help is available.
Time To Talk
Time To Talk Reading is a free confidential counselling service available to all young people in Reading aged 13-19, up to 25years for young people with additional needs.
Call: 0118 903 5151
Children and Young people with additional needs
Children and young people with special needs and disabilities are now able to access a range of help and support available locally.
The following links provide more information and support.
Health Review Clinic
Health Review Clinic
Here we can help you monitor your condition
Long term conditions
Prescriptions and medicines centre
Prescriptions and medicines centre
How can we help you?
The simplest way to order your prescriptions is by registering for our Patient Online Services which enables you to manage your medication and appointments, plus access your medical records. Alternatively you can use our Repeat Prescriptions Request form or drop your paper reorder form into the surgery. You can also talk to your local pharmacy about managing your prescription requests for you.
Prescriptions
Local Pharmacies
- Lloyds Pharmacy
Sainsbury’s, King Street Lane 0118 977 5276 - Boots
Asda, Lower Earley District Centre 0118 931 1750 - Boots
5 The Parade, Silverdale Road 0118 926 2146 - Day Lewis Rankin Pharmacy
15 Maiden Lane Centre 0118 935 1848 - Asda Pharmacy
Chalfont Way, Earley 0118 987 0300 - View more local pharmacies
- Local Pharmacies – Further Information
