Parsons Heath Care Switchboard
If you searched for Parsons Heath Medical Practice, the helpful answer is not just the phone number. The real question is whether you need urgent GP triage, a routine appointment, Accurx, Patient Access, repeat medication, test results, a fit note, home visit, referral tracking, or NHS 111.
This guide explains the official Colchester Medical Practice details inside the page first, then gives the official action links only when you are ready to use them.
HEATH
About Parsons Heath Medical Practice
Parsons Heath Medical Practice is one of the four main sites of Colchester Medical Practice. The official website presents it alongside Castle Gardens Medical Centre, Wimpole Road Surgery and Shrub End Surgery. For patients, the important detail is that some services are site-specific, while many online routes are shared across the Colchester Medical Practice system.
NHS GP site
Parsons Heath Medical Practice is listed by Colchester Medical Practice as an NHS GP surgery site in Colchester.
Shared system
Appointments, prescriptions, records, registration and service pages sit under the Colchester Medical Practice official website.
Best user route
Start with your task: urgent appointment, routine appointment, prescription, result, fit note, home visit, referral, record access or NHS 111.
Colchester Medical Practice Network: Do Not Use the Wrong Site
The official site says all patients are registered at one of the four main sites and this is the site patients are asked to deal with. For some nursing, phlebotomy or enhanced-hours appointments, you may be asked to attend a different site.
| Official site | Address | Phone | Patient note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Gardens Medical Centre | 78 East Hill, Colchester, CO1 2QS | 01206 866626 | Different site. Do not use for Parsons Heath unless instructed. |
| Wimpole Road Surgery | 52 Wimpole Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2DL | 01206 794794 | Different site within the group. |
| Shrub End Surgery | 122 Shrub End Road, Colchester, CO3 4RY | 01206 573605 | Enhanced access appointments may be located here. |
| Parsons Heath Medical Practice | 35a Parsons Heath, Colchester, CO4 3HS | 01206 864 395 | This article focuses on this Parsons Heath site. |
What Do You Need from Parsons Heath Medical Practice Today?
Use this first. It brings the official rules into one page so you do not need to open multiple official pages just to decide the next step.
Urgent appointment
- For today or tomorrow, during opening times.
- Attend site in person between 8am and 10am, phone 01206 864 395, or use Accurx.
- The team will ask what you need help with.
Routine appointment
- Pre-bookable appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks ahead.
- Use phone, NHS account/NHS App, Patient Access or Accurx.
- Book a double appointment for more than one problem.
Repeat prescription
- Use Accurx admin query, NHS account/NHS App, Patient Access, in-person request or post.
- No repeat prescription requests by phone or email.
- Usually collect 2 working days after ordering.
Test results
- Check NHS App where possible.
- Call after 12 if you need to phone.
- Urgent results are handled by clinicians.
Sick/Fit note
- More than 7 days: request through Accurx.
- 7 days or less: self-certification usually applies.
- Employer should not ask for medical evidence for 7 days or less.
Closed or emergency?
- Closed and urgent: NHS 111 online or call 111.
- Child under 5: call 111.
- Life at risk: call 999.
Parsons Heath Phone, Address and Opening Hours
| Need | Official detail | Practical patient note |
|---|---|---|
| Practice site | Parsons Heath Medical Practice | Use this name when checking the Colchester Medical Practice site list. |
| Address | 35a Parsons Heath, Colchester, CO4 3HS | Use this exact address for maps, travel and registration-site checks. |
| Phone | 01206 864 395 | Use during opening times for appointment, cancellation and reception support. |
| Online contact | Accurx online request service | Online requests are read within 2 working days; use phone for more urgent help. |
| Opening hours | Monday-Friday 8am-6:30pm; Saturday closed; Sunday closed. | Use NHS 111 when closed if urgent and not a 999 emergency. |
| Enhanced access | Monday-Friday 6:30pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; early morning by site. | Evening/Saturday location may be Shrub End Surgery. Reception gives the location at booking. |
Appointments: Urgent, Routine, Blood Tests, Home Visits and Cancellations
The official appointment page separates urgent requests, routine booking, blood tests, enhanced access, consultation type, cancellations and home visits. The main patient mistake is using the wrong route or booking into the wrong site.
Urgent appointment for today or tomorrow
During opening times, attend your surgery site in person between 8am and 10am on a weekday, phone Parsons Heath on 01206 864 395, or use Accurx.
Explain what you need help with
The team asks what you need help with so they can choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional.
Routine appointment
Pre-bookable appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks in advance. If you need help with more than one problem, book a double appointment.
Blood test warning
If booking online for a blood test, a doctor or nurse must have requested it and arranged the blood test form. Without a clinician request and organised form, the test cannot be done and you will need to re-book.
Home visits
Phone reception before 10am if possible. Home visits are only for patients who are housebound or too ill to visit. You will be added to the telephone triage list and the GP decides if a visit is needed and how urgent it is.
Cancel or change appointments
Use NHS account/NHS App, Patient Access, or phone during opening times. Cancelling early helps another patient use the appointment.
Enhanced Access: Evening, Saturday and Early-Morning Appointments
Enhanced access can be useful, but it is not the same as emergency care. Ask for it when contacting the practice and check the location carefully.
| Enhanced access item | Official detail | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Evening appointments | 6:30pm-8pm, Monday to Friday. | Request this when contacting the practice. |
| Saturday appointments | 9am-5pm on Saturdays. | Pre-booked enhanced access, not a walk-in emergency service. |
| Location | If booked during enhanced access hours, location may be Shrub End Surgery. | Reception gives the location at booking. |
| Early morning | Tuesday at Parsons Heath Surgery between 7am-8am. | Useful if you need early access at the Parsons Heath site. |
| Other early sites | Wednesday Wimpole Road; Thursday Castle Gardens and Shrub End; Friday Shrub End. | Do not assume every early slot is at Parsons Heath. |
Repeat Prescriptions: Accurx, NHS App, Patient Access, 2 Working Days
The prescription page gives several details that matter for Parsons Heath patients: choose the Accurx admin query option, order only what you need for the next 28 days, and do not use phone or email for repeat requests.
| Prescription need | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Accurx ordering | Use the online prescription link and choose “I have an admin query” to order a prescription. | Use exact medicine names and doses. |
| Repeat items | Order only the items you need for the next 28 days. | Avoid ordering medicines you do not need yet. |
| NHS App / NHS account | Can be used to order repeat prescriptions. | Use if you already have NHS login. |
| Patient Access | Can be used to order repeat prescriptions. | Use if already set up through the surgery. |
| In person or post | You can bring your request to the surgery or post it. If posting and you want it returned, enclose a stamped addressed envelope. | Allow time for postal delay. |
| Phone/email | The practice does not take repeat prescription requests by phone or email. | Use online, app, Patient Access, in-person or post route. |
| Collection time | You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after ordering. | Order earlier before weekends, holidays or travel. |
| Pharmacy nomination | Repeat prescriptions can be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. | Update nominated pharmacy through app/website or a pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions. |
Medication Support Team at Parsons Heath
A very useful official detail: Colchester Medical Practice says it has a dedicated Medications Support Team led by Pharmacy Technicians, and that this team is based at the Parsons Heath site.
What MST does
The team processes prescription requests coming into the surgery.
Why it matters
The practice says the team is designed to make the prescription process faster, safer and more efficient.
Prescription query
If you contact the surgery with a prescription query, it may be handled by the Medication Support Team.
Repeat dispensing
Some patients may be suitable for repeat dispensing, which can reduce how often you need to request medicine from the surgery.
Not for everyone
Repeat dispensing suitability depends on medication type and follow-up tests needed.
Old medicines
Take old or unused medicines to a pharmacy or the surgery. Do not bin or flush them.
Test Results: Who Checks Them and When You Should Call
The official test-results page says Colchester Medical Practice follows a structured process so results are managed safely and by the most appropriate clinician.
Clinician responsibility
The clinician who requested the test normally reviews and files your results.
NHS App first
The practice recommends using the NHS App / NHS account to follow results where possible.
Calling for results
The test-results page advises patients to telephone for results unless specifically told the practice will contact them. It also says to call after 12.
Urgent result
If a result is urgent, a clinician will contact you directly.
Non-urgent result
If not urgent, the clinician records clear guidance in your notes about whether follow-up is needed.
Reception limit
Reception can only tell you if a result is normal or if another action is needed. They cannot clinically interpret results.
Sick or Fit Notes
| Situation | Official detail | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Off sick more than 7 days | Use the Accurx online service to request a sick note. | Explain dates, reason, employer need and whether it is new or ongoing. |
| Off sick 7 days or less | Your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you have been ill. | Self-certification is normally used when you return to work. |
| Employer asks for proof early | The practice points patients to NHS sick-note guidance. | Check employer policy before contacting the GP. |
| Urgent illness | Use appointment or urgent-care route if you are unwell, not just fit-note route. | Do not wait for a form if symptoms are urgent. |
Online Services, NHS App, Patient Access and GP Health Record
Colchester Medical Practice supports Accurx for online requests and NHS account / Patient Access for record and prescription tasks.
| Online task | Official route | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Accurx form | Request an appointment, tell the practice about a health problem, request a sick note, ask about test results or send an admin request. | No account is needed to use Accurx. |
| NHS account / NHS App | Order repeat prescriptions, view test results, access health record, check/cancel appointments and see vaccination record. | NHS login is needed. |
| Patient Access setup | Visit the surgery with photo ID so the practice can confirm identity, then receive username and password. | Use Patient Access app or website after setup. |
| GP health record | Use NHS account/NHS App or Patient Access. | You must be registered with the surgery and aged 16 or over. |
| What record includes | Medicines, allergies, vaccinations, conditions, appointment notes, surgery-arranged test results and hospital/specialist letters sent to the GP. | Hospital/dental/optician records not sent to the GP must be requested from that service directly. |
| Contact-detail updates | Use NHS account, Patient Access or Accurx to update name, address, phone numbers or email. | If you move address, you need to remain inside the catchment area to stay registered. |
Register with Parsons Heath Medical Practice
The official registration page says patients are registered at one of the four main Colchester Medical Practice sites. Check the boundary before applying because your registered site is the one you are asked to deal with.
Check boundary
Use the Parsons Heath Medical Centre red-labelled catchment map/postcode checker before registering.
Register online
If your postcode falls within the Parsons Heath boundary, use the NHS “register with this GP surgery” route linked on the official page.
NHS number helpful
The registration page says it is helpful to have your NHS number when you register.
Site matters
All patients are registered at one of the four main sites, and the practice asks patients to deal with that site.
Other-site appointments
For some nursing, phlebotomy or enhanced-hours appointments, you may be asked to attend a different Colchester Medical Practice site.
Do not guess
Do not register under another branch unless your address is inside that site boundary.
Parsons Heath Doctors
The official doctors page lists a Parsons Heath Surgery team. Always check the current official staff page before assuming availability on a specific day.
| Doctor | Role listed by official site | Patient note |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Susan Pickford | GP partner | Listed under Parsons Heath Surgery. |
| Dr Vasantha Kunche | GP partner | Listed under Parsons Heath Surgery. |
| Dr Jennie Stemp | GP partner | Listed under Parsons Heath Surgery. |
| Dr Sarah Westall | Salaried GP | Listed under Parsons Heath Surgery. |
| Dr Jalal Weisuddin | Salaried GP | Listed under Parsons Heath Surgery. |
| Various registrar GPs | Registrar GPs | Listed under Parsons Heath Surgery. |
Parsons Heath Nursing and Emergency Care Practitioner Team
The official nursing-team page lists the Parsons Heath nursing and emergency-care team separately from other Colchester Medical Practice sites.
Practice nurses
Alison Copeland, Katie Nuttall, Louise Radio and Sally Gyebi are listed as practice nurses for Parsons Heath.
Emergency care practitioners
Rachel Jefford and Ben Taylor are listed as emergency care practitioners for Parsons Heath.
Booking note
The appointment page may route you to a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional depending on your need.
Referrals and NHS e-Referral Tracking
| Need | Official detail | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Request GP referral | Use Accurx or phone Parsons Heath Medical Practice on 01206 864 395. | Provide as much information as possible to help process the request. |
| Track existing referral | Use Accurx or phone the surgery. | Have details ready before contacting. |
| NHS e-Referral | If referred to a specialist, you may be asked to book through NHS e-Referral. | The practice says you will receive a letter within 2 weeks with booking details and passwords. |
| Self-referral topics | Official services page links to carers, drug and alcohol, exercise, maternity, mental health, physiotherapy, sexual health, stop smoking, young carers, youth counselling and weight management. | Use the relevant official self-referral route where suitable. |
Feedback, Complaints, Friends and Family Test and PPG
Feedback and patient participation are useful for service improvement, not urgent medical problems. Use appointment, NHS 111 or 999 routes if you need care now.
Feedback routes
The official feedback page says you can use the Friends and Family Test, leave an NHS website review, or phone the practice.
Shared PPG
Colchester Medical Practice operates a shared Patient Participation Group across Castle Gardens, Wimpole Road, Shrub End and Parsons Heath.
Why join PPG?
The PPG works with the practice to share ideas and improve the service. The practice wants patients from all sites represented.
Parsons Heath Route Planner
Choose your task and get a practical next step. This tool runs in your browser only and does not send information anywhere.
Select your task above.
Copy-and-Use Scripts
Urgent appointment request
I am registered at Parsons Heath Medical Practice. I need help today/tomorrow because ______. It started ______. It is getting worse/better. I take ______. I can take a call at ______.Prescription request
Medication name: ______. Dose: ______. I need it for the next 28 days. My nominated pharmacy is ______. I understand repeat requests are not taken by phone or email.Test result call
I had a ______ test requested by ______ on ______. I am calling after the expected time / after 12. I want to know whether the result is filed and whether any action is needed.Home visit request
I am requesting a home visit because the patient is housebound / too ill to attend. Symptoms are ______. It started ______. Best callback number is ______.Safety, Privacy and Medical Disclaimer
Map: Parsons Heath Medical Practice Colchester
Use this map for 35a Parsons Heath, Colchester, CO4 3HS. Check your appointment location carefully if you are booked into enhanced access, nursing, phlebotomy or another branch-site appointment.
Official Resources
Use these official links after reading the relevant section above. The article explains the key details first; the link is for action.
Related MedicalGroupUK Guides
These verified internal guides help readers compare GP access systems, triage wording, prescriptions and multi-site appointment rules.
Parsons Heath Medical Practice FAQs
What is Parsons Heath Medical Practice?
Parsons Heath Medical Practice is one of the four main Colchester Medical Practice NHS GP sites.
Where is Parsons Heath Medical Practice?
The official site lists Parsons Heath Medical Practice at 35a Parsons Heath, Colchester, CO4 3HS.
What is the Parsons Heath Medical Practice phone number?
The official site lists 01206 864 395.
What are Parsons Heath Medical Practice opening hours?
The official contact page lists Monday to Friday 8am to 6:30pm, Saturday closed and Sunday closed.
How do I request an urgent appointment?
For urgent appointments for today or tomorrow during opening times, attend the surgery between 8am and 10am on a weekday, phone 01206 864 395, or use Accurx.
How do I request a routine appointment?
Routine appointments can be requested by phone, NHS account/NHS App, Patient Access or Accurx. Pre-bookable appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks ahead.
What should I do if I have more than one problem?
The official appointment page says to book a double appointment if you need help with more than one problem.
Can I book a blood test myself?
If booking online for a blood test, a doctor or nurse must have requested it and arranged the blood test form. If no clinician requested it and no form is organised, you cannot have the test and will need to re-book.
Does Parsons Heath offer enhanced access?
The Colchester Medical Practice enhanced access service offers Monday-Friday evening appointments, Saturday appointments, and early-morning sessions. Tuesday early-morning enhanced access is listed at Parson Heath Surgery.
Where are enhanced access appointments held?
The official page says details, including the location, will be given by reception at the time of booking. It says enhanced access location may be Shrub End Surgery.
How do I request a home visit?
Phone reception before 10am if possible. Home visits are only for patients who are housebound or too ill to attend. The GP decides whether a visit is needed and how urgent it is.
How do I order repeat prescriptions?
Use Accurx, NHS account/NHS App, Patient Access, bring your request to the surgery, or post your request with a stamped addressed envelope if you want it posted back.
Which Accurx option should I use for prescriptions?
The prescription page says to choose “I have an admin query” when ordering a prescription through Accurx.
Can I order repeat prescriptions by phone or email?
No. The official prescription page says repeat prescription requests are not taken over the phone or email.
How long do prescriptions take?
The official prescription page says you can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after ordering.
What is the Medication Support Team?
The practice says the Medication Support Team is led by Pharmacy Technicians, processes prescription requests, and is based at the Parsons Heath site.
How do I get test results?
The test-results page recommends using the NHS App where possible or phoning the practice unless you have been told the practice will contact you.
Who checks test results?
The official test-results page says all test results are checked by a doctor, and the clinician who requested the test normally reviews and files the result.
Can reception explain my result?
No. The official page says reception can only tell you if the result is normal or whether another course of action is needed.
How do I request a sick note?
If you have been off sick for more than 7 days, use the Accurx online service. For 7 days or less, self-certification normally applies.
How do I register with Parsons Heath Medical Practice?
Use the Parsons Heath boundary checker first. If your postcode falls within the boundary, use the linked NHS registration route. It is helpful to have your NHS number.
Can I stay registered if I move address?
The contact-details page says if you move to a new address, you need to be in the surgery catchment area to stay registered.
Can I use Patient Access?
Yes. The online-services page says Patient Access can be used for tasks such as repeat prescriptions, test results, health records, appointment checks/cancellations and vaccination record. To set it up, visit the surgery with photo ID.
Who are the Parsons Heath doctors?
The official doctors page lists Dr Susan Pickford, Dr Vasantha Kunche, Dr Jennie Stemp, Dr Sarah Westall, Dr Jalal Weisuddin and various registrar GPs under Parsons Heath Surgery.
Who are the Parsons Heath nursing staff?
The official nursing page lists Alison Copeland, Katie Nuttall, Louise Radio, Sally Gyebi, Rachel Jefford and Ben Taylor under Parsons Heath Medical Practice.
What should I do when the surgery is closed?
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need medical help now and the surgery is closed. Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency.
Is this the official Parsons Heath Medical Practice website?
No. This is an independent MedicalGroupUK guide. Use the official Colchester Medical Practice website, NHS 111 or 999 for live action and medical safety.