If a patient requires an appointment with a consultant, the practice will use the NHS e-Referral System to book an appointment which is most convenient for the patient.

What is the NHS E-Referral Service?

If you have been referred by your GP for an appointment with a healthcare provider, such as a hospital, you may be able to book your appointment using the NHS e-Referral Service. You can choose the date and time of your appointment and your GP may be able to book your appointment there and then.

However, you have the right to think about your choices, compare different options and book your appointment at a later stage. If so, you’ll be given an appointment request letter, which includes your unique booking reference number, NHS Number and a list of hospitals or clinics to choose from. In addition you’ll be given a password, which allows you to book your appointment via the NHS e-Referral Service either online on the NHS e-Referral System, or over the phone using the NHS e-Referral Service line on 0345 608 8888.

NHS e-Referral Service will also give you the ability to:

• plan and manage your appointments around any existing appointments, if you are currently undergoing treatment
• fit your treatment in with your other commitments, at home and at work
• choose appointments that fit with your carer’s schedule
• check the status of your referral and change or cancel your appointments easily, either over the phone or online.

Speak to your GP about your choices and read the section about choosing a hospital for more advice.

I’m not good with the internet, where can I get help?

There are a number of different services for people who need internet training. 

The best place to start would be your local library.

‘Learn My Way‘ is a website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills. There are simple tips and instructions that can help you to become a more confident internet user.

The ‘Get Safe Online‘ website provides advice and guidance on how to keep yourself and others safe online.

More than 90% of healthcare providers allow you to book your appointment through the NHS e-Referral Service. Where this is not possible, this will be indicated on your Appointment Request letter by a picture of a phone next to the relevant provider. You or your GP will then have to book directly with the hospital or service using the phone number indicated on the letter.

Elmwood Family Doctors provides an ‘Enhanced Access’ service, which means we are open later than usual on some evenings – appointments are available at Holmfirth on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening until 7.30pm.

From 1^st October 2022, patients will also be able to book appointments with a range of clinicians on a Friday evening (6.30pm to 8.00pm) and on a Saturday (9.00am – 5.30pm). This will be provided at the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) Enhanced Access hubs – these are Oaklands Health Centre, Huddersfield Road, Thongsbridge, HD9 3TS or Skelmanthorpe Family Doctors, 313 Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, HD8 8RX.

The Social Prescribing Link Workers work with all the surgeries in The Valleys Primary Care Network including here at Elmwood. They support patients by providing individual, person-centred help with their health and social care needs. More information about personalised care can be found here: www.kirklees.gov.uk/personalisedcare.

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Meet the team

Flu & COVID clinics will begin in October this year on a variety of dates. If you are eligible for both, you will be given both vaccinations in the same appointment.

Wednesday 1st October 2025 at Holmfirth

Thursday 2nd October 2025 at Meltham

Friday 3rd October 2025 at Holmfirth

Saturday 4th October 2025 at Holmfirth

Monday 6th October 2025 at Holmfirth

Tuesday 7th October 2025 at Holmfirth & Meltham

Wednesday 8th October 2025 at Holmfirth

Saturday 11th October 2025 at Meltham

If you are unable to make all of the above clinics, we will have additional appointments available at a later date.

Who is eligible this year?

Please note whilst everyone aged over 65 years is eligible for Flu, only those aged over 75 years are eligible for COVID this year. The following groups are recommended to receive the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines:

Flu Vaccine:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with certain long-term health conditions
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• Children aged 2 to 3 years
• School-aged children (vaccinated at school usually)
• Individuals with certain long-term health conditions
• Residents in care homes for older adults

Click here for more details on who is eligible for FLU. Please note this may change year-by-year.

COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
• Residents in care homes for older adults

Click here for more details on who is eligible for COVID. Please note this may change year-by-year.

Please don’t attend if you feel unwell or you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Please visit NHS.uk for a full list of COVID symptoms. 

Why get vaccinated?

Flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more prevalent during the fall and winter months. Staying up to date with your vaccinations helps protect you and those around you from severe disease and hospitalisation.

Why do I have to wait until October for my Flu & COVID vaccine?

There has been a national change to the Flu programme and most eligible adults are now offered a flu and COVID vaccine from early October. This is because the latest scientific evidence shows that protection from the flu vaccine decreases over time in adults. It is better to have the vaccine closer to when flu typically circulates in the winter months.

Booking your appointment 

If we have your mobile telephone number, you should of received an SMS message from us which includes a link. Please click on the link to book your appointment online. This is the quickest way to book. If you are unsure how to book online, please watch our video which takes you through it step-by-step.

Booking using the link means that other patients calling for an urgent medical need can get through, and it helps us to manage the high volume of calls we are receiving this year.

If you are unable to book your appointment online, please call Elmwood Family Doctors on 01484 943000

How you can help:

Book your appointment in advance

Wear loose clothing to allow quick access to your arm

Arrive on time – not earlier or later

Don’t attend if unwell

Attend alone, unless you need a Carer

Don’t drive if you can avoid it

If you are driving, for Holmfirth please park offsite at Holme Valley Memorial Hospital or elsewhere, and Meltham at Carlile Street Car Park or elsewhere.

If raining please bring an umbrella in case you might be required to wait outside, queues may stretch out into the car park.

Please use the toilet at home before you set off. Toilets will be unavailable.

What to expect? 

We will be using a one way system through the building. Staff will guide patients on where to go.

There will be plenty of staff available on the day to assist you, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you need help in any way

We look forward to seeing you