Changes to How We Review Long-Term Conditions and Medications

Posted by: hollysimpson - Posted on:

From 1 April 2026

There is strong evidence that people living with long-term health conditions live longer and feel better when their condition is well managed. It is also important that any medications you take are helping you, without causing unnecessary side effects or harm.

To support this and to make things simpler and more convenient for you, we are changing how we organise long-term condition reviews and medication reviews at the practice.

What’s Changing?

From 1 April 2026, we will begin inviting patients for their annual health reviews and routine blood tests during their birthday month.

This new approach means:

  • Your long-term conditions can be reviewed together, rather than across multiple appointments.
  • All of your medications will be reviewed at once with our Clinical Pharmacist or GP, helping ensure they remain right for you.
  • Fewer appointments and fewer visits to the surgery wherever possible
  • A simpler, easier-to-remember system for patients.

After the first year, this may reduce the total number of appointments you need to attend each year.

Who Does This Apply To?

If you have one or more long-term conditions, or require regular monitoring, you will usually be invited for an annual review. This includes conditions such as:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Kidney disease
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Asthma or COPD
  • Learning disabilities
  • Severe mental health conditions

Some patients may still need interim reviews (for example every 3 or 6 months). If this applies to you, we will contact you separately.

What Will My Review Involve?

Depending on your condition(s), your review may include:

  • A blood test appointment, with all required annual tests combined into one visit wherever possible.
  • A health check, which may include height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, waist measurement, and lifestyle questions.
  • For patients with diabetes, a foot check
  • A review discussion with a Practice Nurse or GP
  • If you take medications or changes may be needed, a medication review with a Clinical Pharmacist or GP

This helps us look at your health as a whole, not just one condition at a time.

Will My Review Still Be Every 12 Months?

During the first 12–18 months of this change, your review may happen slightly earlier or later than usual as we move everyone onto birthday-month reviews.

For example;

  •  If your long-term condition is usually reviewed in June however your birthday month is April, you will be asked to attend earlier and then your annual review date will be April every year going forwards.
  •  If your blood test monitoring appointment is usually in September however your birthday month is not until January, you will still be asked to attend in September (so there is no gap in your monitoring) and then again in January to bring everything in line with your birth month.

Please be reassured:

  • This change is clinically safe.
  • Anyone who needs monitoring sooner will be contacted.
  • There will be no gaps in essential care or blood tests.

How Will I Be Invited?

You will be contacted by the practice, either by text message or letter, when it’s time to book.

  • If you need a blood test before your review, this will be clearly stated.
  • You will receive a self-booking link.
  • If you receive a letter, you may be asked to call the surgery to arrange a convenient time.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions about your review, your medications, or your health at any time, before or after your annual review, please contact us:

  • Use PATCHS for non-urgent queries or to request a consultation.
  • Call the surgery if you need help booking or would prefer to speak to someone.

We are here to support you and help you manage your health in the way that works best for you.