We would like to inform you of an important update to how Pinfold Medical Practice will  communicate with patients going forward.

From April 2026, changes to NHS funding for digital communication mean that GP practices are no longer fully funded for SMS messaging in the same way as before. This cost has now been passed onto the practices to fund. We were way ahead with our digital communication strategy and had streamlined booking links, test results booking links and proactive annual review booking.

This is a system-wide change introduced by the NHS affecting the practice provision and is not a decision made by our practice without consideration.

To ensure we can continue communicating with you safely and efficiently, we kindly ask that you:

• Update your medical records with an email address 
• Download and enable notifications on the NHS App
• Check your emails regularly if you are not using the NHS App

Messages sent via the NHS App are secure and free, and this is now the preferred NHS method for routine communication.

We will continue to use SMS where necessary.These changes are necessary due to wider NHS funding constraints, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

The NHS App allows you to:

• Receive updates about your appointments and referrals
• View messages from your GP practice and hospitals
• Book and manage appointments
• Order repeat prescriptions and access your health records

Why this is important

Due to changes in NHS funding, SMS (text message) services are no longer funded at the same level as before.

As a result, Pinfold Medical Practice will increasingly use secure digital communication such as the NHS App and email wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

This is not a practice decision, but a change driven by NHS funding arrangements.

Hospital communication is also changing

Hospitals and other NHS services are now:

• Sending appointment details
• Sending booking links and updates
• Communicating referrals and follow-ups

👉 via the NHS App and online services

It is therefore very important that you are registered and ready to receive these communications. So switching on notificaitons on your NHS app is extremely important.

Youtube video to understand how to turn on notifications

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rKX_p_dXRCY

Youtuber video to download and set up NHS app

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD8eNPLww4Y

2 New consulting rooms are now ready! – we thank you for your patience during construction.

This development is a key part of our commitment to enhancing your care. The new rooms will allow us to safely isolate patients with infectious conditions, host more specialist services locally, and provide better facilities for training the next generation of doctors.

We are having an open afternoon 21st April 2026 , 2pm onwards, if anyone wants to come by to have a peek into these rooms and want to chat about how this will be used and which services we can priotise and being closer to home.

The Practice PPG and Chair will be at hand to take you around the rooms and have a chat about what services you would like moving closer to home, so we can engage with the relevant services to try and make this possible. 

Pinfold Medical Practice

The PPG visited the Teesdale Day club in Butterknowle Village Hall on the 4th of August to experience the service and also encourage any who is struggling with isolation or  just wants to perhaps make friends and or just want to socialise over a 3 course meal to use this service which is local.

Teesdale Lunch Clubs are very busy, here are a few
things they have to offer:
3-course meal and sometimes cream tea saturdays. Please note there is a fee for this service.

Next date :
6th September in Copley Village Hall (DL13 5NA) between
3pm – 5pm

These offer great opportunities to meet up with others and perhaps make new friends. Please
let Teesdale Day Clubs know beforehand on 01833 695822 so they can prepare and cater for
you or email contact@teesdaledayclubs.org.uk – you must book up first!