Advice and Information

The range of organisations, services and bodies which form the National Health Service (NHS) can make the health system in England a confusing one. Healthwatch Surrey exist to provide information and advice to the residents of Surrey on how to access healthcare – and to signpost to the relevant parts of the system – to hopefully make things a little clearer.

Clear, timely and transparent communication makes a big difference to how patients experience their GP practice. Our guides and toolkits offer practical advice to help practices engage effectively with patients.

Multiple online directories are available to help you find trusted information and local services to support your health, care and wellbeing.

Updated 30 April 2025.

We are aware of changes happening at The Molebridge Practice with sites in Fetcham and Leatherhead, and the concerns that local residents may have as a result. The following questions and answers have been put together to provide information and signposting to anyone who may be affected:

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) provides a fully funded package of care for adults with significant ongoing health needs. Healthwatch Surrey can help you understand how CHC works, who may be eligible, and what to expect from the assessment and appeals process so you can feel informed and supported.

Many people are not aware that there is no centralised patient medical record. Records are held by the GP and by other groups (hospitals, care homes, clinics etc).

Non-GP records are only incorporated into the GP record if they are sent to the GP by the other source. This is sometimes done automatically, but often is not.

Advocacy services aim to ensure that if you find it difficult - for any reason - to have your voice heard about a decision that affects you, an advocate can support and represent you.

Making a complaint about an NHS service can feel daunting, but free and independent support is available.

You can provide feedback about health and care services to us. Healthwatch Surrey champions the voice of local people to shape, improve and get the best from NHS, health and social care services. We are independent and have statutory powers to make sure decision makers listen to the experiences of local people.

Detailing services available for carers within Surrey.

Sexual health services offer a range of services, including: testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), advice and information about sexual health, free condoms and other contraception – including emergency contraception, such as the morning after pill.

The following services are available to support children and young people in Surrey.