Changes to Marham and Howdale Surgery Opening Hours

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Changes to Marham and Howdale Surgery Opening Hours

Marham Surgery is changing its opening hours, and we would like to understand how this may affect you as a registered patient.

We know that many patients registered with Marham also use our sister practice, Howdale Surgery. Because the two sites support each other, we have been reviewing the opening hours at both surgeries. Our aim is to provide consistent access to care while ensuring staff have the protected time they need for training.

Below you will find a summary of the changes.

When will the new hours start?

The new opening hours are planned to begin on 1 January 2026 for Howdale Surgery, and 19 January 2026 for Marham Surgery.

Howdale Surgery – Opening Hours

Current hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30am – 6:30pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Proposed new hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm

Marham Surgery – Opening Hours

Current hours:

  • Monday: 8:30am–12:30pm & 4:00pm–6:00pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30am–12:30pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30am–12:30pm & 4:00pm–6:00pm
  • Thursday: 8:30am–12:30pm
  • Friday: 8:30am–12:30pm & 4:00pm–6:00pm

Proposed new hours:

  • Monday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00am – 1:15pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
  • Thursday: 8:00am – 1:15pm
  • Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm

Why are the hours changing?

To make the best use of our teams across both practices, we are proposing:

  • A “no clinic day” on Tuesdays at Marham, and
  • Standardised core opening hours at Howdale (8:00am–6:30pm, Monday–Friday).

This will help us offer more consistent access for patients while keeping time protected for essential staff training and background clinical work.

What is a “no clinic day”?

A no clinic day means:

  • There will be no routine, pre-bookable appointments at Marham on that day.
  • The surgery is not closed — staff will be carrying out important clinical and administrative work that ensures the safe running of services.
  • Patient care will still be accessible via Howdale and through telephone support.

How will these changes affect me?

Will staff availability change?

No. You will still have the same level of clinical coverage as before.
The difference is that reception and dispensary will remain open continuously during the new opening hours.

Will the types of appointments change?

No. The services and appointment types you can access will stay the same.

Can I still get help outside opening hours?

Yes.

  • You can call the practice at any time, and outside opening hours your call will be handled by staff at Howdale.
  • You can continue to access telephone appointments regardless of which site you use.
  • You may also be offered an appointment at Howdale if this is appropriate for your care.

For urgent needs between 6:30pm–8:00am or at weekends, please continue to use:

  • Local pharmacies
  • NHS 111
  • Other appropriate urgent care services

Can I choose to register with a different GP practice?

Yes, you may register elsewhere if:

  • You live within the other practice’s catchment area, and
  • The practice is accepting new patients

You can search for alternative GP practices here:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/

Questions?

If you have any questions not covered in this information, please contact:
nwicb.howdale.surgery@nhs.net