The practice is introducing a new system to provide care to patients who have suspected urinary tract infections. This is in line with evidenced based guidance and with the aim to offer advice and treatment promptly, without the need for patients to always produce a urine sample. 

Signs and symptoms of a UTI:

• Pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
• Needing to pass urine more often than usual
• Needing to pass urine more often than usual during the night
• Needing to pass urine suddenly or more urgently than usual
• Urine that looks cloudy
• Blood in your urine
• Lower abdominal pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs

If you are female and aged 16-65 and think you may have a UTI, you should contact your local pharmacy who will undertake a thorough assessment and provide prescription only medication (e.g. antibiotics) if needed. You do not need to make an appointment - you can simply present at a pharmacy.

If you are pregnant, have a catheter, are male, under 16 years, over 65 years old or you have recurrent UTIs (two in the last 6 months or three in the last 12 months) then you should contact our reception team on 01335 216885 (option 1). It is best to do this as early as possible in the day so that we can offer advice and treatment promptly. 

Please do not drop off urine samples at the practice for suspected urinary infections unless a clinician has asked you to. Samples which are dropped off without prior request from a clinician will not be processed.