The Freshford Practice VPPG

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Our Practice

Freshwell Health Centre is a a six doctor dispensing practice based in Finchingfield. We provide medical services to 8,121 patients living in the mainly rural area surrounded by the conurbations of Braintree, Great Dunmow and Haverhill. Our team of experienced GPs work alongside two Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and a team of 6 nurses and HCAs.

We are lucky to be supported by the community through the C.R.E.A.M.E.R. Fund. Through the C.R.E.A.M.E.R charity, Freshwell is able to offer a wide range of in-house services, including X-Rays, DEXA Scans, Ultrasounds, and ECGs to our patients. They have also contributed 20 defibrillator devices to villages in the area.

We are approved as a GP Registrar Training Practice, and have a Registrar working at the practice. We also work with Cambridge University by offering short GP placements for their students three times a year.

Freshwell is a member of the Colne Valley Primary Care Network. This is a group of six GP practices from the surrounding area. Our team are supported by a wide variety of staff from the Colne Valley PCN, including Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Paramedics and Social Prescribers. Find out more about these roles on the Colne Valley PCN website.


Our Practice

Freshwell Health Centre is a a six doctor dispensing practice based in Finchingfield. We provide medical services to 8,121 patients living in the mainly rural area surrounded by the conurbations of Braintree, Great Dunmow and Haverhill. Our team of experienced GPs work alongside two Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and a team of 6 nurses and HCAs.

We are lucky to be supported by the community through the C.R.E.A.M.E.R. Fund. Through the C.R.E.A.M.E.R charity, Freshwell is able to offer a wide range of in-house services, including X-Rays, DEXA Scans, Ultrasounds, and ECGs to our patients. They have also contributed 20 defibrillator devices to villages in the area.

We are approved as a GP Registrar Training Practice, and have a Registrar working at the practice. We also work with Cambridge University by offering short GP placements for their students three times a year.

Freshwell is a member of the Colne Valley Primary Care Network. This is a group of six GP practices from the surrounding area. Our team are supported by a wide variety of staff from the Colne Valley PCN, including Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Paramedics and Social Prescribers. Find out more about these roles on the Colne Valley PCN website.


  • Experience of breast screening

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    Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and the fourth most common cause of cancer death. The good news is that early detection can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes, which is why it’s crucial for everyone to check their breasts regularly and understand the key signs to watch for. However, breast screening data shows that just over half of all women eligible in mid and south Essex take up the offer of screening. 

    Currently, women are automatically invited for their first breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Thereafter they are invited every 3 years until the age of 71 years. After 71 years women can request breast screening but are not routinely invited.

    Breast screening uses a breast x-ray, called a mammogram, to look for cancer that may be too small to see or feel. 

    The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed; the more effective treatment is likely to be. Screening can pick up breast cancer before there are any signs or symptoms. 

    We are trying to learn what stops people attending breast cancer screening. Your feedback will help us understand experiences with breast screening and identify barriers that may prevent women from attending appointments. This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete, and your responses are anonymous.  To complete the survey, head to the survey section below. 


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  • Do you access a range of health and care services?

    If you do, then we really want your feedback. 

    Our survey is designed to capture the lived experience of residents and carers who access multiple health and social care services in mid and south Essex.

    If you access more than one of the services from the three categories below, please take part:

    1. Health Services:
      • GP (General Practice)
      • Community Nursing (e.g. District Nurses)
      • Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
      • Speech and Language Therapy
      • Palliative and End-of-Life Care Teams
      • Pharmacy Services
      • Specialist Clinics (e.g. diabetes, respiratory, cardiology)
      • Learning Disability Services
      • Community Mental Health Teams
      • Psychiatry Services
      • Talking Therapies / IAPT
      • Peer Support and Recovery Colleges
      • Substance Misuse Services
      • Crisis Response and Home Treatment Teams
      • Eating Disorder Services
      • Dementia Support Services (e.g. Admiral Nurses, Memory Clinics)
      • Hospital Services (e.g. outpatient
      • Social Care Services
    2. Adult Social Care Teams
      • Social Workers
      • Reablement Services
      • Home Care Providers
      • Residential and Nursing Homes
      • Supported Living Services
      • Carers Support Services
      • Advocacy Services
      • Housing Support Services
      • Community and Voluntary Sector
    3. Local Charities and Support Groups
      • Community Navigators / Link Workers
      • Faith-Based Organisations
      • Food Banks and Welfare Support
      • Befriending Services
      • Transport Services for Appointments
      • Day Centres and Social Clubs


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  • Join our Virtual Patient Participation Group

    If you would like to share your views on the Surgery's services, sign up to our Virtual Patient Participation Group.

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 16 Dec 2025, 12:13 PM