What is LARS?
Winter is a busy time for general practice, with a large increase in the number of acute respiratory complaints, such as chest infections. We are therefore launching a dedicated clinical practitioner led service called LARS – Larwood Acute Respiratory Clinic.
Who can attend LARS?
Any patient aged 5+ with the following conditions:
- Cough & cold
- Sore throat
- Ear problems
Can I do anything without an appointment?
Yes! Not all upper respiratory tract infections need appointments, and most are self-limiting. Many symptoms will improve on their own within a few days with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies. However, if your symptoms worsen, do not improve after a week, or you are concerned, please contact the practice for further advice.
Here are two documents which may help you understand more about seasonal respiratory tract infections, and how antibiotics aren’t always the correct treatment.
How do I book into LARS?
To book an appointment with a clinical practitioner, please call the practice on 01909 500233. You will then be offered a time block where you should attend the surgery. You will be seen within that time block, and visits should last no longer than one hour. We are doing this so that we can see more patients within the same amount of time.
When to call 999
Check it’s not an emergency
Call 999 now for any of these:
- signs of a heart attack
chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest - signs of a stroke
face dropping on one side, can’t hold both arms up, difficulty speaking - sudden confusion (delirium)
cannot be sure of own name or age - suicide attempt
by taking something or self-harming - severe difficulty breathing
not being able to get words out, choking or gasping - heavy bleeding
spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle - severe injuries
after a serious accident - seizure (fit)
shaking or jerking because of a fit, or unconscious (can’t be woken up) - sudden, rapid swelling
of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue - labour or childbirth
waters breaking, more frequent intense cramps (contractions), baby coming, or just born
British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a video call to 999.
Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999/
What our patients say
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Page last reviewed: 4 January 2026