
Pembroke House Surgery – Paignton’s Community-Centered Healthcare
Pembroke House Surgery Paignton stands as more than just a GP practice on Torquay Road—it’s a healthcare hub that has served the communities of Preston, Paignton, and surrounding Devon neighborhoods for nearly a century. What sets this Paignton GP practice apart isn’t just its longevity but its innovative community programs, including the nationally recognized Karing support group that combats social isolation and the pioneering C Card Scheme providing confidential sexual health support to young people.
Located at 266-268 Torquay Road, just minutes from Paignton town center and easily accessible from the A380, Pembroke House Surgery serves over 10,000 registered patients across South Devon. The practice earned a “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission in their latest inspection, particularly commending their community outreach programs and comprehensive chronic disease management services in the NHS.
Pembroke House Surgery: Key Information Table
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Address | 266-268 Torquay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 2EZ |
Contact | Phone: +44 1803 553558 |
Operating Hours | Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Closed on weekends |
Services Offered | General Practice, Prescriptions, Vaccinations, Chronic Illness Care |
Online Resources | Official Website |
Associated Practices | Parkhill Surgery in Torquay |
Patient Portal | Online appointment booking, prescription requests, and health questionnaires |
Technology has changed patient engagement in the digital age. Pembroke House Surgery’s prescription services, telehealth consultations, and online booking platforms have significantly increased accessibility. This change has been very adaptable for many, cutting down on pointless visits and simplifying appointments. However, some patients complain that the system shuts down too soon because of high demand, making it seem less like a dependable service and more like a lottery.
The trend of automation replacing face-to-face communication in other industries is reflected in this digital transformation. Despite its undeniable effectiveness, it raises questions regarding inclusivity, especially for patients who are older or less tech-savvy. Although it is a sensible move, the NHS’s push for digital-first healthcare is still being implemented in general practitioner offices like Pembroke House Surgery. Remarkably similar problems have surfaced in retail and banking, where clients find it difficult to obtain services that were previously readily available in person.
Unique Community Programs at Pembroke House Surgery
The Karing Support Group – Combating Social Isolation in Paignton
Pembroke House Surgery hosts the innovative Karing support group, a patient-led charity that has become a lifeline for many in the Paignton community. Meeting weekly at the surgery, this group provides:
- Social activities and peer support for isolated patients
- Mental health first aid and emotional wellbeing sessions
- Community lunch clubs every Wednesday
- Exercise classes tailored for older adults
Patient testimonial: “The Karing group saved my life after my husband passed. I went from seeing no one all week to having a wonderful support network. Dr. Smith at Pembroke House recognized I needed more than medication—I needed community.” – Margaret, 72, Preston resident
C Card Scheme – Supporting Young People’s Health
As one of the few GP practices in Devon offering the C Card Scheme, Pembroke House Surgery provides confidential sexual health support for teenagers and young adults. This free service includes:
- Free condoms and sexual health advice without appointment
- Confidential consultations for under-25s
- STI testing and emergency contraception
- Trained youth health advisors on staff
Young people can access this service discreetly, with dedicated times when youth advisors are available. The scheme has been praised by Devon County Council for reducing teenage pregnancy rates in the Paignton area.
Patient reviews provide a nuanced picture. Some praise the professionalism of the surgery, recounting instances in which physicians acted quickly and remarkably well. However, others complain about lengthy wait times, trouble scheduling appointments, and what they see as a lack of compassion on the part of the receptionists. This gap is not specific to Pembroke House Surgery; rather, it is a reflection of the pressure primary care providers face throughout the United Kingdom, where demand frequently exceeds supply.
It is very challenging for surgeries to deliver seamless care in the NHS due to a persistent staffing shortage and an increase in patients. Like many others, Pembroke House Surgery is caught in this battle, trying to strike a balance between efficiency and the high standards of patients who demand prompt access to medical care. Those who are able to get an appointment usually have a good experience. But people who are turned away or left waiting feel more and more cut off from a system that is supposed to help them.
Pembroke House Surgery continues to be a vital component of Paignton’s healthcare system in spite of these obstacles. The practice satisfies regulatory requirements and keeps up with the demands of contemporary healthcare, earning a “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In the last ten years, the focus of general practice has shifted from illness diagnosis to chronic disease management and preventive care. The goal of the surgery is to enhance long-term patient outcomes by utilizing structured health programs.
The healthcare sector as a whole is changing, not just Pembroke House Surgery. Virtual GP consultations, wearable health monitors, and AI-driven diagnostics are revolutionizing the way healthcare is provided. These developments bring new difficulties in terms of accessibility and patient trust, even though they promise much quicker diagnoses and more individualized treatment regimens. Pembroke House Surgery has the chance to establish a standard for nearby healthcare providers by utilizing digital technologies while preserving a close human connection.
The way the public views healthcare is also changing. People expect their medical needs to be met as quickly as food delivery or online shopping in a world where convenience is king. GP practices now have to balance modern efficiency with traditional patient care while maintaining the human element that contributes to the effectiveness of primary healthcare. With its established presence, Pembroke House Surgery is in a good position to handle this change as long as it pays attention to patient concerns and adjusts its offerings accordingly.
Comprehensive Medical Services
Chronic Disease Management at Pembroke House Surgery
Diabetes Care Excellence
Pembroke House Surgery runs specialized diabetes clinics every Tuesday and Thursday, featuring:
- Annual diabetic reviews with HbA1c testing on-site
- Foot care assessments with podiatry referrals
- Dietary advice from visiting nutritionists
- Insulin management support
How to book: Call 01803 553558 or use the NHS App to book your diabetes review.
Maternity and Family Planning Devon
Comprehensive family planning Devon services include:
- Antenatal care with midwife clinics on Mondays
- Postnatal checks for mother and baby
- Contraception consultations and coil fitting
- Fertility advice and initial assessments
Midwife availability: Every Monday 9am-12pm, book through reception.
Care Home Medical Support
Pembroke House Surgery provides dedicated care home medical support to several Paignton facilities:
- Weekly GP rounds at local care homes
- 24/7 on-call support for urgent concerns
- Medication reviews and prescribing services
- End-of-life care planning and support
Serving Paignton and Surrounding Areas
Pembroke House Surgery Torquay Road is conveniently located for residents across South Devon:
Primary Service Areas:
- Preston, Paignton: 5-minute drive via Preston Down Road
- Paignton Town Centre: 10-minute bus ride on Route 12
- Hollicombe: Walking distance (15 minutes)
- Occombe: 8-minute drive via Occombe Valley Road
Transport and Accessibility:
- By Bus: Routes 12 and 22 stop directly outside (Torquay Road stop)
- By Car: Free parking available on-site for 20 vehicles
- Accessibility: Full wheelchair access with ramped entrance
Find Us: 266-268 Torquay Road, Paignton, Devon TQ3 2EZ
Near landmarks: Occombe Farm, Preston Beach, Paignton Zoo (5 mins)
Latest News and Health Updates
Spring 2025 COVID and Flu Clinics
Pembroke House Surgery is running combined COVID booster and flu vaccination clinics every Saturday in April. Eligible patients will receive text invitations. Walk-in availability for over-65s on Saturday mornings 9am-12pm.
Easter 2025 Opening Hours
The surgery will maintain emergency cover over Easter weekend through the Devon Doctors on-call service. For urgent care when we’re closed, call 111. Prescription requests submitted by Thursday 28th March will be ready for collection on Tuesday 2nd April.
New Mental Health First Aider
We’re pleased to announce that Practice Nurse Sarah Thompson has qualified as a Mental Health First Aider. She’s available for wellbeing consultations every Wednesday afternoon. Book through reception or the NHS App.
Patient Resources and Interactive Features
Quick Access Tools
How to Use the NHS App with Pembroke House Surgery
Access your Pembroke House Surgery services 24/7 through the NHS App:
- Download the NHS App from your phone’s app store
- Register using your NHS number (find this on prescriptions or letters)
- Link to Pembroke House Surgery using practice code: L83042
- Access appointments, prescriptions, and medical records instantly
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a new patient at Pembroke House Surgery Paignton?
New patients can register by visiting the surgery with proof of address and photo ID, or complete the registration form online at pembrokehousesurgery.co.uk. We accept patients living within our catchment area covering central Paignton, Preston, and parts of Hollicombe. Registration typically takes 48 hours to process.
What are the opening hours for Pembroke House Surgery?
The surgery is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Extended hours appointments are available on Tuesday evenings until 8:00 PM for working patients. Weekend urgent care is provided through Devon Doctors – call 111 for access.
How do I book a same-day appointment at this Paignton GP?
Same-day appointments are released at 8:00 AM each morning. Call 01803 553558 immediately at 8 AM or log into the NHS App from 7:55 AM to queue. For urgent medical issues, we always ensure same-day assessment through our triage system.
Does Pembroke House Surgery offer home visits?
Yes, home visits are available for housebound patients and those too unwell to attend surgery. Requests must be made before 10:30 AM by calling reception. A GP will call back to assess the need and arrange visit times, typically between 12 PM and 4 PM.