There are several things you can do to before your appointment to help make the most of it.
- Think about why you’ve made the appointment. Is it for a mole or rash that’s changed – do you have pictures of it before?
- If you have questions for the GP or nurse try writing them down beforehand so you remember them during the appointment.
- Are you wearing appropriate clothing for the appointment for example avoid skinny jeans if the appointment is about a leg issue.
- Are you having a vaccination? Please remove coats before the appointment and wear a short sleeved top.
- Think about if you actually need a face to face appointment, could you use online consult to submit a request to the surgery instead?
- Can’t make it to your appointment? Please cancel as soon as possible so it can be offered to other patients – you can use our cancellation line to leave a message.
Chaperones
There are occasions when patients need to be examined by a doctor which may involve intimate examinations. It is usual for another person to be present at these times to safeguard the doctor and the patient — a chaperone.
A doctor will usually suggest a chaperone for these examinations, although you may choose to decline. At any time, if you wish a chaperone to be present please do not hesitate to ask the doctor. It may not be possible for a chaperone to be provided immediately and you may have to return for the examination to be carried out at a mutually convenient time.