We offer 10 minute pre bookable routine appointments. If your need is urgent we try to offer appointments the same day, these can be booked online. Please bear with us if the surgery is running late as we want to ensure that all our patients get the best possible treatment. Please remember that you may not always need a doctor’s appointment and could choose to:
- Call 111 for free telephone advice 24 hours a day
- See the local pharmacist for minor ailments
- See the Practice Nurse
If you are not sure, then please talk to one of our receptionists.
Making appointments
- In person at the practice
- By telephone on 0300 1231131
- Online – for patients that have registered with our online service. In order to register for our online service you will need to call at the practice in person with proof of identity.
Please remember that each appointment is for one person and one problem only, if you require to speak to the GP/Nurse for more than one problem this will need a double appointment.
Emergencies
Do you have an urgent problem that cannot wait for a routine appointment? We will always try to make an appointment for you urgently if you need it.
If you have chest pain or a serious emergency please dial 999.
You can get advice from NHS Out-of-Hours on 111 to decide whether to go to A&E or call an ambulance.
Cancellations/Missed Appointments
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else by calling us on 0300 123 1131.
Due to the number of patients failing to attend for their appointment this may mean that you may not be able to see the doctor on the day that you wish to.
- In an attempt to try and resolve this, the practice has developed the following policy:
- If you fail to attend appointments without informing us we will write to you asking if there are any specific problems preventing you from letting us know.
If you repeatedly fail to attend for appointments you may be removed from the practice list and have to find an alternative GP practice.
Chaperone
If you wish we are happy to provide a chaperone during physical examinations. Your doctor may offer this or you may request it yourself.
Consultations
Getting the Most out of a Consultation:
In Great Britain, patients on average have just ten minutes with their GP. The BMA’s Doctor Patient Partnership offers the following advice to help you use this time effectively …
Be Prepared
Make a list of any questions and problems you wish to discuss before hand.
Take a pen and paper as you may want to note down important points.
Wear loose clothing if it’s likely you will need to be examined.
Be prepared to tell your doctor of any non prescription medicines or supplements you are taking.
You can bring someone with you for support.
During The Appointment
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
If you don’t understand, ask your doctor to repeat it or write it down.
If you are prescribed a drug, make sure you know why it has been given to you, how long to take it for etc. Remember pharmacists are experts in medication and a very useful source of advice.
Be direct. If you have a problem that you find embarrassing or difficult to talk about, don’t leave it to the end of the appointment before mentioning it. Remember your problem is likely to a common one for your GP, who is there to help you.
One problem at a time
If you have several problems it is more effective in the long run to concentrate on just one problem during the consultation than to have to rush through a list of problems. Be prepared to make another appointment so that each problem can be given the time it needs to be sorted out.
Be on Time
Be on time for your appointment, or inform the surgery as soon as possible, if you wish to cancel your appointment.
Separate Appointments
Make a separate appointment for each member of the family.
Under 14 Year Olds
Accompany under 14 year olds. If however, a young person strongly wishes to be treated without his or her parent’s involvement, his or her confidentiality will be respected.
Home Visits
Please only ask for a home visit when the person is too ill to come to the surgery. Most children can be quite safely be brought by car/taxi. Please ensure that your request for a home visit reaches the surgery before 10:00 unless a genuine emergency arises later.
Remember that we have better facilities for examinations and treatment in the medical centre.
You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.
Late For Your Appointment
Please attend your appointment on time, if you are late you may not be seen. If you are not seen you will not be able to rearrange your appointment until the next working day-except in the event of an medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Text Reminder Service
We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.
To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.
Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.