When
possible please see your own doctor as we believe this
leads to better continuity and patient care.
Routine
appointments
All surgeries are by appointment. You can book to see a
Doctor for a routine appointment up to 2 weeks in
advance.
Please remember to make a separate appointment for each person to be
seen.
Please inform Reception if you need a longer than the standard 10 minute
appointment for additional
discussion or a medical examination.
If you cannot attend
for your appointment please let us know as soon as
possible so that the cancellation may be offered to
another patient.
Urgent
appointments
Patients with urgent problems that require attention on the
day will be asked for contact details and nature of problem – the Triage Nurse Specialist will then contact
the patient and arrange appropriate follow-up.
Home visits
If you are too ill to visit the surgery, you may ask for a home visit. Please ask before 10.30 am if possible.
Please make it clear if you think your request is urgent. The receptionist will ask for some details to pass
on to the Doctor or Nurse to assess the request. The Doctor or Nurse may then telephone back for further
details and a careful assessment will be made before deciding on a course of action.
Telephone consultation
If you would like a Doctor’s advice about medication or their side
effects, discuss test results, etc. you may request a telephone consultation. You
will be given an approximate time when the Doctor will telephone you and some details
will be asked for. (Please note this is purely for a conversation, you will not be invited to the surgery.)
A 24 Hour confidential medical service is run by NHS Direct. You can phone them for
immediate advice on what to do if you or a family member feels ill or if you need
advice on a particular health condition or medication. If you can, please call NHS
Direct rather than the surgery for routine advice. This will allow the Doctor to
manage more serious conditions. Phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647
Results of tests
The Receptionist or the practice Nurse can give the results of
a test to you: Please ring after 2pm when the phone lines are less busy.
Sickness certificate
You do not need a certificate if you are off work for up to 7 days . If
you are off under seven days you should complete a
self-certificating form (either SC1 or SC2 - available
from the DSS or your employer). You may ask your
doctor to provide you with a private certificate but a
charge will be made for this service. If
you are off work for eight or more days, your doctor
will complete the appropriate Social Security form.
