Appointments

In keeping with Government guidelines we are working towards an appointment system that allows access to a doctor within 48hrs. We may not always be able to meet this, particularly at times of high demand. However, we guarantee to see anyone the same day if the GP considers this to be necessary.

The practice operates a variety of appointments.

The following appointments will be on a telephone first basis.  Pre booked telephone appointments are in place for patients who cannot commit to an on the day  appointment due to work commitments or other reasons.  On the day face to face appointments are available from opening at 8.30am daily.  There are a small number of face to face pre bookable appointments on a Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday.  We are limiting these appointments due to the amount of wasted time due to non attenders, patients who make an appointment and simply don’t turn up without cancelling, resulting in a huge amount of time being wasted.  The amount of wasted appointments last year was 652 appointments for the GP and 316 for the Nurse.

Routine and pre bookable 10 minute  telephone appointments: these are available for pre booking in the mornings & afternoons with both doctors.  The appointments are for patients who are looking for advice from the GP and feel there query can be dealt with over the phone without seeing the doctor.  These are available on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  In the event of annual leave or sickness these appointments will be limited.

Medical Emergency Appointments: are available every day for patients in need of urgent medical attention. If you do need to see a doctor urgently please try to phone the surgery as early as possible to ensure your emergency can be dealt with by the relevant medical professional.  Receptionists will ask for a brief description of your call as the GPs have asked them to do so in order to prioritise your need.

Thursday Evening – late session.

We operate at small session on a Thursday evening for patients who find it difficult to attend during our routine hours due to work commitments.  If you feel you cannot come to the surgery until later in the day then please ask reception regarding availability.  The doctor can also consult via a telephone appointment at this time.

Intimate Examinations

During your care, a doctor may need to examine you in order to provide you with the best care. Occasionally this may involve an examination of intimate area. We understand that this can be stressful and embarrassing. If this sort of examination is necessary:

• We will explain to you why the examination is necessary and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
• We will explain what the examination will involve
• We will obtain your permission before carrying out this examination
• You will be offered a chaperone
• Your privacy will be respected at all times

Leaflets and other written information about various illnesses and conditions are available.