Appointments

Please phone 01902 761 629

Appointments are necessary for all clinics. If you consider your problem urgent tell the receptionist and, if possible, say why (absolute confidentiality is required of our staff and is a condition of their employment)

Patients are allocated a ten-minute appointment. We realise that some consultations may take longer than others and if the surgery does not run strictly to time, please be patient.

We would hope to see you within 30 minutes of your appointment time. If you do have to wait longer than this, you will be given a reason and the opportunity to make another appointment.

If you are unable to keep your appointment please let us know as soon as possible.

You can help us by...

• being on time for your appointment and making sure you tell the receptionist when you arrive.
• Please restrict the number of problems to be discussed appropriately for a ten minute appointment or tell the receptionist when booking that you may need more time.
• Please be aware that the doctor may have to leave the surgery in an emergency. If this happens you will be told.
• Please let us know in good time if you are unable to attend so we can offer your appointment to another patient.
• Usual Doctor vs Different Doctor? When you are making an appointment it is worth thinking about who you want to see.  If you have a new or acute problem that seems to need urgent attention then it is reasonable to take the first available appointment with any doctor.  However, if you have a chronic or long term condition that a particluar doctor has been dealing with it is often better to wait and see your usual doctor.
• Sometimes problems can be sorted out on the phone and leaving a query with the receptionist for your usual doctor can be a more efficient way of dealing with the issue as the doctor can reply as soon as they become available.

Home Visits

If possible please try to telephone reception before 10:30am if you require a home visit (accept in an Emergency)

A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed arrange a hospital attendance.

House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or disability.

Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patients at the Health Centre.

Please note we are unable to visit patients at home during the weekend. This service is covered by the Out Of Hours provider.

Disabled Access

Our new premises have full disabled access, dedicated toilet facilities, and a lift serving the upper floor.

Telephone calls

The telephone will be answered as promptly as possible. If the surgery is closed, you will be connected to an answering-machine which will give you further information. You will be able to speak to a doctor or nurse within two telephone calls.

You can help by understanding that our telephone lines are often busy at certain times of the day, particularly between 9.00am and 10.00am and 4.00pm and 5.00pm. Please try to keep your call brief.

Treatment

The doctor or nurse will offer appropriate medical care as needed. You will be given a clear explanation of your proposed treatment, including any risks and options available. You will be referred to a specialist when this is felt necessary and with your agreement.