HOW WE WORK:

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT:

We would ask you not to request an appointment on the same day unless the problem is a genuine emergency, where it would be unsafe to wait for a booked appointment.  We will make appointments bookable several weeks in advance for those wishing to plan ahead and book one.  We will also make appointments available in a few days time for those with problems that are not emergencies, but need to be seen soon. we would request that patients use a booked appointment for things such as repeat sick notes, follow up appointments and all non-urgent problems. 

Emergencies/House Calls: We expect patients who are able to attend surgery to do so, however, we are happy to visit patients who are medically housebound and consequently unable to come to the surgery.  Please remember that your request for a home visit is made before 10.00am.  Remember that most requests for urgent calls will be dealt with after the doctors have finished surgery.

Cancellation: Please ensure that you cancel any appointments you no longer require.  Each week approximately 50 patients do not turn up for their appointments resulting in other patients having to wait longer for their appointments.  Remember we can ask patients who repeatedly fail to attend appointments to find another Doctor.

Telephone Advice: When phoning to talk to a Doctor please bear in mind the surgery times.  The receptionists have been instructed not to interrupt a surgery except for emergencies.

Repeat Prescriptions: Repeat prescriptions are to be made in writing only direct to  the practice.  48 hours notice is required for personal collection.  It is the patients responsibility to arrange the collection of any prescriptions. If you request a local chemist to collect your prescription please allow a minimum of 3 days, but ideally 5 days.  If you supply a S.A.E we can post your prescription to you by return.  Remember all patients must see a doctor at least annually.

Test Results: Please note that the Receptionist can only give results to patients once the Doctor has checked the result and given authorisation.  In order to maintain patient confidentiality, results can only be given to the patient themselves, unless they are under the age of 16 years.

Change of Address/Telephone Number: If you move house - please let us know.  We hope that you do not move too far away, as we would like to contiunue to provide care for you. Please also notify us if you change your telephone number.

New Patient Registrations: If you would like to register as a patient with us please see a member of the reception team who will be pleased to help you and provide you with the relevant forms to complete.  All of our patients are registered with the practice as opposed to an individual doctor.  Patients may however, express a preference of doctor which will be included on the registration forms.

Use of Information Act 2000: Information about patients is requested for a wide variety of purposes including education, research, monitoring, epidemiology, public health surveillance, clinical audit and planning.  Only where it is essential for the purpose will identifiable records be disclosed.  Such disclosure will be kept to the minimum necessary for the purpose.  You have the right to object to any such disclosure and your objection will be respected.