How we can help you
- Appointments can be made by speaking to a member of our reception team by telephone or by visiting our reception desk. Please note that it is not always possible to guarantee absolute privacy in our Reception area so if your query requires this we would recommend telephoning. Please do not use email or SMS text messages to request an appointment.
- We use eConsult to provide efficient advice/treatment for a range of issues. This is an online form you can use to contact one of our doctors providing information (including photos where applicable) about your symptoms. We respond to these within 24 hours and often on the same day. Please do not use eConsult just to ask us to arrange an appointment or to request a repeat medication.
- All of our urgent appointment requests are triaged by the Duty Doctor and appointed based on clinical priority. We will endeavour to offer you something convenient but cannot always guarantee this.
- We’re sorry if the appointment you are offered differs from what you were expecting – we have to balance the needs of all of our patients so if your issue can be safely/more appropriately dealt with by another provider or on a routine basis then we will advise this.
- We offer direct booking of some appointment types via the NHS App and SystmOnline such as blood tests, smears and some vaccinations. Unfortunately misuse and a high rate on non-attendance means that we are not able to offer direct booking of GP appointments online at present.
- We may signpost you to other more appropriate services depending on the nature of your symptoms/query. This includes self-care, community pharmacy, the minor injury unit, A&E or 999.
eConsult
- We use eConsult to provide efficient advice/treatment for a range of issues. This is an online form you can use to contact one of our doctors providing information (including photos where applicable) about your symptoms. We respond to these within 24 hours and often on the same day. Please do not use eConsult just to ask us to arrange an appointment or to request a repeat medication.
- eConsult has built in safety features, so please record your symptoms as simply and honestly as possible, you do not need to exaggerate them to get a response.
- We can usually respond within 24-48 hours, the earlier in the day you can submit your request the greater your likelihood of receiving a same day response.
- If you have a problem that can be seen/visualised then please do use the opportunity to submit clinical image(s). Try to ensure that these are in focus and show the problem clearly, multiple shots from different angles/distances are a good way to achieve this.
- Good quality clinical images help our GPs to give you the right advice and reduce the risk of you needing to come down to the surgery unnecessarily.
- By using eConsult for suitable issues we can keep our wait for routine appointments down and maximise appointment availability for patients whose problems need to be seen in person. We can all play a part in making best use of this precious and finite resource.
Chaperones
We will always respect your privacy, dignity and your religious and cultural beliefs particularly when intimate examinations are advisable – these will only be carried out with your express agreement and you will be offered a chaperone to attend the examination if you so wish.
You may also request a chaperone when making the appointment or on arrival at the surgery (please let the receptionist know) or at any time during the consultation.
Consulations
In the UK, 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. We’re sorry but it may not always be possible for us to find appointments that run concurrently.
Under 14s
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
For the majority of cases the best place to be seen is in the surgery where the doctors have access to your medical record and any medical equipment that may be needed. However, for the truly housebound and severely ill, a home visit can be arranged.
PLEASE CALL BEFORE 10:00 and give sufficient details to our Reception Staff regarding the nature of the problem. This information will be passed on to the Duty Doctor who may contact you to discuss your symptoms further and identify if a visit is indeed required. Please note that home visits are made for clinical reasons only and not for the convenience of patients. If you have an acute or life-threatening emergency you should call 999.
Late for your appointment
Please attend your appointment on time. If you are late you may not be seen so that other patient’s appointments are not adversely affected.
If you miss your appointment time you may not be able to rearrange your appointment for the same day, and our staff may signpost you to other providers if you have a problem requiring urgent medical attention.