How Do I... Make An Appointment?

You may consult any of the doctors or nurses at the practice by making an appointment, either by telephoning or calling at the surgery. We operate a computerised appointments system and work on the basis of 10 minutes for each consultation, so if your problem is likely to take longer, please let the reception staff know so that time can be allowed in the system.

If you need to see a doctor urgently, you will be seen the same day but not necessarily by the doctor of your choice and this may mean your consultation is restricted to dealing with only the urgent problem.

People who are visiting the area and not registered with another practice locally, can see a doctor at the surgery within the rules of the NHS.

To help the doctor, please prepare for the consultation by rehearsing what you would like to say to express your problem. Make notes if necessary. This will help the doctor understand your needs.

MISSED APPOINTMENTS are frustrating for the doctor and other patients who may have difficulty getting an appointment. It is unfair to deny others access to the surgery by not using your allocated time. We will write to you if you fail to attend appointments without having cancelled them, warning you that missed but uncancelled appointments may result in us asking the Health Authority to remove your name from our patient list.

Chaperone

If the doctor or nurse considers it appropriate, you will be offered the presence of a chaperone during your consultation, or you may request one.

How Do I... Obtain Telephone Advice?

You may usually speak to a doctor by telephoning the surgery between 11.30am and 12 noon. If a doctor is not available then, for any reason, a receptionist will advise you that a doctor will telephone you when he/she is able to do so.

How Do I... Obtain A Home Visit?

We would emphasise that house calls are expected to deal with exceptional circumstances either because of severe frailty or immobility or for serious medical emergencies that require attention by a doctor. Please attend the surgery if you do not fall into these categories.

If you are unable to attend the surgery for medical reasons, the doctors will arrange to see you at home. Please remember that several patients can be seen at the surgery in the time taken to complete a house call, especially in a rural area such as that covered by the practice.

Please make requests for a home visit before 10.00am. The receptionist will ask questions to establish how urgently the doctor should respond. You may be telephoned by the doctor to discuss your needs. If you need an urgent visit please make this clear to the receptionist.

How Do I... Obtain Test Results?

When blood tests or other samples are requested as part of your treatment, you can telephone the surgery for the result, using the nurse admin direct line 01777 863457 after 2.00pm. The doctor will advise you of the likely timescale before the result is available.
In order to maintain patient confidentiality, results will only be given to patients themselves (or to parents of minors).