Robert Darbishire Practice

Booking appointments

 

What's the problem?

When you ring to book an appointment, the receptionist will ask for a brief idea of the problem. If you prefer not to say, that's fine, just let the receptionist know.

Who to see?

You don't always need to see a doctor. We offer a wide range of services provided by our nurses and nurse practitioners. They often have more appointments available. If in doubt the receptionist can advise.

Whenever possible, we recommend that you see the same nurse or doctor each time for help with continuing care.

Arranging to see a nurse or healthcare assistant

You can make an appointment to see a nurse or HCA by telephone or by calling into reception. The length of the appointment depends on the reason for the consultation.

Arranging to see a doctor or nurse practitioner

If you think that you need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner, please telephone and the receptionist will ask you for a brief idea of the problem.

A doctor or nurse practitioner will call you back and consult with you over the telephone. We resolve many problems this way, but if they think you need a face to face appointment we can book this for you. This may be on the same day, or at a later date convenient to you.

Cancellations

If you have an appointment and are no longer able to attend, please let us know so that we can give the appointment to someone else.

Urgent medical problems

There are times when a medical problem can't wait for the next routine appointment, but it's also something that's not suitable for A&E. For these situations, you may be given an emergency appointment. Emergency appointments are five minutes and are for one problem only. Sometimes the emergency doctor has to deal with very ill patients and this can cause a delay, so please be prepared to wait.

For information about other services that can offer urgent help, see: In an emergency.

Arriving at the practice

When you arrive for your appointment you need to either:

If you do not let us know you have arrived then you will miss your appointment.

 

Practice staff member

Don't need your appointment?

Please cancel your appointment if you no longer need it. Over 100 appointments are wasted every week because people don't turn up.