Booking appointments
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What's the problem?
When you ring to book an appointment, the receptionist will ask for a brief idea of the problem. This is so that they can offer you the right type of appointment, with the right person. 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 practitioner. They often have more appointments available. Sometimes the reception or administration staff will be able to help with your query, e.g. for test results or enquiries about letters or forms. If in doubt the receptionist can advise.
For ongoing problems we recommend that you see or speak to the same nurse or doctor each time, wherever possible.
Arranging to see a nurse or healthcare assistant
You can make an appointment to see a nurse or healthcare assistant by telephone or by calling into reception. The length of the appointment depends on the reason for the consultation, so the receptionist will ask.
Arranging to see a doctor or nurse practitioner
If you think that you need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner please telephone us before 12 p.m. You can also phone any time before 5 p.m. but occasionally if we are unusually busy (e.g. if GPs are absent through illness) then you may be asked to call back the next day.
The receptionist will ask you for a brief idea of the problem and book you a telephone consultation for that same day. The doctor or nurse practitioner will call you back. Many problems can be resolved this way, saving you a visit to the surgery.
If the doctor or nurse practitioner thinks that you need to come in to the surgery they will book an appointment for you. This can be on a date convenient to you. If they think your problem is urgent they can arrange to see you on the same day.
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
If you think your problem is urgent, please tell the receptionist. Everyone that requests an appointment will have a telephone consulation on the same day. If the doctor or nurse practitioner needs to see you they will book an appointment for you, which will be on the same day if they think the problem is medically urgent.
If you are asked to come in on the same day, then sometimes the doctor will only be able to deal with the urgent problem. If you have other problems then you may be asked to book a further appointment. Sometimes there can be a delay if it is busy or if the doctor has to deal with very ill patients, 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:
- use the 'arrivals touch screen' in the waiting room - just type in your gender and birthday
- or check in at reception
If you do not let us know you have arrived then you will miss your appointment.
