**INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS BOOKING APPOINTMENTS** – Please bear in mind that appointments booked online via the NHS App, Online Consultation or Patient Access are not screened by the Practice. This means that if you have requested an interpreter on your booking we are unable to arrange this for you. If you require an interpreter please contact Reception by telephone.
**LATENESS POLICY**
Please be aware that if you arrive for your appointment over 10 minutes late you may not be seen.
Routine Appointments
You can request a routine appointment in the next 7 days by:
- Completing an online form.
This will be read by a member of the team within 2 working days. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm - Phone – Contact us
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm - Visiting the surgery and speak with a receptionist
We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm - Using the NHS App to book a screening test or vaccination
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with. We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.
Urgent Appointments
Emergency appointments are also available for genuine emergencies at the discretion of the staff or duty doctor.
- Phone – Contact us
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm
- Visiting the surgery and speak with a receptionist
We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm. When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with. We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.
Your Appointment
However you choose to contact us we may offer you a consultation:
- By phone
- Face-to-face at the surgery
- On a video call
- By text or email
Appointments by phone, video call or by text or email can be more flexible and often means the doctor or nurse can help you sooner.
We usually provide a telephone appointment and then offer a face-to-face appointment if needed. However, if you prefer a face-to-face appointment, please tell us.
If you need help with your appointment, please tell us:
- If there’s a specific doctor, nurse or another health professional you would prefer to respond
- If you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
- If you need an interpreter
- If you have any other access or communication needs.
Chaperones
We are committed to maintaining professional standards. For certain examinations during consultations an impartial observer, called a chaperone, will be required.
This impartial observer will be a practice Nurse, Health Care Assistant or chaperone trained receptionist who is familiar with the procedure and be available to reassure and raise any concerns on your behalf. If a chaperone is unavailable at the time of your consultation, then your examination may be re-scheduled for another time.
You are free to decline any examination or chose an alternative examiner or chaperone. You may also request a chaperone for any examination or consultation if one is not offered to you. The GP may not undertake an examination if a chaperone is declined.
The role of a chaperone:
- Maintains professional boundaries during intimate examinations.
- Acknowledges a patient’s vulnerability.
- Provides emotional comfort and reassurance.
- Assists in the examination.
- Assists with undressing patients, if required.
Cancelling or changing an appointment
You can cancel your appointment by:
- Using the NHS App or Patient Access
– Click here for details
- Phone – Contact us
– Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm
- Visiting the surgery and speak with a receptionist
– We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm
- Reply ‘Cancel’ to your SMS Text Message Reminder
Home Visits
If possible please try to telephone reception before 10:00 am if you require a home visit.
A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed arrange a hospital attendance.
House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or disability.
Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patients at the surgery.
When we are closed
NHS 111
If you are very unwell and you cannot wait until the surgery has opened, please call NHS 111 by dialling 111, and they will be able to advise on the care that you need. They can organise emergency services or an ambulance if needed. The NHS 111 is staffed by fully trained advisers supported by experienced nurses, pharmacists, and doctors. The NHS 111 service is available if you require urgent medical help, but it is not a life-threatening situation.