Appointments

Although you are registered with a specific doctor, you are free to consult any of the doctors or nurses. It is a good idea to try to see the same nurse or doctor for the same problem, so that your progress can be assessed and continuity of treatment maintained.

If you wish to see a doctor, please telephone or call at the surgery as soon as possible after 8.30 am on the day you wish to come. The receptionist will try to give you a convenient appointment with the doctor of your choice. If she is unable to give you exactly what you would like, she will suggest an alternative time or another doctor or that you see the Nurse Practitioner instead, or if you prefer you may try again another day. If the matter is urgent, you will definitely be seen that day, but not necessarily by the doctor of your choice.

Appointments to see a nurse, or for blood tests, may be made in advance. Please ask the receptionist.

Appointments may be made with one of the practice nurses for:

• ear syringing
• dressings
• removal of stitches

Home Visits

Home visits are rarely necessary except for housebound patients and the terminally ill. As it is much easier for us to conduct a proper physical examination and do any necessary tests in the surgery than at your home, it is in your own interest to be seen in the surgery if at all possible. It also helps us, as we can see several patients in the time it takes to do a home visit. It is safe to bring a child with a high temperature or a rash to the surgery, but please tell the receptionist when you arrive.

If you really cannot come to the surgery and would like the doctor to visit, please try to make the request before 10:30 am.

Telephone Advice

Sometimes you may want advice about a health problem or medication, or simply wish to talk to a doctor or nurse. If they are not immediately available, we will ask you for a telephone number and phone you back. It is helpful to let the receptionist know the nature of your query, so that we can have the relevant records available.