Appointments
All the Doctors and Nurses work to appointments. Demand for appointments has increased over the years; we are still trying to keep up with demand and have made major changes to the appointment system to provide a better service. You can now book advance Dr and Nurse appointments on line (you need to register for Emis Access- bring a passport, driving license, or birth certificate for children/adolescents as proof of identity) We are also now trialling Health Care Assistant appointments,but please note you must have a valid blood test request form from a nurse or Dr. You can't just book in for any blood tests you would like to have!
Book in Advance Appointment or Urgent Access?
We run two types of appointment. In the mornings between 08:30-10:00, we have 10 minute slots available to Book in Advance, and of course you choose which Dr you see. If you have a complicated problem, or multiple problems, you must book a double appointment.
Between 10:30-11:30, we run Urgent Access. This means that if you present to reception between these times, and are prepared to wait, we will ensure you are seen by a Dr. This type of consultation is to deal with recent-onset problems, that are concerning or worrying you, which cannot wait for a routine Book in Advance Appointment. Due to the nature of the clinic, you cannot choose which Dr you see (exceptions may be made for certain female/male preferences where there is an alternative Dr available that day). They are not for chronic (ie longstanding) problems, nor for "lists" of problems as it is unfair to keep the other patients waiting
Extra appointments
If all the Book in Advance afternoon appointments have been taken, and your problem is clinically urgent, such that it cannot wait until the following day's Open Access Clinic, you may be asked to attend at the end of evening surgery. Certain problems can be allocated to 'Extras' by the reception staff directly, for example a request for emergency contraception.
In other cases the receptionist will need to discuss with the Dr-on-call whether or not the problem justifies an emergency slot. Patients attending as 'extras' will usually be seen in order of arrival unless there are special circumstances. Please be patient, as clinics often over-run.
On-line Booking
First you must register for Emis Access. Once complete, you will have access to advance appointments and also be able to order your repeat prescriptions on-line. Please note that it is not possible to secure Open Access appointments on-line. We would be grateful if you would please cancel any appointment that you cannot make in reasonable time, so that someone else may utilise it.
Please note that blood tests may only be taken in the mornings
therefore, do not book in on-line with a Nurse or our Health Care Assistant, in the afternoon, or you will have a wasted journey. Similalry, there are designated Well Woman Clinics, which we would prefer that you book into for cervical smear tests. If you wish to book in for an annual Diabetic Review, you need to book a double appointment in one of the general clinics in the morning, or a single in the designated Diabetes Clinic.
GOLDEN RULES FOR APPOINTMENTS
- If you decide that your appointment is no longer needed, please ring up and cancel so that someone else can have the appointment instead. •Does more than one family member need to see the doctor? If so, please make a separate appointment for each person.
- If you have several different problems to discuss, please make a longer appointment or separate appointments. Your doctor has only 10 minutes for each routine consultation, which includes recording the consultation and any prescriptions.
- If there is a possibility you have a contagious illness, you will be asked to wait in one of the treatment rooms away from the main waiting area. Similarly, if you are undergoing chemotherapy, please advise the receptionist you will place you in one of the treatment rooms.