OBTAIN
TELEPHONE ADVICE?
If you need to speak to the doctor,
the best time is between 12.00 noon and 1.00pm. Alternatively, speak to the receptionist
who will advise you. Doctors and practice nurses will not be able to speak to patients on the telephone
during surgery times, so please avoid those times.
HOW
DO I...
MAKE
AN APPOINTMENT?
You can ask the receptionist to make an appointment. We make every effort to see
patients with urgent problems on the same day, but for less urgent problems please
be prepared to wait longer. We will endeavour to ensure that patients requesting
medical attention are seen by a health professional within 48 hours.
You may consult with any of the doctors, though please bear in mind that it is often best to complete a course
of treatment with the same doctor.
We operate an appointment system for all weekly surgeries, on a one patient, one
appointment basis. There are a number of appointments, which can only be allocated
on the day.
It is better to discuss one problem per appointment rather than storing up a list
of ailments. If you think that you need more than one standard ten minute appointment
please inform the reception staff when booking your appointment.
Appointment times can only be approximate. We will try to run to time but it is
inevitable that patients sometimes have to wait . Diagnosis often needs time-consuming
examinations and tests. Treatment often needs discussion and explanation.
HOW
DO I...
OBTAIN
A HOME VISIT?
If you are too ill to attend
the surgery but need to see the doctor, it helps if you can telephone before 11.30am.
Babies and children can usually be brought to the surgery. Please advise the receptionist
of your symptoms. The doctor cannot make judgements and come properly equipped
if an explanation is not given. The doctor usually visits after 2.00pm.
HOW
DO I...
OBTAIN
TEST RESULTS?
Please telephone the surgery
after 2.00pm for results; the secretary will be able to tell you your results.
Samples are sent away for analysis and results can take varying lengths of time
to come back to the surgery. You may be asked to make an appointment with the
doctor to discuss your results in person. Please note that for reasons of confidentiality,
results will only be given to the patient concerned, unless that patient is considered
a minor in the eyes of the law.
