Appointments

We kindly ask that all patients try and stick to one problem per consultation, where possible. The main reason for this is clinical safety.

We know that getting an appointment with the doctor is sometimes difficult and that some patients ‘save’ their problems and present them to the doctor at the same time, with or without a list. We also know that the clinician may run late. All of this increases the tendency for patients to present multiple problems to their doctor/ANP (advanced nurse practitioner) at one consultation.

Each appointment is 10 minutes long. Ten minutes really is not a lot of time, even for just one problem e.g. 1 minute to get to the doctor’s room and sit down, 3 minutes to tell a history, 3 to 4 minutes to perform targeted examination, 2 minutes to explain, advise and treat. There is no time left of the ten minutes to write up notes, fill out forms, dictate referrals or speak to other team members for advice.

Presenting the clinician with multiple problems means that there is a real increased risk that mistakes will be made and things may be missed as the clinician may be inclined to rush, particularly if other patients are waiting.

One of Primary Care’s main purposes is to detect serious disease early. Presenting multiple problems to the clinician, not all of which may be serious, increases the difficulty of this task, it is like finding the ‘needle in a haystack’.

Doctors cannot see huge numbers of patients with multiple problems and continue to practise safely and effectively. A stressed doctor will struggle to be a good safe doctor.

We do consider that GP appointments are a limited resource and we would kindly ask that such a service be used with care and consideration.

Therefore please do not be offended if the doctor asks you to re-book for your other problems. We are working in your best interests in order to keep you safe.

We do offer double appointments,  please ask receptionist or GP, if this is possible

To book your appointment please contact us online. 

If you are unable to complete an online request, please contact reception by phone or in person, who will assist you.

Please read before coming to your appointment

• Please switch off your mobile phone or text whilst in consultation
• Remember that you may be examined and make sure you wear clothes that can be easily removed. eg. don’t wear corsets if you have tummy pain
• Please take outer coat off before going into the consultation. Take children’s outer clothes off before coming into doctor’s room. Please try to re-dress children when you return to the waiting room, where possible.
• If you are asked by the doctor to return, please do so and don’t assume that your test is normal if you do not get recalled – the doctor may be expecting you to come back as instructed
• If you wish to make an appointment to speed up a hospital appointment, telephone the hospital in first instance or our practice secretary.
• If you have a list of things to discuss with the GP please mention the most important one first, as a further appointment may be necessary
• Remember – some doctors are not natural typists! so please be aware that the doctor may need to concentrate on ensuring information on your medical record during your consultation.
• Your appointment is only for the person whose name is on the appointment book
• Finally, try telling the doctor what is really worrying you at the beginning of the consultation

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation or examination.

Please request this at the time of booking, or speak to your GP or Nurse.

You must give your employer a doctor's 'fit note' (sometimes called a 'sick note') if you've been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.

Visit our Sickness Certificates page

You usually don't need to book an appointment to get your test results.

Find out how to get your results

Information and advice for travelling abroad.

Visit our Travel Information page

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible.

In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10.30am.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls.

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

Ask at reception for enhanced access information