The demands on your doctor's practice are constantly growing. Please be aware that our aim is to provide the best care we can for you. It does mean that the receptionist is there to help provide you with the most appropriate appointment.
The receptionist follows a protocol to help you to make the most appropriate appointment for your needs. They will, therefore, ask you if you would give them an idea about what you need to see the doctor for, although you are not obliged to divulge this, very often it will enable them to help you better. It can save you time ensuring that you are seeing the appropriate clinician for your problem.
The practice has several types of appointment available:
| Appointment Type | Doctor | Nurse |
| Emergency, same day appointments | ||
| Pre-bookable | ||
| Telephone appointments |
The emergency same day appointments should be used when there is an acute need; otherwise the wait will vary on the demand but will generally be within 7 working days. When your Dr has returned from leave or there is an epidemic this can be considerably longer but for emergency or acute need then you can be seen on the same day.
As a general rule you will require a doctor appointment if you need a diagnosis and to agree a plan to manage your health. However the nurses action procedures such as:
If you are too ill or physically unable to attend your surgery, arrangements can be made for a doctor to visit you at home. This may be the case if you have a disability and are housebound. Remember demands on the doctors are considerable and growing and a doctor can see several patients at the surgery, with all the advantages of equipment and appropriate lighting, in the time taken to complete a home visit so if you can attend the surgery please do so.
Should you wish to change to another doctor within the practice, please ask your doctor or at reception. You have the right to change your doctor without giving a reason. It is helpful if you also notify the surgery that you are leaving.