Appointments

Surgery Times

Appointments (approx 10 mins) can be made by:

• using the internet to access our online services via the link at the top of this page. You will need to request a username and password which can only be done in person at the practice because your identity needs to be verified. Once a member of staff has given you a username and password, wait an hour before trying to log into the website.
• telephoning (01833) 690408 between 08:00 and 17:30 (Thursdays 08:00 -14:00)
• calling at the surgery between 08:00 and 17:30 (Thursdays 08:00 -14:00)

At busy times, i.e. 08:00, it is inevitable that the telephone number will sometimes be engaged, PLEASE  keep dialing or telephone at a quieter time.

Although most appointments are pre-bookable, to accommodate urgent demand for appointments each day, a number of appointments remain un-bookable until 08:00 on the day.

If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else.

Special Requests

Most appointments are 10 minutes duration. If you feel you need longer please ask for an extended appointment. If you have any special requirements when attending the surgery please inform reception, for example if you have a special need, or would like a chaperone.

Telephone Consultations

If you do not need a face to face consultation and think your problem can be dealt with over the phone, please ask for a telephone appointment

Please note

Accidents and emergencies are accommodated as soon as possible.

The reception staff have a difficult job to do arranging the day so that as many patients as possible are seen. They are pleased to help and anything you tell them will be treated in the strictest confidence. You may be asked about the nature of the problem, this is so that you can be directed to the most appropriate professional. Please help them to help you.

When We Are Closed

If it is a life-threatening emergency call 999

If you need medical help fast but its not an emergency call 111.

NHS 111 is available 24/7, every day of the year.

Home Visits

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 01833 690707 before 11:00 to allow doctors to plan their visiting. Please telephone (01833) 690707 or get someone to call at the surgery. The receptionist will ask you in confidence about your illness to help the doctors decide priorities.

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.

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced).