Appointments

Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor’s appointment. It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete’s foot. ​Many health care problems do not need a doctor or nurse. Other professionals such as pharmacists, opticians and dentists may be better placed to help.

It is important that everyone uses their GP and local Accident and Emergency services wisely.

To request an appointment :

• phone us during opening hours

When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.

Our consultation guide provides helpful information.

We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you. Our staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as our clinicians and they have no interest in your medical condition other than to direct you to the most appropriate member of the clinical team.

The surgery runs an Extended Hours Clinic. The clinic is run by a GP and our Practice Nurse for those who are unable to attend appointments during our normal consulting hours.

Please be aware that there is limited availability of these appointments therefore we kindly ask that those who are able to attend during normal surgery hours do not request these appointments.

Appointments for the extended access service are booked by calling the surgery reception.

If you are unable to keep your appointment to see the Doctor or the Practice Nurse, please let us know as soon as possible as this can be used as an appointment for someone else.

How to cancel your appointment:

• using the GP online system
• using our online cancel an appointment form
• phone us during opening hours
• reply CANCEL to your appointment reminder text message
• If you are late for an appointment you may be asked to re-book.

Find out more about the Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities on NHS inform.

Vaccinations help protect you and your family from many infectious diseases. You’ll be offered different routine vaccinations at different times, depending on your age and circumstances. For most routine vaccinations, your local health board will invite you by sending you a letter when you become eligible.You do not need to contact them to arrange your vaccinations.

You may be invited to a new location to receive your immunisations instead of your GP practice.

However you choose to contact us, we may offer you a consultation:

• by phone
• face to face at the surgery

Appointments by phone, can be more flexible and often means you get help sooner. One appointment – one patient. Always make sure that staff are aware that you are in the waiting room and please arrive on time for your appointment.

Please tell us:

• if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
• if you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, or by face-to-face
• if you need an interpreter
• if you have any other access or communication needs

Outwith normal working hours telephone services are provided by NHS 24 (via 111) and medical services are provided by GMED.

The 111 service provides urgent care information and support if you think you need A&E but its not life-threatening, and advice when your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

If you require urgent medical attention at any time please telephone the normal surgery number. If the practice is closed you will hear an answering machine giving you the number to telephone NHS 24. Please have a pen and paper ready and listen to the message carefully. You will be able to speak to a trained nurse about your problem. She may give advice over the telephone to enable you to deal with your problem. Alternatively she will contact GMED about you. If you need to be seen to receive medical attention you will be invited to attend a GMED centre where you will be seen by an on call doctor, paramedic or nurse practitioner. If your medical condition prevents you attending the centre, then you will be visited at home.

You may wish to note that all telephone contacts with NHS 24 and GMED are recorded.

If you are housebound and need an appointment, we will do a home visit. We will phone you first to understand what you need.

To request a home visit, it’s helpful if you phone the practice before 10am possible.