Booking GP Appointments
Due to current pressures within general practice, we understand getting to see a GP may be difficult at times. We are continuously reviewing our appointment system and looking at ways in which to improve your access to a GP when you need it most.
From Monday 10 May, our GP appointment booking system was changed to same day, telephone booking access. This system ensures you will be called by a GP who can provide you with the most appropriate assistance. This may be a prescription, a face to face appointment or directed to an appropriate service. Some of our telephone appointment slots can be booked by patients online. However, please note that the time booked is not a guaranteed time of your call. You will receive a telephone call from the GP during the session that you have booked, ie morning session between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm, afternoon session between 2.30 pm and 6.00 pm.
We are looking at ways to incorporate e-Consultations, online bookings and early morning consultations into our new system and will update this information as soon as possible.
We understand and appreciate that change takes time and we would like to thank you in advance for your patience, help and co-operation. This will help us greatly to ensure that patients who need care from their GP can get this on the same day.
When you contact the surgery to make an appointment, our receptionists may ask you what the problem is. Please do not feel offended by this; the reception team are trying to navigate you to the most appropriate person to deal with your problem. We understand that on occasions you may not wish to disclose such information which we understand. We are as a practice trying to avoid the unnecessary use of GP appointments and minimise inconvenience for our patients.
Online Access – Adults
As a practice we recommend the NHSApp to access our online services, including booking appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions. The NHS App app can be downloaded from the Apple and Google app Stores. Other online access apps created by private developers are available and many offer additional options, which might include appointments with private providers. The practice has no control over the content of these apps and does not endorse any private services. The practice does not profit from any apps.
The blue highlighted link how to download the NHS app shows a video of how to download and register for online services.
If you wish to have access to your medical record online, once you have registered to book appointments and repeat prescriptions, please complete the Online Access Application Form Application form and consent for online services and return it to reception.
Online Access – Children Under 11 and Carers
This can be organised by completing the Proxy Access Online Services Form. Once authorised by the GP, you will be sent an email with a linkage key to allow you access.
Online Access – Children 11 – 16 years
You will need to download the Online Access Application Form 11-16. This will need to be completed and signed by the child, at the surgery, in the presence of a member of staff. Once authorised by the GP, you will be sent an email with a linkage key to allow you access.
How to get healthcare advice and assistance when the practice is closed
Out-of-hours services are available when the practice is closed, during the hours of 6.30 pm – 8.00 am.
What to do when the GP practice is closed:
- If you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency call 111
- If it’s a life-threatening emergency call 999
NHS 111 is the number to call when you need medical help fast but it’s not a life-threatening emergency.
Calls to 111 are FREE from landlines and mobiles
NHS 111 is available 24/7, every day of the year
When to call 111
You should call 111 when:
- you think you need to go to A & E or to another NHS urgent care service
- your GP surgery is closed and you need healthcare advice
- you don’t know who to call for medical help.
When to call 999
Call 999 for life threatening emergencies such as:
- Major accident or trauma
- Severe breathlessness
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe chest pain
During normal practice opening hours, the practice remains your first point of contact for all routine requests.
Cancellations
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.
Practice policy is if patients fail to attend 3 appointments we will ask you to come into the practice to discuss the reason.
For more information about NHS 111, go to NHS choices at www.nhs.uk