Appointments

We run the Advanced Access appointment system. This means that wherever possible we try to see people on the day that they request their appointment.

We also offer pre-bookable appointments for those patients who wish to book ahead with non-urgent problems. However, it is worth remembering that the number of such appointments diminishes as the day of the appointment itself approaches. 

The specialist nurses and doctors are also available to give advice. over the telephone. If you wish to have advice on a particular problem the reception staff will take your telephone details and you will be called back later that day.

Some patients feel uneasy about waiting till the day they want to be seen to make an appointment. Please be assured that we keep an eye on the number of appointments that need to be made available each day and make every effort to offer an appropriate number of appointments. On Monday we start the day with between 150 – 200 empty appointments which are available to fill that day. Monday and Tuesday are by far our busiest days, with the end of the week being quieter. If you have a non-urgent problem you may find it easier to wait until the end of the week to make an appointment.

We appreciate that some patients find this appointment system inconvenient, particularly commuters or those with transport problems. If you are unable to use the “same day” appointment system please ask for a pre-bookable appointment. Please note that these appointments are limited and you may need to book up to a week in advance.

We provide a limited number of pre-bookable appointments after 6.30pm on Mondays Tuesdays and Thursdays. These are available for these who find difficulty with regular surgery hours. Basic reception services such as prescription collection and appointment booking are also available at these times.

Treatment Room, Women’s Health and Chronic Disease Clinics

Appointments with the Treatment Room nurse, the Woman’s Health clinic and for nurse monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma and hypertension can all be pre-booked. They do not have to be made on the day.

Home Visits

If possible please try to telephone reception before 10am if you require a home visit.

A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed arrange a hospital attendance.

House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or disability.

Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patients at the Health Centre.