HOW DO I...
OBTAIN TELEPHONE ADVICE ?
Sometimes problems can be solved and advice given by speaking to the doctor on the telephone. The receptionist will be able to advise if the doctor you wish to speak to is taking telephone calls that day.
Telephone consultations are usually during morning surgery between 10.00am - 12 noon: Each doctor is usually only available for 30 minutes and will consult with as many patients as they can during that period. In addition the duty doctor will be available at 12.00 and 3.30pm each day. If we are not available you may be asked to call back at another designated time.
We are not able to accept non-urgent telephone calls before afternoon surgery and after evening surgery.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Please note that telephone calls made to the Health Centre and the out-of-hours service may be recorded.
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HOW DO I...
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ?
Please either call into the Health Centre or telephone (01458) 834100. Please note that we book the majority of doctors' appointments on the day. This can mean that the telephone lines are extremely busy at 8.45am. Please keep trying and you will get through, but the BT Ringback service should not be used, as it does not work properly when many callers are trying to get through.
Appointments for the nurses can be booked up to two weeks in advance.
We aim to meet Government targets for access to appointments and we expect patients will be able to see a primary care professional within one working day and a GP within two working days.
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HOW DO I...
OBTAIN A HOME VISIT ?
If you are unable to attend the surgery because of illness, a doctor will visit you at home. Please contact the surgery before 10.00am. (Urgent calls may be made at any time.) To enable the doctor to assess the urgency of the visit, please give the receptionist as much information as possible. The number to ring is (01458) 834100.
We would ask that home visits are only requested for those who CANNOT possibly get to the surgery because of illness. If the problem is one of lack of transport please arrange for a friend, relative or taxi to bring you to the Health Centre. Please remember that a doctor can see up to six patients in surgery in the time that it takes to do one home call. Patients can also be examined more thoroughly in a surgery environment. Please do not use this service for convenience.
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HOW DO I...
OBTAIN TEST RESULTS ?
If you have had blood tests or x-rays organised by the practice the doctor will contact you by letter or telephone if any action needs to be taken. If you wish to check your results you can contact the receptionist who will be able to check our computer. If you do want to telephone to check results, please ring after 2.30pm. Test results on average take a week to come back.
If you would like someone to contact the surgery on your behalf to obtain your results, then please advise the doctor or nurse who is taking the test to record their name on our computer. If you would like to give ongoing permission for this person to act on your behalf, then please discuss this with our receptionists who will give you a copy of our consent form to complete. This will then be recorded on the computer. If you do not give your specific permission, then, to protect your confidentiality, we will be unable to give out results to anyone except yourself.
Specimens are sent to the laboratory every weekday at midday. If you are asked to hand in a specimen, please ensure that we receive it by 11.00am (weekdays only). Similarly, if you need a blood test please make a morning appointment only.
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HOW DO I?...
CHANGE MY PERSONAL DETAILS ?
Please inform reception if you change your name, status, address or telephone number. You will be asked to complete a form to ensure that your records contain up-to-date information.
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