HOW DO I...
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Consultation is by appointment only and patients should make an appointment by telephoning during surgery hours or by calling in at the surgery. Patients are able to make appointments in advance for non-urgent conditions and we usually work six weeks in advance. However, we are constantly reviewing the appointment booking system in order to try and make it easier for patients to get an appointment to see their doctor quickly and easily and any future changes will be advertised in the surgery.

In addition to this, if your problem is genuinely urgent, you will be given an appointment the same day. You will normally see your own doctor but in their absence or if their surgery is already fully booked, you may be offered an appointment with another doctor. To help those people who need urgent appointments, please do not ask to be seen immediately unless you believe it is really necessary.

Please tell your doctor or nurse exactly how you are feeling. It might help to write down how you have been feeling (and when) and any questions you have, before your appointment. You will be helping us to diagnose your condition and to choose the right treatment more quickly. If you are unsure about what your doctor asks or tells you, please ask for clarification.
Please follow the advice given to you by your doctor or nurse.

Your doctor may not be the only one who can help you. If you are not sure which member of the team might be able to help, our reception staff can advise.

Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you are late, you may be asked to re-book your appointment.
An appointment is for one person only. If another member of your family needs to be seen or discussed, more time will be required and a separate appointment should be made.

Canceling your appointment:
If you cannot keep your appointment with the doctor or nurse, please let us know as soon as possible. We can make another appointment for you if required and fit another patient into your cancelled one.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN HOME VISITS?

Home visits are provided for patients too unwell to attend surgery. If possible, the doctors would prefer to see you at the surgery where we have all the necessary equipment and usually you will be seen quicker. Please telephone before 10.00am whenever possible to enable the doctors to plan their visiting effectively.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN A SICKNESS CERTIFICATE?

If you are absent from work due to illness for less than seven working days you need to complete a form SC2 (self-certificate). These forms are available from your employer or from the reception desk. If after seven days you are still unwell you will need to see a doctor who may then issue a medical certificate. For illnesses of less than seven days, a private certificate can be issued if your employer requires one. A fee is usually payable for this.