Appointments

PATCHS is our new online service where you can access advice and appointments online.

The process is simple and you can register here:

The symptom checker will ask you a number of questions to help to identify your problem.

Once the request has been submitted, you will then be contacted by the Practice Team.

The information you provide will be shared with our clinical team (where appropriate) and will assist in providing robust information of your problem to the required team member prior to your appointment.

All consultations are initially by telephone. The Clinician will ring you on the telephone number you have given.

If you do not have internet access appointments may be made by telephone during surgery hours.

Appointments are available between 08.30 am and 6.30 pm Monday to Friday.  Extended hours are offered from 7.30am on some days, please ask.

The reception staff are required to ask the reason for the appointment in order to book it with the most suitable clinician. Many routine matters (such as ordering repeat medication or repeat “sick certificates” for long-term conditions) can often be dealt with by the reception team.

Please note that we respect your right to privacy, and you do not have to tell the receptionist why you wish to see a doctor if you don’t want to. However, all surgery staff are bound by the same strict confidentiality rules as Doctors and it will help them to help you if can give them some information to pass on to the Doctor.

Please ask clearly if you would like a particular doctor, although this may mean you have to wait a little longer as some GPs work only part time. All our doctors have full access to your medical records and documents on our computerised system. If you would prefer a particular doctor, or would, for example, prefer only a female GP, please tell the receptionist when you ring.

Most appointments are for a fixed time usually 10 minutes. If you have several issues you need to discuss with the doctor, please ask the receptionists for a double appointment. They will need to ask you why you need a longer appointment as it will mean a delay for another patient. Our rule is “one appointment – one patient”. Please do not expect to have all your family members treated in one ten minute appointment.

Nurse appointments are pre-bookable. This includes immunisations, travel vaccinations and appointments for reviews for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma. Please note that families needing to book for travel vaccinations will always need multiple appointments. Please ask Reception for advice.

If you think you may need help with translation, you are very welcome to bring a friend or relative with you (18 and over only please!). Alternatively, let our reception staff know when you book and ask for a double appointment. All our doctors and nurses have access to the “Language Line” telephone translation service to help you. If you would like a British Sign Language interpreter, we are very happy to book one for you. Please give us as much notice as your problem allows.

If you arrive late for your appointment you will be asked to rebook. Patients arriving late for booked appointments are the main reason surgeries do not run on time and you are kept waiting past your appointment time. If you have booked a double appointment it is the time of the first appointment that will be used to decide this.

If you need a blood pressure reading, you do not need to make an appointment. Special automatic machines are available in the Reception Area. This will also measure your height and weight and calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index). You can ask a to make sure the reading is added to your record.

If the doctor has prescribed you medicine that you need to take continuously (repeat medication) for a medical condition such as blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, you do not usually need to make an appointment, but can request more using the form on the right hand side of your prescription. However, the doctor will still need to see you every few months or weeks to review your medication and make sure it is still right for you.

Some medications (especially some prescribed in hospital) need you to have regular blood or other tests to ensure your safety. It is important you have these tests or the surgery may not be able to prescribe further medication. Whoever originally told you to take a medication, clinical responsibility for prescribing rests with the doctor who eventually signs the prescription and so they need to be sure it is right for you.