GP appointments and bookings

The way we access GP services has changed. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help you understand these changes:

How do I get an appointment?

The easiest and most effective method is to telephone our practice directly. Please do not email the Surgery to request a GP Appointment 

What is E-consult?

You can access e-consult via the Practice website. It lets patients consult their own NHS GP online by completing a quick form which is reviewed by the Practice. After reviewing your query, you will then be directed toward the most appropriate help. This might be some advice on self-help, pharmacy advice, an appointment with one of our Practice clinical team or another service. Your data is secure at all times - including during a video consultation or telephone call. E-consults are very useful if you have an administartove query i.e. require a sick/fit note.

What if I do not have access to a smartphone or web camera?

While technology has evolved and supports us all in so many different ways in our day to day lives, we appreciate not everyone will have access to a smartphone or web camera for a video consultation. We can still talk to you on your mobile phone or landline.

Will I need to wear a facemask if I come into my practice for an appointment?

To help limit the spread of the virus, we are asking for all patients aged 12 and over to wear a face covering when they come to the Practice. This doesn't have to be a face mask, but a cloth covering which covers your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head. You can find this additional information by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering

You may not actually need to be seen, with WebGP, you can submit an online assessment and get a response from a doctor by the end of the next working day. Give it a try, it may save you having to come in for an appointment.

Why do receptionists ask me questions about my health when I call, surely they are not trained to assess my condition?

Our receptionists will ask you why you require an appointment, they are not being nosey or trying to assess your condition. Our GP’s have requested that our staff ask these questions, in order to book you with the relevant clinician, that can deal with the condition you present with.

Although our receptionists are not clinically trained they are trained in the type of questions being asked.

SystmOnline is available to ALL our registered patients. Once registered, you can book your appointment(s) online.

To register for this service click here.

If you're already registered, click here to book your appointment(s).

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:30. If you require an urgent visit after 10:30 the receptionist will contact the doctor on-call for you.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient. If you fail to notify the Practice that you are unable to attend, you will be sent a letter informing you that you have defaulted from your appointment. Persistent defaulters maybe removed from the list.

You can also complete our appointment cancellation notification request form. This can only be used if your appointment has been arranged for more than 24 hours in advance. (excluding weekends and public holidays). You can also text to cancel your appointment.

Please attend your appointment on time, if you are late you may not be seen. If you are not seen you will not be able to rearrange your appointment until the next working day-except in the event of an medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

If you require an interpreter to attend with you when you see your Doctor please notify the receptionist and they will arrange this for you.

We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.

To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.

Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.

Please only use eConsult for administrative queries only.

If you feel you need to speak to a doctor please call the surgery and book a telephone consultation.

Thank you.