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HOW DO I...
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
We aim to provide a mix of pre-bookable and book-on-the-day appointments to enable as much flexibility as possible. Around one third of our appointments are bookable up to three working days in advance with the remainder for urgent book-on-the-day requests. Advanced booked appointments are limited on our busiest days which are Monday and Friday.
Our pre-bookable appointments are usually before 10.30am and a limited number are also available in the late afternoon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. We ask that if your appointment is for a medication review or follow-up appointment that you try to book an advanced appointment rather than the same day.
Do bear in mind that while offering a same-day service, you may need to be flexible about your appointment time and choice of doctor.
TRIAGE AND HOME VISITING POLICY
The practice will provide, at the home of a registered or non-registered patient in its practice area, a home visit when, in the light of the patient’s medical condition, the doctor considers that such service is needed and would most appropriately be delivered in the patient’s own home.
Patients are requested to telephone before 10.30am if possible if a visit is required that day. The call will be received by a triage nurse who is specifically trained for the purpose of assessing clinical need and priority. The triage nurse will ask for as much information as possible to enable her to come to a decision.
She will use her skill to decide whether an appointment at the surgery, a prescription or advice from a doctor is more appropriate. If a home visit is requested, the details of the request will be passed to the doctor who will make a decision on whether to visit or not, based on the details provided, or will make personal contact with the patient for further details or will arrange to visit that day.
We encourage all patients to visit the surgery for their consultation. It is our firm belief that this is better for the patient clinically because we have specific equipment and support staff to facilitate this.
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