HOW DO I...?
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

We aim to provide a same day appointment for patients needing to see the doctor or practice nurse. There is a system of forward booking; this should be discussed with the practice manager or senior receptionist. Appointments may be made by telephoning 01652 632565.

We hope that the appointment will be with the doctor of your choice but of course this may not always be possible due to holidays and on particularly busy days.

We operate an appointments system at all our branch surgeries. Patients living outside of Barton can also enjoy the benefit of having a timed appointment rather than having to just turn up and wait to be seen. Avoid Mondays when at all possible. If you need to see the doctor for a medication review or follow-up appointment then ring us on Wednesdays or Thursdays which are our less busy days. Bearing in mind that we offer a same day service, we ask that you be flexible about the appointment time you are offered and do not demand a certain time of the day. The earlier you call us the sooner you will be seen.

We do guarantee that you will see a doctor on the day of your choice but you will need to ring that day. This is to reduce the number of “failed-to-attend” slots.

HOW DO I...?
OBTAIN A HOME VISIT?

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.