Appointments
Appointments System
Appointment slots are for 15 minutes for clinicians. Chronic disease management appointments are generally carried out by the nursing team and the appointment may vary in time depending on the condition. The receptionists will ask why you require an appointment for a nurse in order to establish which nurse you see and how long the appointment will be.
All appointments (excluding extended hours) are for on the day booking only. We are currently offering face to face and telephone appointments. Appoinments are available to book online and via telephone.
If your call is an emergency you will be asked to see the most readily available clinician. It is helpful if you telephone as early as possible for an emergency appointment and give the reception staff as much information as you can. This will be treated with total confidentiality and will help us to organise the surgeries with as few delays as possible.
Chaperone Policy
There are occasions when patients need to be assessed by a doctor or nurse which may involve intimate examinations.
We are committed to putting patients at ease whenever possible. If you wish a chaperone to be present during your examination please do not hesitate to ask the doctor or nurse.
Home Visits
Home visits are for patients who are too ill or frail to attend surgeries. Please try to request home visits by 10.30am.
Be prepared to give brief details of the problem so we can assess the urgency of the visit. It is appreciated if patients can attend surgery if at all possible. This is usually quicker for the patient and makes best use of the doctor's time.
It will not always be possible to see the doctor of your choice if you request a home visit. If the patient needs to be seen urgently please let the receptionist know.
You can 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.
Extended Hours
Please note the surgery offer extended hours appointments. These are appointments outwith our usual surgery opening times and can be pre booked. There is generally an extended surgery the first Saturday of each month (staffing permitting).
Please ask reception for further details.
Nurse appointments
ALL our Practice Nurse appointments are pre bookable and are available Monday to Friday. If you are calling the practice to book an appointment with a practice nurse please stay on the line to book an appointment.
We ask you to, very briefly, let reception know the nature of the nurse appointment your are bookign to ensure the appropriate time slot is allocated.
Cancel an Appointment
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.
Text Reminder Service
We have a texting service which allows you to receive important information regarding services etc from the practice.
Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.
Should you wish to opt out of this service please inform reception.
Opening Times
Training Practice
We have been a training practice for over 30 years and are committed to high quality GP training. GPSTs (General Practitioner Speciality Trainee) are fully trained, qualified doctors who have specialist training split between Practice attachment and time in different hospital posts. The Specialist training lasts 3-4 years and GP Trainees work in the practice for 6 months during year 1-2 of their training and also the last 12 months of their training. Some GP trainees require extended training and our practice also provides this type of training from time to time. GP trainees are qualified to have an active part in patient care and adequate supervision is provided. Training will include shared surgeries with the Trainer and GPST sitting in surgeries or sharing home visits. They also have to take part in a patient satisfaction questionnaire and patient help is greatly appreciated.
The Practice appreciates the support our patients give us with GPST training and welcome any feedback. If you have any comments of suggestions regarding GP training please contact: Ms Lorraine Thomson, Practice Manager, Dr S Toleman or Dr H Kinnon 01698 552930.