Appointments

The surgery operates an appointments system and appointments can be made by telephone or by coming into the practice.

Please note that an appointment is for one person only. If you have a number of issues to discuss, please ask for a longer appointment these are available on pre bookable only or you may be asked to rebook as consultations are limited in time.

We operate an "on the day" appointment system but future booking is possible up to 4 weeks in advance for early morning, afternoon or Saturday appointments.

For on the day appointments please ring the surgery at 08:00am. Please be aware that these are peak times and occasionally phone lines may be busy.

Telephone Consultations

We also offer telephone consultations with the GPs. Telephone consultations can be booked for discussing medication and discussing test results. To book a telephone consultation, please telephone the surgery as normal. Unfortunately we cannot give a give a time, please let reception know if you cannot take calls at certain times and we will try to accommodate you as much as we possibly can. 

Text Messaging

The surgery offers a free text message appointment reminder service. If you would like to sign up for this free service click here for our consent form. 

Cancellations

If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else.

Home Visits

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 10:00. Please call 01908 618265 option 1.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Children with mild fevers or rashes can usually be seen at the surgery in an isolation room.

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.

Please note that not having transport does not warrant a request for a home visit.

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.

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced).