Doctors Appointments
Like many other practice, we use a total triage system. This allows the clinical team to assess you over the phone and consider whether you need to be seen in person, have a telephone appointment or video appointment. This helps to ensure that everyone gets the type of appointment they need, and that you don’t have to travel to the surgery if you don’t need to. In many cases the issue can be as effectively managed with a telephone appointment rather than a face to face meeting. When you call in, the receptionist will ask you a series of questions using a template designed by the doctors. They will pass this information to the doctor who is triaging that day and the doctor will make the decision on what is best for you.
Telephone Appointments
Telephone appointments are a very effective way of consulting. Increasingly many consultations are conducted via the telephone as it allows for greater flexibility and helps to ensure we are protecting you by minimising face to face contact where appropriate.
Face to Face Appointments
Although telephone consultations may be appropriate for a high number of circumstances, there will be times when a face to face appointment is required. For example you may need a dressing or an examination. Where there is a clinical need for a face to face appointment, this will be organised for you.
Video Appointments
We are able to carry out appointments via a video call where an examination is required but does not need you to come to the surgery. In order to use this facility you will need to have a smartphone.
Remote Video Appointments
We are currently able to offer remote video appointments with a GP via LIVI. This is a service run by fully qualified GP's (not part of our practice) who are able to offer appointments both in and outside of the surgery's usual opening hours. You will need to download the app to use this service. Download the app.
Clinical Pharmacists
Our Clinical Pharmacists are able to carry out medication reviews, give advice on medicines and make changes to your medications when you need this.
Other Appointments
These are some of the things that can be dealt with by practice nurses and do not need an appointment with a doctor. Our receptionists will direct you to the most appropriate appointment and clinician.
Practice nurses can help with:
- Asthma, COPD (lung condition) advice and medicine management
- Contraception advice including oral contraceptive pill or contraceptive implant
- Coil removals
- Blood pressure checks
- Blocked ears / difficulty hearing
Social Prescribing
You may also find that you could benefit from speaking to our Social Prescriber.
Please speak to reception to organise this - you do not need to speak a doctor first.
Watch a video made by the NHS explaining the role of an SPLW: https://youtu.be/Iyr5FRdiKv8?si=vmo2-E5iCFzTyo3z
Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs) offer you time to talk about all non-medical concerns that matter to you.
“We will work with you to identify what changes you wish to make to improve your wellbeing and we will provide you with links into the local community. We aim to empower you to make positive and sustainable changes.
To be referred, please speak to any member of staff at your GP practice who will complete a referral for you.
After we receive the referral one of our team will contact you. We are not a crisis service, but we aim to make initial contact within 2 weeks.”
Eligibility Criteria
- You are 18 years and above
- You are experiencing social difficulties that are affecting your wellbeing
- You feel lonely or isolated
- You are experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood
- You are a Carer with no support for yourself
Additional Appointment Options
We are part of a local scheme that offers appointments via a central hub for additional evening appointments, weekend appointments and appointments on Bank Holidays. More information on how to access this service is on our Enhanced Access page.
If you need help when we are closed
- Use NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or call 111. 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.
- Out of hours information
- If it’s a life-threatening emergency call 999.
Try the NHS App
You can now use the NHS App, a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and your GP account on your smartphone or tablet.
You can use the NHS App to check your symptoms and get instant advice, book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record, access your Covid vaccination status and more.
If you already use online access you can continue to use it. You can use the NHS App as well.
For more information go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp