Our Appointment System Explained
In response to patient comments and in an endeavour to improve our service, we continually review our existing appointment system.
Many enquiries can be dealt with by nursing or reception staff rather than a GP, but we will do our best to ensure you are able to speak to the most appropriate individual.
However, doctors’ availability varies from week to week depending on clinical, educational and annual leave commitments and we may therefore request that you see a different doctor on certain occasions.
When attending the surgery please check into reception. The receptionist will then make a note of your arrival on the surgery system. When the clinician is ready to see you, the TV Screen at the front of reception will indicate your name, the doctor or nurse you are seeing and the room number. If you are unsure about how the system works please ask – the reception team will always be pleased to help you.
Our clinicians will make every effort to see patients promptly and we will advise you of any lengthy delays.
Booking Appointments
Appointments can be made by telephone, on-line or in person. Routine appointments with a doctor will usually be available within one working day.
We have various appointment options available to you:
Pre-Bookable
We aim to offer bookable appointments up to 4 weeks in advance. This will enable you to book ahead when a review or routine appointment is required. Pre-bookable appointments are available at various times throughout the day to accommodate all patients.
Occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, these appointments may be subject to change.
Release on the Day
There are some appointments available for patients to be seen urgently. These are released each morning and can be booked by phoning the surgery. Please note these appointments are with the doctors available on the day and not necessarily with the doctor of your choice. Urgent cases will be seen the same day.
Telephone
If you would like to speak to a doctor or nurse in relation to a medical matter, please call before 11am. Reception staff may need to ask about the nature of the call in order to help prioritise your enquiry. We will then arrange for a doctor or nurse to telephone you back on a designated number.
Pregnancy
If you have a positive pregnancy test please contact reception to make an appointment with the Midwife. This appointment should usually take place when you are 6-8 weeks pregnant. Reception staff will then provide you with a maternity pack, which includes forms to be completed prior to your appointment with the Midwife.
Should you wish to discuss other options such as a termination of pregnancy, please book an appointment with a doctor. Please note, Dr Baldock-Grimes does not provide this service.
Babies and children
Please telephone the surgery first if you have any queries about the health of your child. Where necessary, we will endeavour to resolve any concerns promptly and arrange for them to be seen by an appropriate member of our team.
Length Of Appointments
We allocate 10 minutes for a normal appointment. If you have more than one problem to discuss, please ask the receptionist for a double appointment.
If you require more than one member of the family to see the doctor or nurse, please inform the receptionist at the time of booking.
*Please Note: one appointment is for one person*
We offer on-line appointments via Patient Access