Appointments

Contacting the Practice

Where possible when contacting the practice  try to give the receptionist an idea of the nature and duration of your problem which helps us prioritise and ensures that you get the correct service, if required you may be signposted to a different service.

As a rule if you need diagnosing then you need to see the doctor. If you have a longstanding problem that needs monitoring .i.e. diabetes, asthma, blood pressure, heart disease then you need to see the practice nurse.

If you need health advice, immunisation, HRT, travel advice, stopping smoking, losing weight please see the practice nurse.

Appointment System

The first five appointments in every GP surgery are pre-bookable in advance. The remaining appointments in each surgery are only bookable on the same day. This appointment system is called “advance access” and was introduced by the current Government to meet NHS targets. It is supposed to reduce the number of appointments wasted by patients not attending. Many patients and doctors (including Dr Wood) preferred the old system which seemed to work fine! However until the Government changes policy we are stuck with it.

Top Tips For Your GP Appointment.

• Make a separate appointment for each person who wants to be seen.
• We will deal with one medical problem per consultation
• Do not ask for a repeat prescription during your appointment, please use the repeat prescription service. 
• If you cannot attend the appointment please telephone to cancel so that we can give the appointment to another patient.
• Small children often disrupt the flow of an adults consultation and where possible should be left with a minder at home.
• Turn that mobile phone off!