Appointments during Coronavirus

We have remained open and continued to offer face to face appointments throughout the coronavirus pandemic. However, Due to coronavirus, we are working differently to protect staff and patients. Our telephone lines have not changed and are open between 8.30 and 6.30. Doctors, nurses and the clinical pharmacist are using telephone, video and online consultations to hold appointments with patients. If you ring reception for an appointment, the receptionists will signpost you to the next step. This may be a telephone consultation with your doctor who will decide if you require a video consultation or if you need to come into the practice to see your doctor.

If it is for a review of a chronic health condition or medication, your nurse, health care assistant or clinical pharmacist may carry out a telephone review or decide if you need to come into the practice. You will only be asked to visit the practice if your GP, nurse or clinical pharmacist feels it is necessary.

How do I book an appointment?

If you need to book an appointment, please do not go to the practice in person.
You can call the practice to make an appointment or you can book a telephone appointment online (through the website). We will then give you advice about the next steps.

How do I know if my problem can be managed without visiting the practice?

All requests for appointments will initially be dealt with over the telephone or online. We will decide what kind of appointment you need based on the information you give. You may be offered a telephone or video consultation.

In some cases you may be asked to visit the practice for an appointment if this is the best way to manage your medical problem.

Please ensure the practice has your up-to-date mobile/contact details.

Why do I have to tell the receptionist about my symptoms?

This is important to make sure that you are offered an appointment which best meets your needs. All health care staff are bound by confidentiality and the information you give us is used only for your care.

How does a video consultation with my doctor work?

We are now able to offer video appointments between doctors and patients. This is a new way of working for us all so we will do all we can to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.

Your doctor will let you know how to access your video consultation and provide you with instructions.

To have a video appointment, you will need a smart phone with a video camera and a good WiFi connection and/or data connection.

If you do not have a smart phone with a video camera, the practice will arrange a different way to support you.

Advice on face coverings and attending your appointment:

My doctor or healthcare professional has advised that I need to go into my practice for an appointment. How can I prepare?

Please do not arrive early to your appointment so that time spent in the waiting room can be reduced for your safety. If you arrive early, please wait outside the practice or in your car.

Please read any notices in the practice regarding social distancing to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Hand sanitiser is provided for your use and should be used when you enter and leave the practice. Please use the Self-Check-in to confirm your arrival.

Please wear a face covering to help protect others. This includes a scarf, mask or bandana that ties behind the head. If you are required to have a face to face appointment, you will be reminded whilst your appointment is being booked to bring a face covering with you.

Can my GP practice provide a face covering?

GP practices have limited supplies of surgical masks for their staff so are unable to provide these to patients.

Will my doctor and/or nurse in the practice wear a face covering?

Yes, all doctors, nurses and other health care professionals in the practice will wear surgical face masks to protect you. They may also wear gloves, plastic aprons, visors and in some situations, gowns. This is nothing to worry about and is to help protect you as they continue to provide care for patients.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Please come alone to your appointment unless you have a carer or guardian who helps you with your care or communication needs. This is so we can maintain social distancing for the safety of our patients and staff.

If you need a translator or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, please tell reception or your doctor prior to your appointment so they can arrange this.

Translators and BSL interpreters can also be arranged if you are having a video appointment.

How will social distancing work in my GP practice?

All practices are following guidance to make attending an appointment as safe as possible.

Please follow the social distancing measures that are in place at the practice.

If you arrive early for your appointment, please wait in your car or outside the practice to reduce time spent in waiting rooms for your safety.

If you need to use the waiting room, there are points clearly marked on the floors and distance between seats to maintain social distancing.

Please remember to wear your face covering. This includes a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head.