Appointments

We are generally very happy for patients to bring with them a carer, relative or even a friend. This often helps, particularly when they know you well and it allows them to tell us any observations they would make about you, which can help us in undertaking our assessment. Ultimately this will lead us more quickly to make an accurate diagnosis and therefore help you more.

Also, having someone with you means they can prompt you to ask questions that you may have forgotten, and after the appointment they can help in reminding you what was discussed.

Occasionally we might ask for them to leave but this would be unusual.

If you require interpretation services please contact us in advance of you appointment and we will arrange this.

We will always respect your privacy, dignity and your religious and cultural beliefs particularly when intimate examinations are advisable – these will only be carried out with your express agreement and you will be offered a chaperone to attend the examination if you so wish.

You may also request a chaperone when making the appointment or on arrival at the surgery (please let the receptionist know) or at any time during the consultation.

You have the right to accept or refuse treatment that is offered to you, and not to be given any physical examination or treatment unless you have given valid consent. If you do not have the capacity to do so, consent must be obtained from a person legally able to act on your behalf, or the treatment must be in your best interests.

Your valid consent (agreement to the course of action) is needed for the treatment that’s offered to you before any physical examinations or treatment can be given. If you haven’t given your consent, you can accept or refuse treatment that’s offered to you.

It’s important to be involved in decisions about your treatment and to be given information to help you choose the right treatment. When making treatment choices, you’ll often discuss the options with your doctor or another healthcare professional.

Please inform reception if you suspect an infectious disease, as this will enable us to deal with it appropriately during your visit to protect you, other patients and staff. 

Each GP appointment is of a 10 minute duration which is sufficient time to deal with one problem. If you have more than one problem, you may be asked by the GP to make a further appointment.  Nurse and Health Care Assistant appointments vary in length and the receptionist will advise how long you need.

If you require an interpreter to attend with you when you see your Doctor please notify the receptionist and this will be arranged.

During your care, a doctor may need to examine you in order to provide you with the best care. Occasionally this may involve an examination of intimate areas. We understand that this can be stressful and embarrassing. If this sort of examination is necessary:

• We will explain to you why the examination is necessary and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
• We will explain what the examination will involve, including whether you can expect it to be painful or uncomfortable.
• We will obtain your permission before carrying out this examination You will be offered a chaperone.
• At all times we will respect your privacy during the examination and while dressing and undressing.

Your doctor and the nursing staff will be happy to discuss any concerns you have about this.

The surgery operates a non-attendance policy, as well as a late attendance policy, which means if you do not arrive at all or you arrive to late to be seen, we will write to you about the defaulted appointment. In exceptional circumstances, due to consistent non-attendance, you might be asked to register with an alternative practice.

Medical examinations for special purposes such as pre-employment, fitness to travel, elderly drivers, fitness to undertake sports etc, will require longer than a routine appointment.

These examinations do not form part of NHS Services, you will be charged for any such examination. Please check the fee chargeable when you require to arrange any such examination.

We use a text reminder system to remind our patients of their appointments and also to send you information from time to time so please ensure we have up to date contact information for you at all times – if we do not have your mobile telephone number then please let us have it and if you change your address or contact details we need to know. If you do not wish us to do this, please let us know in writing.