Appointments and Queries
Appointments System
You are able to access advice and appointments by using the Accurx online patient triage tool (link above)
We are using it to let you contact us online with queries to save you phoning the surgery. This should improve access on the phone for those who cannot or do not wish to use AccurX.
We hope for routine queries, sick notes, skin conditions and messages for clinicians it is a more convenient way to reach us.
We aim to reply within 1-2 working days, but you may find that we reply much quicker. Please remember this is not a suitable way of contacting us for something that is urgent for that day - please phone the surgery in this circumstance.
Sick notes / Fit Notes
Self Certification
First 7 days of illness
Self-certification
If you are off work for 7 days or less, you do not need to give your employer a fit note or other proof of sickness from a medical professional.
When you return to work, your employer can ask you to confirm you have been off sick. This is called ‘self-certification’. (The employer and employee will agree on how the employee should do this. You might need to fill in a form or send details of your sick leave by email.)
We cannot provide a sick note (Med3) to cover this period of time.
https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave
Fit notes and proof of sickness
Employees must give their employer a doctor’s ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) if they’ve been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.
If they are off work with any other illness, they can get a fit note from a GP or hospital doctor. If their employer agrees, a similar document can be provided by a physiotherapist, podiatrist or occupational therapist instead. This is called an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Health and Work Report.
We ask that wherever possible requests for sick notes/fit notes are submitted online providing as much detail as is possible.
Click Here to request a sick note
Nursing Team
Our practice nurses are specially trained to run routine clinics for certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD and asthma.
As each of our nurses specialises in a different area you need to book ahead with the most appropriate person.
Home Visits
We ask that wherever possible Home visits should be requested before 10.30 am. This service is only for those patients who are housebound.
Please remember that the doctor can see approximately six patients at the surgery in the time that it takes to do one home visit. Visits usually take place at the end of morning surgery. The receptionist will need to check your address and telephone number also a brief outline of your condition. The doctor will need to speak to you first over the telephone prior to visiting so please ensure you leave correct contact details.
Extended Access – Appointments Outside of Practice Hours
We currently offer early morning appointments at the practice on a Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 7.30am.
Role of Reception
Our receptionists are usually the first point of contact and are here to help. In most cases they will be able to help with your enquiry, ensuring you see the most appropriate clinician. Anything that you discuss with the receptionist or any other member of staff is treated in strict confidence.
At present we ask that wherever possible that you telephone in or use the online contact forms for your enquiries. If you are in the surgery building then please respect the privacy of others by standing well back from the reception desk until your turn.
The practice has a zero tolerance policy on violent and abusive patients. You have the right to be treated courteously, and the receptionist also has the right to be treated in the same manner by you.
Cancelling an Appointment
It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient. If you fail to notify the Practice that you are unable to attend, you will be sent a letter informing you that you have defaulted from your appointment. Persistent defaulters may be removed from the practice list.
You can also complete our appointment cancellation notification request form. This can only be used if your appointment has been arranged for more than 24 hours in advance. (excluding weekends and public holidays). You can also text to cancel your appointment.
Text Reminder Service
We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.
To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.
Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.