Appointments FAQ's
We regularly review our appointment booking system to provide, as far as possible, the highest level of service for our patients. We hope the following will help you to decide when and how to access your doctor.
How many appointments does my doctor have available each day?
Each doctor working a full day has 30, 10-minute appointments as standard.
How far can I book in advance?
We are able to book an appointment for you weeks ahead. We have 9 morning and 6 evening surgery appointments for this facility.
Can I book an appointment when the surgery is closed?
Registered patients can book their appointment with their registered GP via the telephone 24 hours a day.
To make your own appointment, simply call our main number and select the appointments option from the menu of choices you will hear.
To be able to use this service we must have your up to date home and mobile numbers recorded on our database.
How many 'Book on the day' appointments are there?
Each doctor has 9 (10.10-11.30) morning and 4 (4-4.30pm) evening surgery appointments available (except for Mondays when there are 14 in the morning and 12 in the afternoon).
What if I need to be seen urgently but there are no 'book on the day' appointments left?
All patients who have an urgent medical need will be seen the same day. We have 2 appointments per doctor reserved at the end of each day for such emergencies. In addition, the Duty Doctor will see any further 'urgent' patients at the end of evening surgery.
What if I don't need to be seen urgently but I can't get a routine same-day appointment?
We operate a telephone call system whereby the receptionist will take brief details from you and enter these on to our computer, which will then be accessed by your doctor who will then call you during the day.
When is the best time to call if I want to make an appointment?
Our telephone lines are open from 8am to 6pm. We experience a high volume of called between 8 and 10am. If you want to book an appointment in advance, you may find it easier to do this after 10am. However, book on the day appointments are filled rapidly, so you should try and telephone as close to 8am as possible.
How can I cancel my appointment?
i) From the home page of our website click on the cancel appointment option on the left menu.
ii) Use the automated booking service to cancel your appointment 24/7.
iii) Telephone the practice during open hours or visit the surgery.
Why do you have telephone triage?
When all routine appointments are taken, your details will be logged on to our computer system and you will be telephoned by a GP. After speaking with you the GP will be able to categorise your query as follows:
- Telephone advice
- Same-day appointment with a nurse
- Same-day appointment with the doctor
- Future appointment with the doctor
What if I need to see a GP when the practice is closed?
We are part of a local out of hours GP co-operative called South East Health who operate 24/7. If you have an urgent medical need that can not wait until the surgery opens, call South East Health on 03000 242424
If you merely need medical advice you can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47