Frequently Asked Questions
“I had to wait half an hour, why?”
We never know what kind of problem is going to come through our surgery door. Some can take a lot of sorting out and require longer than the allotted time. We cannot just ask a patient to leave because “Your 10 minutes are up”. We would give that time to you if you needed it. Please be patient with others.
“I was asked to make another appointment for some of my problems”
We try and deal with matters as comprehensively as possible but if there are an undue number of different issues, dealing with the more minor ones will result in other patients having to wait too long. This is particularly the case when you are being seen for urgent problems where the shorter appointments are not suitable for many “while I am here” problems.
“I never see the doctor on my medical card”
That is up to you. You can see any doctor you please subject to availability. Any of the partners can be “your doctor” irrespective of the doctor named on your medical card. There might be one you feel more comfortable with than others. Go to that one. Nobody minds.
“I was made to come to the surgery”
With modern transport it is possible for most people to come to the surgery, even children with temperatures who we can arrange to see on arrival. A far greater number of patients can be given quick attention in this way. With better facilities in the surgery, we can provide you with a higher standard of care than at home. The house call service is solely for those who are medically housebound.
“I can never get through. They won’t answer the telephone”
However many telephone lines we have, however many receptionists, there will never be enough for the busiest times of the week and we cannot always tell when those busiest times will be! Afternoons are generally quieter. If you ring to get an appointment just after 09:00 on a Monday morning you will quite likely find the number engaged. Don’t give up, just dial the number a few more times and you will slot in. Use the recall facility on your telephone (Press 5 after an engaged tone) and you will rarely be kept waiting for long. Better still, if the matter is not urgent leave it until a little later when the phone is less busy.
“I had to make an appointment; all I wanted was a prescription.”
By issuing a prescription the doctor has to be satisfied that you need what is written on it. Unless fully satisfied, we are required by law to obtain further information. Patients are asked to obtain medication from chemists where possible. Doctors have been instructed not to issue prescriptions for antibiotics over the telephone.
"I had to pay!"
Most services offered carry no charge. But some do involve a fee as set down by the BMA. These include private medicals, HGV, pre-employment, fitness for sporting activities such as sub-aqua diving etc, private certificates, private medical care forms, some vaccinations and vaccination certificates, passports and various other documentation not covered under NHS contracts.
“I wanted antibiotics and the doctor wouldn’t give me any”
Antibiotics are issued on prescription to patients with bacterial infections. When used properly they can save your life. If used repeatedly for more minor ailments, resistance becomes more common making them less effective for all when they are really needed.