Appointments

How to Book an Appointment

You can make an appointment in the following ways:

Our receptionists are available at the desk or by telephone Monday – Friday between 08:00 – 18:00.

We run an appointment system. Please telephone for an appointment on the day you would like to be seen if it is urgent. Please phone as early as possible in the morning after 08:00. In addition, we also provide a number of pre-bookable appointments for the doctor of your choice. Appointments are pre-bookable up to 4 weeks in advance.

Please try and arrange to see your usual doctor. Staying with the same doctor will improve continuity of care. In certain circumstances, for example in an emergency, it might be necessary to see whichever doctor is on duty.

Telephone Advice

The doctors are available for telephone calls at the end of morning consultations. This is generally between 11:30 and 12:00. In some cases, if the doctor is running late and unable to take your call, the receptionist will take your telephone number and he or she will ring you when suitable. The practice nurses are also available to deal with telephone calls.

Cancelling an Appointment

If you find you cannot keep your appointment then you should cancel well in advance by completing our online form, so that it can be allocated to another patient. Alternatively telephone us on 01752 206002.

Frequently Asked Questions for Telephone Appointment

How can you book a telephone appointment?

You can phone the practice to book a telephone appointment, you are able to pre-book a routine telephone appointment up to 4 weeks in advance subject to availability.   

Who will the appointment be with?

At the time you book your appointment, you will be informed if the appointment is with a doctor, an advanced nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professional.  

When will you receive your phone call?

You will not be given an exact time for your appointment. Instead, you will be informed if it will be morning or afternoon.

As it is very difficult to assess how long appointments will last and whether interruptions or emergencies will crop up, appointments may be delayed. We, therefore, do not give you an exact time as we can’t promise the exact time will be achieved. Patients who have online access are able to see the time of the telephone appointment, however, this is purely indicative of whether the call will take place in the morning or afternoon.

Why do I need to give a reason for my appointment?

This helps the receptionist book an appointment with the most appropriate clinician. Providing a reason also helps the advanced clinician or doctor to prioritise appointments if needed. Occasionally, a patient may ask for an appointment for something that needs far more urgent attention and the patient may be advised to go to A&E instead.

How will I know the call is from the doctor?

Unfortunately, you won’t. All our calls come from a withheld number.

What does the surgery advise if you have a telephone appointment booked?

We advise you to keep your phone charged and with you at all times. As we can’t say when exactly the doctor will call, it is important you can answer the call when it comes. We also advise you the call will come from a withheld number. The clinician will make a maximum of 2 attempts to call you.

If you are expecting a telephone call from a clinician, please ensure you are available and free to take a call during the morning or afternoon specified on booking.

What happens if you miss the call?

The clinician will make a maximum of 2 attempts to call you, if we are unable to make contact with you on the second attempt, you will need to contact reception to arrange a new appointment on an alternative day.

You have missed your telephone appointment but have not had any missed calls showing on your phone?

Firstly it is important to check we have the correct telephone number on record.

If this is the case, we believe you may not have any missed calls showing if your phone temporarily had no signal at the time of the calls. We have no other way of explaining this problem. The clinician will always record phone call attempts in the record.