Appointments

Patients can see the doctor of their choice by telephoning or calling at the surgery to book an appointment.  Telephone between 08:30 – 10:00.  The practice nurse is available while the doctors are in surgery between 09:00 – 11:00 and 14:45 – 16:00.

Telephone Advice

You may telephone and speak to anyone at the practice for advice.  The doctors are usually available after 11:45.  The receptionist may ask you for a contact number if the doctor is unavailable when you call.

Non English Speakers

If you need an interpreter please inform the receptionist which language you speak when you book your appointment, and we will happily arrange this for you.

Cancellations

If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else.

Home Visits

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:00.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)

Physiotherapists

We Have two new  First Contact Physiotherapists James and Glenn attached to the Practice

If you have soft tissue, muscle or joint pain please book directly with physiotherapists, you do not need to see  the GP first.  Appointments are available Monday all day, Tuesday and Thursday. Ask the receptionists

The role of First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) in Primary Care is to assess people with soft tissue, muscle and joint pain and to decide on the most appropriate management pathway.

FCPs are physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Patients will be able to book directly through reception for the following conditions:

• All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
• Arthritis – any joint
• Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
• Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
• Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g. pins and needles or numbness
• Changes to walking
• Post-orthopaedic surgery
  
• Plus any locally agreed criteria as we embed the service e.g.
  
• People with persistent or long term painful conditions with a recent flare up

People who would be best seen by their GP

• If acutely unwell
• Children under 16
• Medical management of rheumatoid conditions
• Women’s health, antenatal and postnatal problems
• House-bound patients
• Medication reviews
• Neurological and respiratory conditions
• Headaches
• Acute mental health crises
• Patients who do not want to see a FCP

The Practice have 2 new First Contact Physiotherapists James and Glenn

If you have any of the following soft tissue, muscle or joint pain please book directly with physio, you do not need to see  the GP first.  Appointments are available Monday all day, Tuesday and Thursday.

FCPs are physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Patients can book directly through reception for the following conditions:

• All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
• Arthritis – any joint
• Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
• Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
• Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g. pins and needles or numbness
• Changes to walking
• Post-orthopaedic surgery
• Plus any locally agreed criteria as we embed the service e.g.
• People with persistent or long term painful conditions with a recent flare up

Bookable appointments for physio at reception: See appointments tab on website for criteria.