Appointments

Appointments

This page tells you how to see or speak to a doctor or nurse.

You might:

• Speak to them on the phone
• Get help online
• Come in to see them if needed

What happens when I phone?

Mondays and the day after a bank holiday are very busy.
You might need to wait a little longer.
If your problem is not urgent, it helps us if you call on another day.

Emergencies 🚑

Call 999 or go straight to A&E if someone has:

• Severe chest pain
• Signs of a stroke
• Very bad bleeding
• A serious injury
• Broken bones
• Sepsis (a very serious infection)

If you are not sure if it is an emergency, phone 016973 20209 and press 1 for the Emergency line.

If it is NOT an emergency

Press 2 when you call.

You will be asked:

• Is it urgent today?

What is the problem? (just a short explanation)

Urgent problems (need help today)

If it is urgent:

• Your name will go on a triage list.
• A doctor or nurse will phone you back the same day.
• They will ask questions and decide what to do next.
• They might send you a text so you can send photos.
• If needed, they will book a face-to-face appointment.

Try to phone before 4pm if you need help that day.

Routine problems (not urgent)

If it is not urgent:

• You will be offered a phone appointment sometime in the next week.

Booking appointments

Receptionists cannot book you straight in with a doctor or nurse.
This is because they are very busy and need to make sure the sickest people are helped first.

The more information you give the reception team, the better they can help you.

You can also book:

• Telephone appointments
• Nurse appointments

Using the NHS App or the My GP App.

Walking in

If you come to the desk to ask for an appointment,
you will usually be put on the triage list and asked to wait for a doctor or nurse to call you back.

If someone is in immediate danger or badly hurt, they will be helped straight away

Online Services (Using the Internet)
You can use the internet to:

• Book a doctor’s appointment
• Order your medicine again

It is very safe. Only you can see your information if you keep your login details private.

To start using it, ask someone at reception for your own username and password.
New patients will get these details automatically.

Online Triage (Getting Advice Online)
You can use this service to get advice if your problem is not urgent.

If you need help quickly:

• Call 111 for urgent problems
• Call the GP surgery

Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency