Welcome to Riverbank Medical Centre

This website describes the services we offer and gives guidelines on how best to use them.
We hope you find it helpful and informative.

Please note, phone lines are open from 08:30 to 18:00.

Surgery doors open at 8:15 but please be advised appointments can only be booked from 8:30 onwards.

Patient Self Certification Forms

For SSP purposes, an employer is not entitled to ask for a medical certificate, signed by a doctor, for the first seven days of absence from work due to incapacity. The employee is only required to notify the employer of the incapacity and provide self-certification of their incapacity, in writing.

You can click here to download a self certification form.

Changes to NHS Direct

Please be advised that from 18:30 on the 19th February 2013 – The NHS Direct phoneline will change to NHS 111. Please call 111 to access this service.

For more information, click here.

Appointments System

Details on how to book routine/urgent appointments with a doctor or nurse can be found here.

We have found that many problems can be dealt with over the phone. This may save you a trip to the surgery. If the GP feels it would be more appropriate to see you, then you will be offered an appointment.

Some problems, such as minor illnesses and blood pressure checks, can be dealt with by our experienced practice nurses and healthcare assistants. This will free up more time for GP appointments to address more difficult problems.

Extended Hours

We run a pre-booked surgery from 6:30pm – 8:30pm on a Thursday evening for patients who cannot attend at other times. These surgeries are staffed by the doctors on a rota basis and therefore we cannot guarantee which doctor you will see. NB. Our telephones are not available during this period – in the case of a medically urgent problem contact should be made with the Out of Hours service (telephone number 0845 121 0235).

Waiting Times

It is our aim that you should spend no longer than 30 minutes in the surgery after the time of your booked appointment. Unfortunately there will be occasions when this time is exceeded as the doctor may have a complicated patient to see, an urgent admission to make or may even have to leave the surgery to attend an emergency case. We would hope you understand that we must afford these patients priority as you would expect it yourself.

When the doctor you are waiting for is running late or called away you will be informed by a receptionist if there is going to be a significant delay. You may, if you wish, be asked if you would like to wait, see an alternative doctor or make another appointment.

Emergencies & Out of Hours

If a medical emergency arises between 8.00am and 6.30pm, please contact the surgery on the usual number. Between the hours of 6.30pm and 8.00am, please contact the out-of-hours on 111. If an appointment is assessed as being required you will need to attend the emergency centre located at Weston General Hospital. This is operated on a strict APPOINTMENT ONLY basis.

IN THE EVENT OF A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION DIAL 999.

YOUR SURGERY

The building is wheelchair accessible, has toilets for the disabled and baby changing facilities. There is a hearing loop in the waiting areas.

There is limited free parking available (one disabled bay) – please park with consideration for others, taking note of the markings.

Chaperone

The practice has a policy of offering a chaperone during all intimate examination. You have a right to ask for a chaperone at any time if the doctor wishes to examine you.