Dr R J B Bowering
Dr M P Varshney
Dr R M Darling
Dr J L Godbehere

Riverbank Medical Centre

Walford Avenue
Worle
Weston-super-Mare
North Somerset
BS22 7YZ

Tel: 01934 521133

WELCOME TO THE PRACTICE

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

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday
8:15am - 6:30pm

APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

Riverbank Medical Centre aims to offer a GP appointment to everyone requesting an appointment, whether for routine or urgent problems. Please phone at 8.30am for all morning appointments and 12 noon for all afternoon appointments on the day you wish to be seen.

There is a selection of pre-bookable appointments morning and afternoon available up to four weeks in advance for each available GP. These are mainly for working people or those who need to pre-plan their appointments - please do not request these if you are able to be seen at a flexible time.

Practice nurse appointments are all available up to three months in advance.
When requesting an appointment you may be offered several options:

• an appointment with a GP or practice nurse
  
• a telephone consultation with a GP or practice nurse
  
• an appointment at a later date with the doctor or nurse of your choice

If you need to see a GP we will aim to offer you an appointment with the GP of your choice but please bear in mind that individual GPs are not available 100% of the time.

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 PA or practice nurses. This will free up more time for GP appointments to address more difficult problems.

EMERGENCIES & OUT OF HOURS

If an 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 0845 121 0235. 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 and a portable unit for the hard of hearing.

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.