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 later evening surgery (6.30-8pm) on a Thursday 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. These appointments need to be pre-booked. 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.
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 may, if you wish, be asked if you would like to wait, see an alternative doctor or make another appointment.
A receptionist will inform waiting patients of any significant delay.
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.
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.
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.
Updated May 2012
Please note, phone lines are open from 08:30 to 18:00.
Although doors open at 8:15am, on day appointments are only bookable from 8:30am.
Our fax number is 01934 522 226.
Staff Changes
We regret to inform you of the following staff change:
- Dr Darling will unfortunately be leaving us at the end of May 2012.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best for the future!
Advice for Keeping Warm in the Winter
- Heat the living room throughout the day and the bedroom just before you go to bed. Remember to close windows and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.
- Get up and move around a bit. Any kind of activity, such as doing the vacuuming, gets your circulation going and makes you feel warmer.
- During cold weather, regular hot meals and drinks will provide warmth and energy.
- If you have a older neighbour or relative, look out for them during the winter to make sure they are safe and well.
- Use several layres of thin clothing; thermal underwear can beat the cold. Warm thick tights or long socks are a must with slippers.
- Look out for yourself and others, and remember to wrap up warm!
Ear Syringing
Please note that ear syringing is not an urgent procedure. You will be required to see a doctor first who will advise you whether or not you need a nurse appointment.
ONLINE REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
You can now request your repeat prescriptions online. simply visit the surgery and ask at reception for more details on how to register. Please note however that this system is intended for non-urgent, 48 hour repeat prescriptions only. The website for ordering repeat prescriptions can be found at: https://www.emisaccess.co.uk/
IMPROVED SYSTEMS
Telephone Appointments - If you book a telephone appointment, please ensure you are avaiable to take the call and your line is free up to one hour after your allotted time. The doctor can only attempt to call you twice.
Pre-booked Appointments - All our doctors have appointments which are pre-bookable in advance (most up to 4 weeks ahead). Please note that no doctor works every day.
Sit & Wait Surgery - Please phone at 8:30am for a routine on-day appointment. If you have an urgent problem and there are no on-day appointments available, please phone before 12pm latest. You will then access the Sit & Wait service. You will be asked to arrive at the surgery at 12 noon and will be seen by the next available doctor. If you requested a telephone appointment, please ensure your phone is on and the line is free between 12pm and 3pm, as the doctor can only attempt to call twice.
Home Visits - If you think you need a home visit you MUST phone before 10:30AM. A doctor will phone you back and assess. Requests made after 10:30AM will not normally be seen that day.
Extended hours - Have been available every Thursday evening from October 2008 6.30 to 8.30pm. These appointments are for pre-booked routine problems and are mainly to accommodate those patients who work and are unable to attend the surgery at any other time. For urgent appointments please contact the surgery in the usual way. We will have two healthcare professionals in the surgery at this time; you will not be able to book with a specific clinician during this surgery.
Minor Illness Nurse - Elaine is highly skilled and trained in minor illness. If you ask for an on day appointment you may be booked with her.
Nurse Appointments - Need to be booked in advance. If you need to have stitches removed or wounds dressed, please book these in advance to ensure an appointment.
Cancellations and Non-Attendance - Due to a high level of last minute cancellations and patients not attending we request that you give us at least 24 hour notice if you need to cancel your appointment.
Commuter Appointments - Are available each day for each doctor on duty. These can be pre-booked in advance at 5.30 & 5.40. These are kept available for patients who work outside of Weston ie Bristol/Taunton.
Reception Staff - To make the most of your appointment please be guided by our reception staff as to the best practice member to see and the best way to book. You may also be asked if a face-to-face appointment is required or whether a telephone consultation will suffice. It has been increasingly popular for GPs to deal with queries that do not require an examination over the phone.
If you are already under the care of one particular practitioner it is always best to see them however this is not always possible.
The practice would like to thank the various advertisers who have helped to produce this Website. However, it must be pointed out that the accuracy of any statements cannot be warranted, nor any products or services advertised, be guaranteed or endorsed.
