Updated Deember 2011
Please note, phone lines are open from 08:30 to 18:00
Our fax number is 01934 522 226
Christmas Closures
Over the Christmas period and New Years, we will be closed on the following days:
Monday 26th December 2011
Tuesday 27th December 2011
Monday 2nd January 2012
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the staff at Riverbank Medical Centre!
Staff Changes
We regret to inform you of the following staff changes:
- Dr Godbehere will unfortunately be leaving us on the 26th of Janurary 2012.
- Dr Darling will unfortunately be leaving us at the end of April 2012.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish them both 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!
'Flu Clinics
We are currently booking 'flu clinics, please call the surgery if you are eligable for a 'flu jab. If you are not eligable, you can obtain a 'flu vaccination at local chemists for a small charge.
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.
