How to use the Practice

Appointments

Appointments can be made by telephoning or calling at Warwick House. Each day a few appointments are set aside for urgent problems. In this way we hope to be able to see everybody promptly. As all of our doctors are part time and work on different days, you may find that on any particular day, you can be seen more quickly by one doctor than another.

We operate an extensive computer system, which holds all of your detailed records, so any doctor will be able to access your records on any occasion. However, for the sake of continuity, you may feel that it is better to wait a little longer to see the same doctor again if you are returning for an additional consultation regarding the same bout of illness.

Although we run an appointments system, some appointments do overrun and delays do sometimes occur. We appreciate that this may cause inconvenience at times. Please be patient; you may require the extra time one day! Appointment times generally follow the published schedule, but may vary with holiday cover.

Appointments are precious and patients who do not arrive for their appointment waste an opportunity which others could have used. If you are unable to keep your appointment please let us know, so that another patient can be seen.

Home Visits

If you are too ill to come to the medical centre you will need to arrange a home visit, please try to telephone between 9:00 - 10.30a.m. This helps us to plan our rounds. Details will be taken by one of our receptionists.

Emergencies

One of the effects of the new contract between General Practitioners and the NHS which came into force on 1st April 2004 is a change of responsibility for the out of hours service.

Telephone Enquiries

Each doctor has a contact time every day when you may speak to them on the telephone for advice. Please telephone early in the day for details of the contact time. Often the receptionist can help with queries, and save the doctor's time.

Laboratory results

Laboratory results are received by the practice at 2.00 every afternoon. If you simply want test results telephone after 2.0 p.m. and the receptionist may have a message for you.

Confidentiality

Every contact with a doctor is confidential, The information which results is held on our computer and is your information which will be released only with your consent. For more information see our confidentiality policy.

Repeat Prescriptions

In order to avoid mistakes, repeat prescriptions must be requested in writing, in the case of multiple item prescription forms, clearly indicating which items you wish to be prescribed again. We no longer operate a telephone service for repeat prescriptions

Please either post, fax (338181) or hand in your request for a prescription at the reception counter.

All requests will be dealt with within 48 hours by the surgery. If you require your prescription to be dispensed by the chemist please allow longer.

We do have a secure mechanism for requesting prescriptions over the Internet using a username and password mechanism. This facility needs to be switched on for each patient who requests it; if you are interested please ask at reception, or ask your doctor.

Private services

Some medical services are not covered by the NHS, for example; insurance reports, reports for solicitors, for these services we have a schedule of fees
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Last updated 3/1/2009