FAQ's
What can I expect from my doctor?
GPs or doctors at our surgery look after the health of people in the local community and deal with a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations.
Our GPs work with a team including nurses, health visitors and midwives, as well as a range of other health professionals such as physiotherapists and healthcare support workers. If a GP cannot deal with your problem themselves, they'll usually refer you to a hospital for tests, treatment or to see a consultant with specialist knowledge.
You have the right to be registered with our surgery, as long as you live within its catchment area. Visits to the surgery are free.
It is important to be registered with a GP as they refer you for specialist hospital and community treatment services if needed.
Can I see a different doctor in the surgery?
Yes. You can normally see any doctor within the surgery subject to availability. It is quite normal, especially if you need an appointment quickly to be offered an appointment with the next available doctor.
What do I do if I need to see a doctor outside of surgery hours?
The surgery has an emergency out of hours service. This service is only for urgent medical problems that cannot wait until the next day to be treated. You can contact this service through the normal surgery telephone number.
Can the surgery give me travel vaccinations?
The surgery can give you travel vaccinations. Some vaccinations may be free under the NHS, though there may be a charge for others. Consult the surgery at least two months before you plan to travel for advice and to arrange any vaccinations that you may need. This is because some vaccinations take time to become effective. Read more here.
How do I get an NHS medical card?
If you register with the surgery, you may receive an NHS medical card, which exists for NHS administrative purposes and lists basic details such as a your name, address, NHS number, registered practice and details of the local primary care trust (PCT).
When you register at the surgery, the receptionist will give you a form to fill in. When you have completed and returned the form, the local PCT will transfer your medical records to our surgery and write to you to confirm your registration as a patient with the surgery.
What if I need to complain?
If you disagree with the way your GP wants to treat your health problem, or you're unhappy about the service provided by the surgery, please tell us openly. However, if you feel unable to do so or you're unhappy with the response you receive, you may wish to make a complaint.
As a first step, speak or write to the practice manager Mr Adrian Down.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, or you'd rather not raise the issue directly with the practice, you can complain to the local primary care trust (PCT).