GIBSON LANE PRACTICE

HOW DO I...
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Consultations are by appointment only. It is our policy to meet the Government's targets on access to both doctors and other healthcare professionals. Should you need to be seen we will ensure that you can see a doctor within 48 hours of your request and a healthcare professional within 24 hours. However, if you are not sure that a visit to the doctor is necessary you can access NHS Direct by ringing 0845 4647 or visiting nhsdirect.nhs.uk or ask our receptionist to arrange for one of our GPs or nurses to advise you over the phone.

If you do need to see a doctor, we respect your right to see the GP of your choice and will always endeavour to facilitate this. However, this may not always be possible as it will depend on the availability of that GP at the time you wish to be seen.

When booking an appointment the receptionist will ask for your name, address and date of birth. This is necessary in order to access your records. Please let us know of any change of address or telephone number without delay; failure to do so may mean that we are unable to provide you with the most appropriate access to healthcare.

If more than one member of your family requires a consultation please inform the receptionist so that sufficient time is allocated and records are made available.

The practice operates a triage system where all requests for appointments will be triaged by the GPs/practice nurses who will contact patients by phone to decide on the urgency of the appointment or if telephone advice would be more appropriate.

The morning triage operates between 8am and 12pm and the afternoon triage operates between 2pm and 5pm. Please only ring during these times for a routine appointment request. Please note the appointment line is closed between 12 and 2pm.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Patients can now book an appointment to see a GP on-line.
Details of how to access this service are available at reception at all sites.
NB. This service is only available to patients over the age of 16 due to data protection considerations.

CHAPERONE

If you would feel more comfortable with another person present when attending surgery for an examination, you may either bring someone with you, or ask a member of staff to be present.

PUNCTUALITY/CANCELLATION

Please let the receptionist know if you are unable to keep an appointment, as this time can then be used for someone else. Please be prompt when attending for appointments.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN A HOME VISIT?

If you are too ill to attend surgery please ring to request a home visit between 8.00 - 10.00am. The GP who visits you may not be the doctor of your choice.

Home visits are made at the discretion of the GP. Please do not request a home visit unless the patient is genuinely too ill to come to the surgery.

If the patient has a rash or raised temperature, attending the surgery will not harm or endanger others, but please inform the receptionist on arrival.

When requesting a home visit the receptionist will need to know your name, address and telephone number and basic details about your illness.

Please remember home visits are time-consuming and a GP can see several patients at the surgery during the time a home visit takes. The GP has staff and equipment in the surgery to give you better attention and more effective patient care.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN TEST RESULTS?

Results will be available between 11.00am and 3.00pm.