HOW
DO I...
MAKE
AN APPOINTMENT?
We are able to see you by appointment only. Please telephone us on (01702) 466340
or call into the surgery personally Monday to Friday.
A normal appointment is for 10 minutes and is intended for one person. Please
make a separate appointment for each person to be seen.
In the event that you need to be seen by a doctor the same day, our receptionist
will arrange for you to be seen but not necessarily by the doctor of your choice.
Please telephone before 10.00am where possible.
The doctors and nurses will do their best to keep to time but illness is not
always predictable and unforeseen events may cause us to run late, in which case
we apologise. Our receptionists will keep you informed of any delays. If you
wait more than 30 minutes to be seen, please speak to a receptionist.
Cancellations And DNAs
Please do not waste appointments. Please, please let us know in good time if
you no longer need yours. We do not want to record you as a DNA ("Did Not Attend"). Many precious appointments are wasted weekly.
HOW
DO I...
OBTAIN
A HOME VISIT?
We encourage patients to attend the surgery whenever possible as you will be
seen sooner and under more suitable conditions. However, if you feel that you
need a home visit, please contact the surgery before 10.00am The receptionist
will take some brief details and speak to the doctor on your behalf or the doctor
may speak to you.
HOW
DO I...
OBTAIN
A REPEAT PRESCRIPTION?
IN ACCORDANCE WITH HEALTH AUTHORITY RECOMMENDATIONS WE ASK YOU NOT TO TELEPHONE
FOR REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS.
Those patients who take medication regularly will be given a repeat prescription
printout with each prescription. When you wish to repeat a prescription tick
the relevant items on the printout and return it to reception, either by hand
or post.
If you would like us to post it back to you, please enclose a stamped addressed
envelope. If for some reason you do not have the printout, write your request
clearly in block capitals. Include your name, address and telephone number and
either post it, put it through our letterbox
or hand it in at reception. Please destroy all old repeat forms and use only
the current one.
Allow TWO CLEAR WORKING DAYS for your request to be processed, SEVEN if requesting
by post. If you require additional items, which are not included on your printout,
your prescription may be subject to delay.
Your doctor needs to review your treatment periodically and will ask you to attend
the surgery when this is necessary.
HOW
DO I...
MAKE
A COMPLAINT?
Do tell us about any complaints or misunderstandings
as soon as possible to allow us to deal with them promptly.
Our aim is to give you the highest possible standard of care. We welcome any
suggestions on how we might improve the service you receive. In the event that
it does not meet the standards you expect, please advise our practice manager
Mrs Rita Barber.
This practice, in accordance with PCT guidelines, upholds a "Zero Tolerance" policy
with regard to abusive behaviour. Any person who is abusive to doctors, staff
or other patients will be removed from the practice list.
Our local PCT is Southend Primary Care Trust which is based at Harcourt House,
Harcourt Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6HE. Telephone (01702) 224600.
The PCT Patient Advisory Service (PALS) can be contacted on Tel: (01702) 224642.
HOW
DO I...
OBTAIN
TELEPHONE ADVICE?
Telephone advice is available from our doctors and nurses. Please ask our reception
staff if you require a telephone call and they will be happy to arrange this
service.
HOW
DO I...
OBTAIN
SICK NOTES?
Under government sick pay regulations, no doctor's medical certificate is required
for an illness lasting seven days or less.
A self certificate form should be completed if the illness lasts between four
and seven days (including Saturday and Sunday). These are available from your
workplace or your local benefits office and some job centres and main post offices.
If the illness lasts for more than seven days then you do need to obtain a medical
certificate from the doctor. If your employer requires a doctor's certificate
for an absence of less than seven days, then a private certificate may be issued
by your doctor for which there will be a charge.
HOW
DO I...
OBTAIN
TEST RESULTS?
Please do not ring the surgery for test results. Instead, make an appointment
with the doctor or nurse 8-10 days after the test was done.
HOW
DO I...
REGISTER WITH THE PRACTICE?
To register, make an appointment with the practice nurse for a registration check. At your registration appointment, the nurse will discuss your medical history and undertake blood pressure, height and weight checks and also carry out a diabetic check. You will need to know the name and address of your last doctor and your NHS number to complete your registration.
HOW
DO I...
CHANGE MY PERSONAL DETAILS?
Please keep us updated. If we do not have your current name, address and telephone number (landline and mobile), please let us know. It is important to let our reception staff know of any changes so that your records are kept up to date.
