Doctor Call Back Service - Telephone Consultation
It is our aim to deal with problems efficiently and safely. This service allows easy access to medical advice and appointments.
You can continue to make routine and follow up appointments as before by telephoning 01822 852202.
However, the Doctor Call Back Service is for all patients and is available each morning. It helps to ensure that everyone has access to an appointment within 48 hours - usually we offer an appointment on the same day. Many problems can be solved without the need for you to come to the surgery.
Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded for quality and training purposes. Please be assured that, as with all consultations, confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
Below are answers to some common questions about the Doctor Call Back Service:
When is it available?
Each morning between 8.00am and 10.15am on 01822 852222 . After this time urgent problems are dealt with by the duty doctor.
What do I have to do?
Simply provide our receptionist with a contact telephone number and a doctor will ring you back within 30 minutes. Please tell the receptionist if you are not available within this time scale and they will record this for the doctor.
IF YOUR CALL IS VERY URGENT OR REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION, PLEASE TELL THE RECEPTIONIST!
When will I be seen?
If the problem you describe to the doctor is medically very urgent, you will be seen almost immediately - usually by the Call Back doctor. Otherwise we reserve appointments from 10.40am onwards every day for each doctor who is working. These appointments can only be filled by the Call Back doctor.
Who will I be seeing?
All doctors working that day will have available appointments. It is often possible for you to see the doctor you normally see. If you would prefer to see a male or female doctor this is almost always possible. Please note this flexibility is only available in the mornings.
Does my problem have to be urgent to use the Call Back Service?
NO! This service is available for ALL problems when used in the mornings. It is especially important to use it where we cannot offer you a "routine appointment" within the timescale you wish.
What happens if I want to speak to my usual doctor?
The Call Back doctor you speak to will have access to your medical records. We all work in similar ways and can usually deal with your problems. However, the Call Back doctor will be able to arrange a phone consultation or an appointment with your usual doctor if this is the most appropriate solution.
What do I do if I am unable to speak confidentially? (for example, telephoning from work in an open plan office)
Please tell the receptionist and the Call Back doctor will simply ring and offer you an appointment within 24 hours.
We find that we are able to deal effectively with more than 50% of requests on the telephone to the patient's satisfaction. This saves you time as well as us, but the system does not prevent you from seeing a doctor - you will always be seen by a doctor if you wish this.
Please talk to our reception staff if you have any problems using this service