How do I see my Doctor?

We run an appointment system at each surgery. Appointments can be made in person between 8.30am and 6.00pm, or by telephoning between 8.00am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. We offer appointments from 8.30am but individual doctors' times vary according to other commitments at the other branch surgery etc. If your request for an appointment is not urgent, wherever possible would you please telephone the surgery after 10.00am. Your co-operation would be appreciated.

If your doctor is unavailable due to annual leave then you are able to request to be seen by another doctor in the Practice or a locum tenens.

Out of hours service

As this Practice usually uses a deputising or co-operative service for its out of hours commitment, patients may be required to attend the treatment centres at either 35 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth or Poole Hospital, Longfleet Road, Poole. Your telephone calls will be recorded. If you require a Doctor in an emergency out of surgery hours, then please telephone 0845 600 1013.

What if I need the doctor urgently?

Out of surgery hours please ring 0845 600 1013. If you phone the surgery out of hours you will be given the out of hours telephone number by the answering machine. This number is as quoted previously 0845 600 1013. During surgery hours please ring 01202 697307 (Broadstone) or 01202 841288.

NHS Direct

You may contact NHS Direct for health advice on 0845 4647

How do I request a home visit?

Please remember that home visiting is very time consuming for the doctor and we would be grateful if you could come to the surgery whenever possible. If a visit is necessary, it would greatly assist the doctor if you would request this before 10.00am. Your own doctor will endeavour to visit you whenever possible. The doctors hope to complete their rounds by early afternoon but are sometimes delayed by emergencies etc.Please inform the receptionist if you feel that a visit is more urgent.

Can I speak to my doctor on the telephone?

The doctor may not be able to speak to you during surgery unless your enquiry is urgent. The doctor will usually be able to ring you back after morning surgery by arrangement with the receptionist.

E-Mail

We are happy to communicate with our patients using the e-mail address on our Home Page. However, it is not a suitable means of communication for urgent matters and patients are advised to telephone in such circumstances.

How do I get the results of any tests I may have had?

You may telephone the surgery for the results of tests but please remember the following points:

1. Results will only be given to the specific patient to whom they apply. In the interest of confidentiality please be prepared to identify yourself. Please do not telephone for results of friends or relatives without prior arrangement (written consent may be required).
   
2. The surgery tends to be at its quietest after 3.00pm and the receptionist will have more time to deal with your enquiry. Checking results is time consuming and requests at other times may result in you being asked to call back after 3.00pm.
   
3. You will need to know the specific test results that you require. Some tests take longer than others to process. If you have had several tests then the receptionist  will not necessarily know whether all the results are back unless you identify them.
   
4. Please do not expect the receptionist to have any medical knowledge. They are instructed only to tell you if the test is normal. If any test is abnormal or you require further discussion or interpretation then please refer to your doctor.

What about repeat prescriptions?

Please give two working days' notice.

If your doctor agrees, you may obtain repeat prescriptions without seeing your doctor by placing your repeat prescription request form in the box provided in the lobby - please ensure you have ticked your requirements. If you are unable to come to the surgery then please send your request by post, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

Unfortunately requests for prescriptions cannot be taken over the telephone due to the risk of errors occurring and, in addition, as this may block the 'phone for urgent calls. If you receive regular repeat prescriptions, your doctor will ask you to make an appointment from time to time to monitor your medicaion.

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