Consultation is by appointment only. Appointments are allocated for 10 minutes, which means that it is usually only possible to discuss one or two items per consultation. If you have several things to discuss that you think will require more than 10 minutes then please request a "double appointment". We can only see one patient per appointment slot.

We endeavour to see as many patients as possible with our current appointments system. Approximately half of our appointments are reserved as "book on the day" to enable us to see acute illnesses. If you wish to be seen on the same day, you should be prepared to be flexible with regard to whom, where and when you attend and you should phone as soon after 8.30am as possible.

The remainder of our appointments are "book ahead". These appointments are ideal for patients who have non-urgent problems they wish to discuss or who have been asked to return to see the doctor for review of an on-going problem. We release appointments for booking up to 4 weeks ahead of time which means that on most days, new appointments are released.

Please understand that we try to keep to time but emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances can occur which may mean you are seen later than appointed. Patients sometimes mention that they cannot see a particular doctor for several weeks. This may be because he or she is in particular demand, is attending a meeting or conference or is on holiday. Each of the doctors are registered to provide all general medical services and it may be that one of the other doctors can see you earlier.

Extended Hours

The surgery offers appointments outwith normal opening hours, with a GP or Staff, throughout the week. If you require one of these appointments please contact the practice for further information. 

If there are no appointments left by the time you contact the surgery and you feel it is essential that your problem is seen that day, our reception staff will ask you for some details in relation to your symptoms. They are not being nosey by asking you to provide this information; they are simply doing so in order to best direct you to the most appropriate clinician/service to deal with your ailments. Please assist them by giving as much information as you can.  It may be necessary for a GP to call you back to authorise the appointment.

We will endeavour to fit you in for an emergency 5-minute appointment but please be aware that this may result in a wait. Please do not expect to discuss non-urgent matters with the doctor during an emergency appointment. A routine appointment should be made for this.

We ask that patients with chronic conditions such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, asthma/COPD etc. attend the practice on an annual basis for review.

We also try to review patients repeat medication on a yearly basis. Therefore, you may receive a letter inviting you to the practice or a note on your repeat prescription to attend for review.

If you are unable to do so then please let us know and we will try to make alternative arrangements.

Advice regarding minor ailments is available from your local pharmacy. The NHS24 website and phone line are also good sources of advice. The new NHS inform service can be accessed online at www.nhsinform.co.uk or alternatively over the phone on 0800 22 44 88 (8am to 10pm).

If you wish advice from a doctor but do not feel a face to face appointment is necessary, please telephone leaving a message with the receptionist and the doctor will try to return your call later the same day. Please leave a brief description of your query unless you feel it is too personal to do so. The doctor on-call that day deals with any urgent telephone advice requests.

Telephone consultations are usually best suited to conditions about which you have previously consulted the doctor. Other subjects which would be ideal for a telephone consultation include:

• Medication queries
• Minor illness advice
• Discussion of results or hospital letters
• Depression review if recommended by the doctor at a previous face to face consultation

Any condition that requires examination is not appropriate for telephone consultation.

If possible please try to telephone reception before 10:00 if you require a home visit.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed.

You can be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient. If you fail to notify the Practice that you are unable to attend, you will be sent a letter informing you that you have defaulted from your appointment. Persistent defaulters maybe removed from the list.

You can also complete our appointment cancellation notification request form. This can only be used if your appointment has been arranged for more than 24 hours in advance. (excluding weekends and public holidays). You can also text to cancel your appointment.

Please attend your appointment on time, if you are late you may not be seen.

If you are not seen you will not be able to rearrange your appointment until the next working day-except in the event of an medical emergency that requires immediate attention.