Emergencies and Urgent Appointments

Before booking an appointment with the doctor,
Please consider whether the following options would be more appropriate: -

• See an Optician for eye problems, Dentist for problems in the mouth and throat, Physiotherapist, Osteopath or Chiropractor for muscle or joint problems and Podiatrist for foot problems.
• When the surgery is closed, and you are not sure if you can wait until the surgery re-opens, you can ring NHS Direct for advice.  Telephone 0845 4647 or speak to your pharmacist.
• If you just need some telephone advice from the doctor, you can request a BOOKED telephone consultation and the doctor will telephone you to discuss your problem.
• Ring the surgery to speak with a receptionist to discuss who may be the best person to deal with your request.

This may be: -

• A telephone consultation with the doctor or nurse, especially if your request is urgent.
• A nurse appointment, for example to check blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, general health checks, elderly health checks and for vaccinations.
• An administrative request. You do not usually need to see the doctor for the following, unless advised to do so: first week self certification forms, DHSS forms, Housing letters, Blue Badge Parking forms, Immunisation Certificates, Council Exemption forms, Employment references, letters for employers, Insurance certificates. Some of these may incur charges.
• A routine or urgent appointment with the doctor.