Oakleaf Medical Practice

HOW DO I...
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

At the practice we operate a computer appointment system. We aim to offer all our patients a routine appointment within 48 hours, therefore advance booking weeks ahead is not necessary. It is essential that all patients attend for their appointment not more than 10 minutes early. This will help the system run smoothly and reduce waiting times for all. If a patient wishes to cancel their appointment they should phone the enquiry line or appointment line and inform the receptionist. If a semi urgent appointment is required patients will be seen the following day - within 24 hours. These appointments may sometimes be necessary for patients suffering from chronic conditions such as COPD, Asthma, CHD or Diabetes.

If an urgent appointment is requested the receptionist may ask you about the nature of the complaint. If you feel able, please give as much information as possible as this will be passed on to the doctor.

All urgent cases will be seen on the same day.

You can make an appointment by telephoning 7137 8522, or, alternatively, by calling in to the practice. Routine appointments may be made over the phone any time after 10.00am. Only urgent appointments can be made between 8.30 and 10.00am.

Please give notice of a cancellation on the enquiry line (press 4) so the appointment can be offered to someone else.

ADVICE

If you require ADVICE ONLY from the doctor, please ring before 11.00am. Your number will be taken and a doctor will call you back. Alternatively, you may ring the surgery between 4.30 and 5.00pm.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN HOME VISITS?

Patients who are too unwell to attend the surgery may request a house call. These requests should be made before 11.00am. Only emergency calls will be arranged after that.

Before a house call is made the doctor will ring the patient to assess the situation. Patients may be asked to come instead to the health centre where better facilities exist for examination and treatment, and where invariably the patient will be seen sooner. Many concerns can be dealt with over the phone. If the doctor is busy dealing with another patient when you phone, a receptionist will take your details and the doctor will return your call as soon as possible, and always on the same day.

HOW DO I...
CHANGE MY DETAILS?

Please inform the reception staff if you change your address, name or telephone number.

HOW DO I...
REGISTER WITH THE PRACTICE?

Persons wishing to register with the practice must make an appointment to see our practice nurse. When making the appointment a New Patient Pack will be issued. The forms in the pack are for information and should be read prior to the appointment. All practice partners are involved in the decision of whether or not a patient is accepted onto the practice list.

All patients are registered with the group practice however they have the right to request to see a particular doctor. We endeavour to offer all patients the doctor of choice for routine matters, however for urgent matters this may not always be possible. If this is the case an explanation will be offered to you.