FAQ's

Is your receptionist clinically trained to ask me questions?

They are not clinically trained but work from an algorithm which helps them to select the most appropriate team member to address your medical problem. This may be the Duty clinician, Advanced nurse practitioner, your usual GP, a specialist GP, extended hours GP, the practice nurse or practice healthcare assistant. Please provide a short description of your problem to help us direct your query to the most appropriate person.

How can I reorder my repeat medications

Our preferred option is for you to submit via Patient Access or the NHS App. We are unable to take requests over the phone. Please allow 5-7 working days for your prescription to be processed. We will automatically send the electronic prescription directly to your nominated (usual) pharmacy.

Can I remain registered if I move outside of the practice catchment area?

Unfortunately not as we would be unable to contractually fulfil all our NHS GMS service requirements. As a practice we did not sign up to the new out of area service as we strongly believe it’s not in the best interest of our currently registered patients. We encourage you to find a new GP soon after you move as we are required to automatically de-register you one month after notification of a move outside the area. We recommend using NHS Choices to find your new surgery.

Why do you not issue a fit note free within the first 7 days?

The NHS does not provide fit notes (sick note) within the first 7 days. If you are unable to work due to illness, you can self certify for the first 7 days.

If you require a sick note to confirm your illness within the first 7 days we will need to provide this (outside of the NHS contract) as a private service, the fee for this is currently £40. 

How will I be informed of my test results?

Due to the large volume of results, we do not routinely contact patients to discuss results unless they require a specific action or will change the management of a condition.

Once the result comes back to the surgery from the laboratory, the requesting GP will "file" the result in the patient notes - which is essentially the GP acknowledging and interpreting the result in the context of the individual patient circumstances. At this point the GP may comment on the result, or take further action where necessary. This might involve arranging subsequent tests or contacting the patient in due course to discuss further management.  

If you would like to see the results, they will be visible on your NHS App once the GP has "filed" them. If you wish to discuss the results then please contact the surgery via e-consult or telephone to arrange a GP appointment.

It would help us deal with the large volumes of calls we receive daily if you are able to use the NHS App to view your results rather than phoning into reception.

If you do have to phone-in to chase a result, please be aware that our receptionists are not able to interpret the results and will only be able to read out the result, together with any comments that the GP has made. Please also note that the GP may not comment on every result, especially if they do not feel it is clinically significant. 

My consultant requested an investigation and I havent heard anything - can you chase the result please?

Any tests requested by your specilist will be sent back to your consultant for intepretation and further action as they see fit. Please do not ask the surgery to chase up these results on your behalf, you should liase directly with the specialist team, their secretary or the hospital "PALS" (patient advice liason service, accessed through the hospital switchboard). 

What does "Usual GP" mean?

All patients are attached to a registered GP also known as the usual GP. This GP is responsible for your health and wellbeing whilst registered at the practice. Although you are able to see other GPs within the practice for convenience, your overall care is coordinated by your usual GP and we feel that this continuity of care is important.  As well as helping you build a relationship with someone who knows you, it also maximises the effectiveness of any appointments, as less time is required going back over historic notes, and you receive a consistent treatment approach.

If I arrive late for my appointment will I still be seen?

You will usually still be seen if you arrive within 10 minutes of your allotted time. After this you will have "missed" your allocated appointment and be asked to rebook. Please try to arrive on time.

Why can’t you tell me ….about my family member?

Please be aware patients aged 16 years and over have the right to privacy and unless we receive signed consent by the patient to allow someone else to view and discuss their medical issues, we cannot share any information with you. There may also be times when clinicians use "Fraser competency" judgements to provide confidentiality for patients under the age of 16 years who ask us not to share information.