Try to lead a healthy lifestyle. Remember, if you...
- Keep active
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Don't smoke
- Drink in moderation
...you might not need us at all!
Make sure you understand your treatment - ask questions if you are uncertain.
Patients are responsible for their own health and the health of their children, and should co-operate with the practice in endeavouring to keep themselves healthy. We give you professional help and advice - please act on it!
Do not waste time...
- If you cannot keep an appointment let us know promptly. We can then see another patient in your place, even at short notice.
- We expect that patients will understand that appointments are for one person only. Additional appointments should be made for more than one person.
- Be considerate and honest when asking for an on-the-day surgery appointment or home visit.
- Ask yourself if the problem can wait for a routine appointment
- Don't ask for a house-call unless the patient is truly confined to bed and would be at risk if moved by car or taxi.
Remember that house-calls are at the doctor's discretion. They are very time-consuming and we can see three or more patients at the surgery in the time it takes to do one house-call. Ask us for guidelines if you are unsure when it is appropriate to call us out during the day.
- It is important to bear in mind most medical problems are dealt with more effectively in the clinical setting of a well equipped surgery.
- Out-of-hours care (ie after 6:00pm or at the weekend) is for problems of an urgent nature that have suddenly and unexpectedly arisen. Other problems should be saved for surgery hours.
- Many problems can be solved with advice alone, therefore patients should not always expect a prescription.
- We ask that patients treat the staff and doctors with courtesy and respect. Bear in mind that reception staff have a very difficult job to do, juggling with limited resources and without specialist medical knowledge. They are trying to do their best for you.