Abersychan Medical Group

Appointments.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT

The practice runs an appointment system.  You can make an appointment in person at the surgery during the surgery hours or by telephone.  Our new system has been running since August 2008 and has reduced our DNA’s (patient’s who make appointments and fail to turn up) by an average of 85 per month. 

The new appointment system enables patients to phone in on the morning (you are advised to call as close to 8am as possible) to enable you to get an appointment time with a GP on the same morning. For afternoon appointments, these can be pre-booked up to 2 weeks in advance.

Under the terms of the General Medical Services (GMS) Contract that came into effect on 4 Apr 04, we must provide the following Service:

1. A patient requiring immediate treatment must be seen by the first available Health Care Professional within 24hours (This may mean that they sit and wait their turn on a “first come first served” basis). Life Threatening cases should be immediately directed via the Emergency 999 Service.
2. The Practice should be able to provide pre-booked appointments with the first available Health Care Professional up to 2 weeks in advance. It is understood that these appointments shall fill up quickly during the day and a patient trying in the afternoon may be asked to call back the next working day.
3. The Practice should be able to provide an appointment with the Health Care Professional of “their choice” within 4 weeks. This time may have to be extended due to Bank Holidays, Personal Holidays etc. Please note that it is sometimes difficult to get hold of the GP of your choice due to very high demands of patients trying to see their favourite GP.

  If you find that you cannot keep your appointment, please let us know at the earliest opportunity. This will enable the Reception Staff to offer this appointment to someone else.

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS 

If all routine appointments are taken, but you feel you must be seen on the same day, please let the receptionist know and you will be seen by the first available doctor.  

However, please keep in mind that you may be in a long queue and is on a “First Come, First Served” basis.

DURATION OF APPOINTMENTS

Surgery appointments are for 10 minutes.  However, if you feel you need to discuss something at greater length, you can always ask the receptionist to make a longer appointment.

Please note that if you have other members of your family who wish to see a GP, you should request a separate appointment for each.

On some occasions you may be asked to make a longer appointment. Appointments for minor surgical procedures and joint injections will need an appointment with the nurse and the doctor for 20-30 minutes depending on the nature of the procedure being performed. 

Waiting time

We hope to see you at your appointed time but on occasions you may have to wait. This will be due to the doctor or nurse dealing with another patient. This can be frustrating for all involved but will keep you informed if there is a delay. If you have any queries please see the receptionist.

APPOINTMENTS FOR MEDICALS

If you have been asked to make an appointment for a medical, this will require a half hour slot. 

Please inform the receptionist that you wish to have a medical. Please remember to bring any documentation you have with you. Also please note that there may be a charge for some medicals performed in the surgery. Please check with the receptionist.

01/11/2008