Registration

Patients register with the Practice by completing the relevant registration form, on which may be indicated their Practitioner of choice.

Appointments

Make an appointment at Reception or by telephoning 858128. We run the Advanced Access system which means one can book with a doctor of choice up to six weeks in advance or phone on the day for a same-day appointment. Once clinics are full the Extras are shared out among all doctors in on that day. Patients can also book online using the EMIS Access system.

Home Visits

These are offered if patients are too ill to come into the surgery. Request a visit by phoning 01225 858686 before 10 am. Be prepared to give some details to Reception staff as this helps doctors to assess patients' needs.

Cancellations

Please inform the Practice as soon as possible so that unused appointments can be offered to someone else. People who do not attend, waste doctor time and incur delays for other patients.

Emergency Contraception

Patients can be seen without delay. Please inform a Receptionist if this is your need. Should you not wish to give details at the front desk, a short note handed to a Receptionist will ensure your further privacy.

Telephone Advice

Indicate to Reception that you would like a telephone consultation with a Doctor or Nurse. Same-day requests will be allocated to slots in the Duty Doctor's sessions. Routine requests for a particular Doctor will not necessarily be returned on the day of request, but will be booked into the first available slot for that Doctor.

Should you need advice and are unable to get through to the Practice you may wish to telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647. NHS Direct is a 24-hour confidential helpline, staffed by nurses providing advice and information.

Obtaining Test / X Ray Results

Telephone Reception on 01225 858686 after 2pm when the staff will be able to help you.

Emergency Out of Hours

Out of Hours cover is provided for both B&NES and Wiltshire patients. If you need urgent advice out of Surgery hours phone 0300 033 99 33. If the doctor on call thinks you need to be seen, you will either be invited to attend the centre responsible for your care or a doctor will make a home visit. Out of Hours runs:

Monday – Friday: 6pm – 8am

Saturday – Sunday: 24 hours

Parking

There is a large parking area behind the Practice and we have permission to use part of the ‘Fat Friar’ car park which borders the Practice. This is by courtesy of the owners so please use these spaces only for the time you may be at the Medical Centre. Special spaces are allocated for disabled parking, both here and immediately in front of the main entrance.

Disabled Access

A ramp and automatic door have been installed at the entrance for wheelchair users and there is also a specially adapted toilet. There is a Loop system at Reception. If you wear a hearing aid, turn it to the T-position and tell Reception staff. A portable mini-loop system can also accompany hard-of hearing patients in the Doctor’s consulting room should you need one.

Practice Area

A map of the area covered by the practice is on the wall in Reception. If in doubt, please ask for advice on whether you live within the Practice area.