Appointment Information
You have right to choose the doctor you want to see. The receptionist will assist with your preference.
Please try and keep your appointment. If you are unable to attend contact the surgery to cancel the appointment. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment without a good reason, you may be asked to rebook.
You can request double appointments if you feel that 10 minutes appointment slot is not enough.
Emergency Appointments
Please phone at 09:00 or 15:30 to be seen on the day.
Online Consultation
You can now consult with your GP Online. You will fill in a simple form and also find lots of information, advice and treatments. You can also get access to administrative advice without having to pick up the phone or even come in to the practice and avoid long waiting times on the telephone and beat the queues at the front desk.
You can send your form in between 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday – Friday. Your form will then be dealt with by the most appropriate member of staff who will contact you via phone or text
We aim to respond within 48 hours. If you become more unwell or need help more urgently, please call your GP. If your GP practice is closed, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. In an emergency call 999. Getting started is Easy!
Please note that Online Consult is not suitable for medical emergencies.
Cancel an Appointment
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else.
To cancel your appointment:
Call the practice on 02084 721600
Or use our Online Service
Chaperones
A chaperone is available on request.
Get fast help from a Pharmacist
Your pharmacist can help with various conditions such as minor cuts, sprains, aches, colds, headaches, rashes, cystitis.
Why Visit Your Pharmacy?
It’s estimated 50 million visits to the GP are made every year for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema and athlete’s foot.
But by visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble. Instead of booking and waiting for a GP appointment, you can visit your local pharmacist any time, just walk in.
Minor Ailments and Conditions Your Pharmacy May Help With
- mild skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, athlete’s foot
- coughs and colds, including blocked nose (nasal congestion), and sore throats
- bruises, sunburn, and minor burns and scalds
- constipation and piles (haemorrhoids)
- hay fever, dry eyes and allergies (including rashes, bites and stings)
- aches and pains, including earache, headache, migraine, back pain and toothache
- vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms
- period pain, thrush and cystitis
- head lice (nits)
- conjunctivitis, cold sores and mouth ulcers
- warts and verrucas
- nappy rash and teething
Getting the Most out of an Appointment
In Great Britain, patients on average have just ten minutes with their GP. The British Medical Association (BMA)‘s Doctor Patient Partnership offers the following advice to help you use this time effectively.
Be Prepared
Make a list of any questions or problems you wish to discuss before hand.
Take a pen and paper as you may want to note down important points.
Wear loose clothing if it’s likely you will need to be examined.
Be prepared to tell your doctor of any non-prescription medicines or supplements you are taking.
You can bring someone with you for support.
During The Appointment
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
If you don’t understand, ask your doctor to repeat it or write it down.
If you are prescribed a drug, make sure you know why it has been given to you, how long to take it for etc. Remember pharmacists are experts in medication and a very useful source of advice.
Be direct. If you have a problem that you find embarrassing or difficult to talk about, don’t leave it to the end of the appointment before mentioning it. Remember your problem is likely to a common one for your GP, who is there to help you.
One problem at a time
If you have several problems it is more effective in the long run to concentrate on just one problem during the consultation than to have to rush through a list of problems. Be prepared to make another appointment so that each problem can be given the time it needs to be sorted out.
Be on Time
Be on time for your appointment, or inform the surgery as soon as possible, if you wish to cancel your appointment.
Separate Appointments
Make a separate appointment for each member of the family.
Under 14 Year Olds
Accompany under 14 year olds. If however, a young person strongly wishes to be treated without his/her parent’s involvement, his or her confidentiality will be respected.
Home Visits
Please call the surgery as early as possible. Your call will be logged by the receptionist and the doctor will phone you back as soon as they can, if a home visit is not required you may be advised to attend the surgery. Remember the most problems are best dealt with at the surgery.
You can be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.
Language Translation Service
For patients who require assistance with language translation during a consultation with one of Birchdale Road Medical Centre Practice’s staff, we can organise for you a professional advocacy service so that a Health Advocate may assist you with translation during your appointment.
The Health Advocate, where clinically appropriate will translate via a telephone translation service, between the Clinician and patient. Telephone interpreters can be booked in advance.
This service is only available for pre-booked appointments. The advocacy service must be organised 5 working days in advance of your pre-booked appointment; please contact our reception staff who will organise this on your behalf.
Late For Your Appointment
Please attend your appointment on time, if you are late you may not be seen. If you are not seen you will not be able to rearrange your appointment until the next working day-except in the event of an medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Text Reminder Service
We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.
To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.
Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.