Urgent cases are seen on the day
If your condition is not urgent, you can expect to see a GP within five working days, though you may have to wait longer if you want to speak to a particular GP. Please note, most of our GPs work part-time so there will be days when you will not always be able to see your doctor of choice. In this case, there is a duty Dr available at all times.
We have a system of GP triage to allocate appointments. We prefer to speak to you first by telephone if it is a new problem so that we can advise you if someone other than the GP is best to deal with your symptoms. This may be the Pharmacy, Physiotherapist, one of our nurses, our dispensary staff, or if very serious, we will recommend an ambulance. Your GP will discuss with you when you ring the most suitable time to come in to surgery (if necessary).
Advance booked appointments should be made where:
- GPs need to review or follow up from the last consultation
- additional time and preparation are required, e.g. for minor operations and screening such as coil fitting, postnatal checks etc.
- a patient needs to arrange release from work or school or to fit in with transport arrangements
Let us know if more than one person in the family needs to be seen. We can give you a longer appointment if necessary.
Tell us if you want someone to accompany you during an examination or a private room to discuss any matters. Remember that the results of tests can only be given to the patient.
Follow-up appointments for chronic disease clinics and treatment room nursing can also be made in advance. As these appointments can be made several weeks ahead, please note they may need to be changed due to practice circumstances.
Appointments with doctors are scheduled for 10-15 minutes. If you know in advance that you require more than the full 15 minutes, please advise reception when making the call.
You can help us by:
- Being on time for your appointment
- Letting us know if you need to cancel or will be late
- Calling for a home visit or urgent appointment before 10am
- Ringing for a repeat prescription during the dispensary open times
Telephone Consultations
Many consultations can be carried out over the telephone and we encourage patients to use this facility. It could be advantageous for patients living in isolated areas where a visit to the practice is difficult. If more consultations are done over the phone each doctor will be able to increase the number of patients they deal with in each session.
Video Consultations
We are currently piloting a video consultation system, the doctor/receptionist may ask if you’d like one instead of a telephone call. We require your up to date mobile telephone number and you must have access to either a smartphone or a computer with camera and audio.
Home Visits
House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or disability. If you require a home visit, please try to telephone reception before 11am.
A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed arrange a hospital attendance.
Please be aware you may be seen by one of our Community Paramedics who we now have working with us in the Practice.
Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patients at the Health Centre.
E-Referral (Referral Appointments)
If you are referred to the hospital, we will do this using the using the national e-Referral system. Occasionally, we can select the appointment for you in the consultation, but if not, we will provide you with details how to book the appointment. We have local contact centres in Cumbria for you to contact to make your appointment if you choose not to do it online.
Contact Centres
- North Cumbria hospitals 03447 760003
- Morecambe Bay hospitals 0845 055 9990
If you download the MyGP app, you can also book online once you have your initial information.
If you are referred for more urgent care, please read this Your Fast Track Appointment – what you need to know and you should be seen within two weeks. It contains details who to ring and what to do once your appointment is confirmed
For patients who experience difficulties with the booking system, our medical secretaries will work with you to ensure you receive your appointment. If you have any queries on your referral after the appointment has been made referral please contact the Booking Centres above for progress.
