Appointments

The surgery operates an appointments system. An appointment for the GP or the practice nurse can be made in person at reception via telephone or online (please ask receptionist for details)

All patients have the right to request an appointment with a GP of their choice, and we will ensure whenever possible that you are accommodated.

All appointments with the GP are for one person only. If two members of a family are to be seen two appointments are required. All urgent cases will be attended to on the same day. In order to access the urgency, the receptionist may ask about your problem.

Additional GP Appointments may be available when we are busy

During normal GP practice hours if we are fully booked for that day, we may be able to offer you an alternative appointment with a GP based in one of the locations listed below. If you contact us on the usual practice number we will advise you of alternative appointments that are available and aim to book you in at the most convenient location for you.

Huyton – Nutgrove Villa

Kirkby Primary Care Resource Centre

Halewood Primary Care Resource Centre

Whiston Primary Care Resource Centre

Medical Students

This practice is a teaching practice, and it may be that a student will be in attendance whilst you are having a consultation with the doctor and/or the nurse. You will always be advised if a student is going to be present. If you do not wish a student to be present during your consultation please advise the receptionist. This information will then be relayed to the GP prior to your consultation.

Cancellations

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.

Home Visits

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:30.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls

You can also be visited at home by a community Matron 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.

Care at The Chemist

This is a service provided by many pharmacies in your area; you can visit your local pharmacy and join this valuable scheme. It can save you time waiting for a prescription from your GP and waiting for an appointment when treating minor ailments.

The pharmacist can give advice and treatment on a number of minor ailments including, sore throats, hayfever, diarrhoea, coughs, constipation, head lice and cold sores to name but a few. Medicines provided by the Pharmacy continue be free under the scheme if you are exempt from prescription fees.

Please ask a member of staff about the Care at the Chemist Scheme.

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced).

Please click on the web site address below for information on how to use your Accident + Emergency Services and Out Of Hours Departments correctly

Please do not use these departments instead of obtaining a GP appointment when the surgery is open

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/Emergencyandurgentcareservices/Pages/AE.aspx