REGISTRATION, APPOINTMENTS, VISITS & ENQUIRIES

New Registrations

If you wish to register at the surgery and live within the practice area you need to provide:

• Your NHS card or you will need to complete a GMSI form which is available from the reception.

• Proof of your identity, e.g. passport or driving licence.

• Proof of your new address, e.g. bank statement, benefits form, rental agreement, etc.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to register you without these 3 items.

You will be also be given a new patient questionnaire to complete.  If you are on any regular medication you will need to attend for a new patient health check.  This check is also available to all new patients.

Surgery Opening Times

• Closed for Lunch between 1.00 and 1.55 pm (DUTY DOCTOR available for emergencies).

• Please note that these are the opening times for the surgery, NOT the doctors consultation times.

Appointments

• Telephone the appointments line 0844 815 1072.

• We like you to see your normal doctor whenever possible, but in the case of an emergency, we will fit you in with any doctor.  If you cannot make it to the surgery for an appointment, PLEASE telephone to cancel, the appointment could then be used for an emergency.

Home Visits

• If you are unable to get to the surgery, telephone 0844 815 1072 for a home visit.  Please help the receptionists by giving a brief outline of the problem.  Telephone before 10.30 a.m. whenever possible.

• REMEMBER UP TO 12 PEOPLE CAN BE SEEN IN THE SURGERY IN THE TIME IT TAKES FOR 2 OR 3 HOME VISITS.

Out of Hours

• If you think you need urgent advice when the surgery is closed, NHS Direct may be able to help on 0845 46 47, but if you are sure that you need medical advice from a doctor about something that cannot wait until normal working hours, please ring 0300-130-1313.  Your call will be taken by Harmoni, who will arrange for a doctor to ring you back and advise how the problem should be dealt with.

Some Advice

• If you need some medical advice rather than an appointment, you can ring the enquiry line (0844 815 1072).  The receptionists will tell you when you can speak to your doctor.

Test Results (blood, X-rays & others)

• Telephone 0844-815-1072 after 2 p.m.

• Please remember some results take a few weeks to come through.  Check with the doctor or practice nurse on how long the results will take.  Although we try to let you know about abnormal results, if you have not heard it is your responsibility to check the results of your test.

Repeat Prescriptions

• If you are on repeat medication you will receive a re-order form with your pescription.  Use this to tick the medication you require, and allow 2 working days for it to be processed.

• WE CANNOT TAKE REQUESTS OVER THE TELEPHONE.

• If your doctor needs to review your medication it will be indicated on your re-order form.

• If you enclose an SAE with your request, we can post the completed prescription back to you.

• Click here if you require further information on repeat prescriptions (e.g. fax / email details)

Change of Personal Details

• If you change your name, address or telephone number please notify the surgery immediately as we need to keep our records accurate.   This is very important.

Consultation Times

Extended Hours  We offer appointments to commuters & working patients.   These clinics are held on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings.  The commuter appointments must be pre-booked as the surgery will maintain its current opening hours.

GP Training & Video Recording

The practice has been accredited since 1998 as being suitable for the training of doctors who intend to become general practitioners.  This means that the practice & doctors have had to achieve a number of standards which have been assessed by the GP Deanery of Kent, Surrey & Sussex.

We also have post-graduate doctors sitting in with the GPs as part of their foundation training.

For doctors ongoing professional development & part of GP Registrar training some consultations may be videoed (no intimate examination will be videoed).  You'll be asked if you would mind co-operating with these essential programmes & you will need to sign a consent form.  The receptionists will let you know which surgeries are involved & if you do not wish to participate please let them know.

Medical Records & Data Collection

Holbrook Surgery is fully computerised and medical records are held on computer.  The surgery is registered under the Data Protection Act and complies with all current legislation and good practice guidelines.

If you wish to look at your medical records ask at reception for details.

To improve data quality and the health of the nation, anonomised data is sent to various NHS accredited bodies for analysis. Please see notice board for further information.