Our Appointment System Explained

We continually review our appointment system and, in response to patient comments, make minor changes from time to time. This has made a big improvement in the way appointments are being used, for patients, staff and doctors. It has cut down our “Did Not Attend” numbers and appointments being used inappropriately. Be aware that many concerns can be dealt with by Nursing or Reception Staff rather than a doctor. We make every effort to book you with the individual of your choice. However, doctors’ availability varies from week to week depending on clinical, educational and annual leave commitments and we therefore ask that you build up a relationship with more than one doctor.

Booking Appointments: We appreciate that it is not always convenient to call the surgery to book your appointment. You can now book doctors’ appointments on line. Please ask a member of the reception staff for further information.

You can now book appointments with a doctor on-line using .

If you wish to use this facility please contact the surgery for details on how to register then use click here or visit below.

We have various appointment options available to you:

 

Pre-Bookable:  A large number of appointments are bookable up to 4 weeks in advance. These appointments enable you to book ahead when a review is required and alternatively to book an appointment convenient to yourself when you know there is no urgency. These appointments are spread throughout the day, to accommodate all patients.

Release on the Day:  There are a small number of appointments available for patients who need to be seen on that day by a doctor. These are released each morning and can be booked either by phoning the surgery or at the reception desk. Please note that these appointments are with the doctors available on the day and not necessarily the doctor of your choice

 

Commuter Surgeries:  These are available to all those patients whose work commitments make it difficult for them to attend during normal surgery hours. Two days a week we offer morning surgeries (between 7.00am and 8.00am) and evening surgeries (between 6.30pm and 8.00pm) at the Greenhill Health Centre. Please note that these appointments are with those doctors available on the day and not necessarily the doctor of your choice.

Emergency Surgery – Greenhill: These are appointments for patients to see a doctor on an emergency basis only. The surgery is held at 12noon each week day.  However, it is very important that you telephone first as we may have a bookable appointment available or, on very rare occasions, the surgery may be cancelled.  If you are unwell or feel that you need to be seen in an emergency and cannot wait for a routine appointment, then you can attend this surgery. You do not need to book an appointment but will be seen in order of arrival.

Emergency Surgery - Shenstone: If you are unwell or feel that you need to be seen in an emergency and cannot wait for a routine appointment, your details will be brought to the attention of the Shenstone duty doctor who will decide on the appropriate action. On Tuesday afternoon, when Shenstone Surgery is closed, emergencies can be seen at Greenhill Health Centre, Lichfield.

Telephone Consultations:  If you would like to speak to a doctor on a non-urgent matter, such as a medication query or results, please call before 10.30 am and one of the doctors will call back later the same day on a designated phone number. These consultations are also useful for patients who are elderly or find it difficult to come to the surgery.

Home Visits: If you are too unwell to attend the surgery, and need a doctor to visit you at home, please try to call before 10.30am.  When phoning please state the name, address and age of the patient, the nature of the illness and your telephone number. The doctor will call you back before making their visit.

Practice Nurses:  Our team of Practice Nurses have appointments available.  Practice Nurses are responsible for:

  • Annual reviews of patients with ongoing medical problems
  • Well person appointments
  • Family planning
  • Pre-pregnancy Advice
  • Cervical Smears
  • Travel advice and immunisations
  • Smoking cessation
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Dietary advice

Please note that nursing staff cannot prescribe medication or diagnose your condition.

Please be aware that it will be necessary for our reception staff to ask the nature of your appointment to ensure this is with the most appropriate member of the team. 

Chaperones:  If you wish a chaperone to be present during a consultation please ask. Nursing and administrative staff are fully trained to provide this service.