The Health Centre Reception Area
Our 12 reception staff is your first point of contact. Their aim is to help you get the most from the Centre. To do this they may ask you details of your problem. We all work under a strict code of confidentiality, so please do not take offence.
Routine Appointments
Consultation is by appointment only. To make an appointment please call at reception or telephone 01252 317551. Appointments should be made with your usual doctor unless it is an emergency. This is important so that you receive proper continuity of care from someone who knows you and your medical history.
Appointments are for ten minutes unless otherwise requested. Please allow time for the traffic early morning or late evening so that you arrive in good time.
If you do arrive late, you may be offered another appointment so as not to delay those who are already waiting to see the doctor for that surgery.
Urgent Appointments
Urgent appointments are always available on the day for emergencies. Please state to the receptionist that you have an urgent problem that will not wait.
Urgent Home Visits
If you have an urgent medical problem and cannot attend the surgery, please phone the surgery on 01252 317551. Tell the receptionist that you feel it is an emergency. You will probably be asked to speak to one of the doctors. If your regular doctor is not available, one of the other doctors will deputise.
During the week please try and phone between 8.30am and 10.30am if at all possible.
Home Visits
The doctors visit patients at home who are too ill to come to the surgery. However, please attend the surgery whenever possible. The facilities at the surgery allow your doctor to give you a better examination and treatment than is possible in your home.
If you have an urgent medical problem you will always be fitted in to see the doctor.
If you feel too unwell to sit in the waiting room, please tell us. The receptionist will arrange for you to be seen immediately or to go to the treatment room.
How doctors decide on making home visits
The West Surrey Health Authority has prepared guidelines on home visits.
A doctor will usually visit in the following cases;
Terminal illness.
Severe illness.
Housebound patients.
Those who are physically unfit to travel.
In the following cases it would usually be better for the patient to go to hospital as soon as possible as this may save your life.
Severe chest pain.
Severe shortness of breath.
Severe bleeding.
Any kind of major collapse.
Your doctor can be contacted as well but dial 999 first.
The following conditions should ideally be treated at a casualty department where the back-up services are more appropriate;
Eye injuries.
Head injuries.
Suspected broken bones.
Knee injuries – suspected cartilage or ligament damage.
Nose bleeds that will not stop.
Overdoses, accidental or deliberate.
A doctor’s visit is not usual for children with;
Fevers, coughs, colds, sore throats, earache, headache and diarrhoea and vomiting.
A doctor’s visit is not usual for adults with;
Coughs, sore throats, ‘The Flu’, back pains and abdominal pains.
A doctor’s visit is not usual for elderly patients with;
Poor mobility, joint pains. General debility.
