The Pikes Lane Centre

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN TELEPHONE ADVICE ?

If you only need telephone advice from your doctor, the convenient time to ring is between 10.45 and 11.15 am. If the doctor is seeing a patient, the receptionist may ask you to ring back at a given time.

HOW DO I...
MAKE APPOINTMENTS: HOW TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR

We run an appointment system to keep your waiting time as short as possible.
To make an appointment either telephone or call at the surgery during opening hours (8.00 am - 6.30 pm, Monday - Friday).

Please make one appointment for each person wishing to be seen. You have the right to see your preferred doctor. For non-urgent appointments you may have to wait a day or so at busy times to see your preferred doctor. For non-urgent matters you may have to wait a day or so at busy times to see the doctor of your choice. If you have an urgent problem, please inform the receptionist who will make an appointment for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please telephone the receptionist so that someone else may benefit from your place.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN HOME VISITS ?

Home visits are for people who are housebound or seriously ill.

If you can get to the surgery, please do so. Please try to telephone for a home visit between 8.00 and 10.00 am.

We are sorry, but it is not possible to promise that one particular doctor will visit, but requests will be noted.

The doctors' time is valuable. Please note that in the time that one patient can be seen at home, three can be seen at the surgery where more facilities are available.

When you ask for a home visit the receptionist will ask for further details.

This information is for your doctor and like all other information you give us is strictly confidential. The information is so that the doctor can decide which calls need attention straight away and which can wait until after surgery.

NIGHT VISITS and WEEKEND VISITS: Please ask for a night visit only if it is truly necessary. If your problem will wait until the following day, an urgent appointment or visit can be arranged by telephoning the next day.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN HOSPITAL/LAB TEST RESULTS ?

The reception staff may provide these results during office hours. Please try to avoid telephoning between 8.00 - 10.45 am as the office is very busy at that time. Please do not ask the receptionist to explain hospital test results to you. If you have any questions make an appointment to see the doctor or arrange to phone back when the doctor is available to speak to you. Do not be alarmed if the receptionist is unable to give you the results. You may be asked to make an appointment with the doctor.

HOW DO I...
CHANGE MY PERSONAL DETAILS ?

If you change your name, address or telephone number, it is important that you inform the surgery as soon as possible. Please give full details to the receptionist including your postcode.

HOW DO I...
OBTAIN REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS ? (TELEPHONE BETWEEN 11.00 am - 2.30 pm)

Patients having long term drug treatment may order their repeat prescriptions either by telephone or with the receptionist at the surgery. The prescription will be printed by the practice computer and will include a tear-off slip with which to re-order your next prescription. If you wish for your prescription to be posted to you, please include a stamped addressed envelope with your prescription request. You should see your doctor at intervals agreed with him to review your medication and state of health.

Please note that your prescription will be available after 4.00 pm the following day.

HOW DO I...
REGISTER WITH THE PRACTICE ?

If you wish to register with us please bring your medical card to the practice if possible, though you may still register with the practice if you cannot find it. All newly registered patients will be asked to attend a new patient medical with the nurse.