Appointments

We operate a computerised appointment system for doctors and practice nurses. Appointments can be booked in advance which is the best way to ensure you see the doctor of your choice.

The reception is open from 08:00 and if you feel you need to see a doctor within 24 hours we would be grateful if you would telephone as early as possible as these appointments are limited. Please note there is a queuing system for calls; you will hear a ringing tone, please do not hang up.

For those who require to see a doctor the same day an emergency surgery is held each day if there are no routine appointments left. As the doctor available for this surgery is also covering other emergencies you may need to wait to be seen.

Please make a routine appointment if your problem is not urgent.

GENERAL INFORMATION

'Why does the receptionist need to ask what's wrong with me?'

It is not a case of the receptionists being nosey!

The reception staff are members of the practice team and it has been agreed that they should ask patients 'why they need to be seen'.  Reception staff are trained to ask certain questions in order to ensure that you receive:

• the most appropriate medical care
• from the most appropriate health professional
• at the most appropriate time.

RECEPTIONISTS ARE ASKED TO COLLECT BRIEF INFORMATION FROM PATIENTS;

1. To help doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
2. To ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
3. To direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional rather than a doctor where appropriate.

RECEPTION STAFF, LIKE ALL MEMBERS OF THE TEAM, ARE BOUND BY CONFIDENTIALITY RULES

• Any information given by you is treated strictly confidentially.
• The practice would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with accordingly.
• You can ask to speak to a receptionist in private away from reception
• However if you feel an issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is then this will be respected.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Practice Nurses

In a number of cases it might be worth considering an appointment with a practice nurse rather than a doctor. Practice nurses are qualified to deal with many conditions and you may be seen more quickly.

Telephone Advice 

If you wish to speak to a doctor or practice nurse please contact main reception leaving your name, contact number and message. Urgent requests may be dealt with by the doctor on call. If you wish to speak to a particular person the message will be given and they will answer as soon as possible, but it may not be the same day.

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 as early in the morning as possible.

For urgent GP medical attention please phone the emergency telephone number 0141 531 6427.

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 nurse 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.

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)

Training Practice

The practice is approved for training which means a doctor who has at least 3 years hospital training spends 18 months in total with us learning about general practice. To assist their training you may be asked to allow your consultation to be video taped. This is only for use within the practice. Please feel free to decline if you are uncomfortable with this, it will not affect your consultation.

We also teach medical students from Glasgow University. They appreciate very much being allowed to participate in your consultation, however if you would prefer not to participate please let us know when you book your appointment or arrive at reception.