Book Appointments

The NHS website and Patient.co.uk are two excellent websites you can use free of charge.

They have powerful search functions so you can find what you need quickly.

We also have lots of advice via our website

Call the practice at 8am.

A Receptionist will answer the phone and ask you some quick questions:

• What kind of symptoms do you have?
• How long have you felt this way?
• Do you want the doctor to look at you in person or just talk on the phone?
• The Duty Doctor will review who needs to have a face to face appointment and within what timeframe.

A Clinician will call you back that same day if a telephone call is needed.

If you call after we have reached the safe levels of working, we can only deal with ongoing and complex issues.

If it does not meet the criteria above you will be asked to seek help from a local service or call us back the next working day.

Everything that comes through on the day will be triaged by the duty team.

Before Your Appointment

1. Identify the main issue you want to talk about.
2. If there’s more than one issue: Write a list and tell us at the start of the appointment. We can prioritise these together based on what you’re most worried about and what worries us most.

For safety reasons, we often can’t discuss a second issue in your appointment, so we may ask you to make another appointment.

3. Think about how to describe your symptoms
   Be as descriptive and specific as possible:
   • What happened and when?
   • What makes it better or worse?
   • What is your pain like?
   • What can’t you do now compared to when you’re well?
4. Think about what you’d like to happen
   Consider what’s worrying you and what you think the problem could be, and tell us in your appointment.
5. Write down any important questions
   you have for us.
6. Bring a notepad
   to take notes, or invite a friend or family member for support.
7. Dress appropriately
   If you may need to be examined, wear clothing that makes this easier. While in the waiting room, remove extra layers such as coats and jumpers.

During Your GP Appointment

You are at the centre of your care.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask
   if you don’t understand something we say.
2. To help decide the best plan for you, ask us:
   • What are the risks and benefits of this treatment or investigation?
   • What are the alternatives?
   • What if I do nothing?
   • Who can support me to decide?
3. Before leaving
   Make sure you understand what happens next, such as starting new medication, waiting for test results, a referral, or booking a follow-up appointment.
4. Know when to come back
   Ensure you know what symptoms to watch for that might require returning to the GP or seeking emergency care.

Helpful Videos and Guides

1. Preparing for a 10-minute appointment: HealthWatch Leicestershire
2. How to prepare for a mental health appointment: Mind
3. Making the most of your GP appointment: NHS

1. Call the Practice any time within our opening and closing hours.
2. A Receptionist will answer the phone and ask you:

• Who it was you spoken to before
• what ongoing symptoms you have

If your episode of care is still ongoing, you may be offered a continuity appointment with the same GP.

Reception will confirm with the clinician before booking to ensure continuity is appropriate.

If you are unable to wait for this appointment, you may be asked to call back on a day they are the Duty Doctor, or you may need to speak with a different clinician.

Our Reception Team will inform the clinical team and you will receive an initial call back to assess the urgency of your need. 

In an EMERGENCY call 999.
Emergencies are situations that cannot be managed at home and may be life threatening