Appointments

Appointments can be made either by telephone, online system or by calling in at the reception desk. You can either book an urgent on the day appointment (if available) or go for a pre-bookable appointment.

If you feel your problem is urgent and there are no GP appointments available, we have a Nurse Practitioner, Tracey who can deal with most minor ailments ie urine infections, asthma, diarrhoea, vomiting, rashes etc – please talk to reception staff when you ring to see if it is appropriate for you to see Tracey.

Alternatively, we have a ‘duty doctor’ every day who can contact you to discuss your problem and then make a clinical decision as to what action to take. Please keep these issues for the duty doctor to urgent medical problems.

Waiting Times

We always try to minimise the waiting time for you and, whilst we try to see you at the appointed time, some patients’ appointments may take longer than the time allocated, so please be patient if there is some delay.

Preferred Doctor

We will also try to give you an appointment with the doctor that you prefer, but it may not always be possible. It’s also advisable that you should try to see the same doctor during the course of the same illness.

Chaperone

At New Washington Medical Group, we always aim to treat you in a comfortable, safe environment to ensure both patients and staff are confident that best practice is being followed.

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they consider one is required. The chaperone must be a trained member of staff; however, you can also have a family member present if you wish.

When to Ask for a Chaperone

Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible so that arrangements can be made, and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations. All Staff are aware of and have received appropriate training in relation to being a chaperone. All trained chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role.

Online Access

We now offer a service through our EMIS Online Access which allows you to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your allergies, reactions and also change your details i.e. address, telephone number.

Also, from the 1st April you will be able to book certain appointments with our Practice Nurse and Healthcare Assistant.

• Smear
• Family Planning
• Blood Pressure
• Non-fasting Bloods