Appointments

Should you wish to consult with a doctor we request that if you have online facility an econsult is completed.

This comes straight through to the GP and records on your medical records.

Should you not be able to use the econsult facility then you will need to a telephone appointment with the GP. Should you then wish to see GP face to face this can be arranged directly.

Appointments on the day should be used for URGENT issues. Non Urgent appointments we aim to book with GP within 2 - 3 days. . 

Seeing the Nurse

The practice nurse is available to see patients for chronic disease management, new patient checks, blood pressure, blood tests, dressings, cervical smears, contraceptive advice and pill checks, ear syringing, ECGs, weight management advice, immunisations, general health care and advice.

Please contact the Surgery on 01303 862109 to book an appointment.

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 before 10:00.

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

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)

If you have a minor illness you may be able to attend your local Hub

South Kent Coast CCG commissions a minor illness service for patients to be seen outside of our practice. 

The appointments are accessed via our reception team and will be offered to you as an alternative to coming to the practice, the appointments are available outside of our normal opening hours which may be more convenient to you.  Once booked you will be seen by a healthcare professional at your local hub who will have access to your medical records. 

We feel sure that our patients will benefit from this additional extended access especially at times when the practice is particularly busy or there are additional pressures on the NHS