Get the best from us

Ask us about anything you do not understand or that you are worried about. We want to be able to discuss openly with you all the issues surrounding your health.

Tell us why you have come to see us. Making a list of your symptoms or questions can be very useful if you think you may forget them.

Dress for the occasion: Help us by wearing loose, easy to remove clothes.

Please be prompt and show up: If you cannot (or no longer need to) keep an appointment, please do telephone to tell us. Not showing up for an appointment puts unnecessary pressure on the system.
(Currently about 140 appointments are lost per month - this equates to 23 hours of doctor or nurse time which could be used for other patients).

Do not expect a prescription: It is worth remembering that most minor illnesses are caused by viruses and get better without active treatment. An increasing number of our patients are recognising the need to reserve the use of antibiotics for situations where they are really needed - we will always prescribe when this is the case.

You have the right to...

• courtesy and respect
• confidentiality
• medicines and drugs as deemed appropriate at consultation and a clear explanation of any treatment proposed
• be referred onward appropriately to a consultant or other agency as required
• see your health records, subject to the limitations of the law
• be seen as soon as possible at times of medical emergency, either in surgery or at home if the condition requires it
• have a reply to any written complaint within seven days
• have the opportunity to chose whether to be involved in research or medical training

We have the right to expect courtesy too, and the partners will not tolerate rude or threatening behaviour to staff or doctors.