To make an appointment
A doctor or nurse will see you in the surgeryif you have an appointment. To make anappointment, telephone the surgery on 02392 257321.
Book ahead
Book ahead slots are available up to three weeks in advance and can be made with either a doctor or a nurse.
Try to see your own doctor where possible to ensure continuity with your care.
If you prefer to see a different doctor for a specific reason, (a lady doctor forexample), just tell the receptionist when you are booking.
Telephone consultation
Any patient can request a telephone consultation. Ask the receptionist to book you a telephone consultation slot. A doctor or nurse will call you back the same day.
If having spoken with you, the doctor/nurse feels you need to be seen at the surgery; he/she will make an appointment for you.
Book on the day
These are slots for non-urgent matters. For example, these could be follow-up appointments for ongoing treatment.
Duty clinic
These appointments are for emergency appointments only – you can be seen by either a doctor or a specialised minor illness nurse.
We run a daily duty clinic. If you feel you need to be seen urgently, explain this to the receptionist when ringing. The receptionist will book you in to see a doctor or minor illness nurse.
Cannot keep an appointment?
If you cannot keep an appointment, please either telephone the surgery to cancel or go to the surgery website; www.waterbrookmedicalpractice.co.uk and click the ‘Cancel Appointment’ button.
Currently, over 100 patients per month do not attend their booked appointment and do not cancel – these are wasted slots with a healthcare professional – please be mindful that someone else could be using the appointment slot if you are unable to. Thank you.
Continuity of Care
We believe it is in your best interest to try and see the same doctor as much as possible, even if it means waiting a little longer for an appointment. The doctor will be better aware of your problems and how to help. The receptionists will do their very best to offer you an appointment with the doctor you have been seeing but you need to allow for the fact that the doctors do not all work every day. Remember, you can book up to two weeks in advance and the more notice you give us, the more likely it is that your particular request can be met.
Telephone Advice
When phoning to talk to a Doctor please bear in mind the surgery times. The receptionists have been instructed not to interrupt a surgery except for emergencies.