Frequently Asked Questions
Q: “I had to wait half an hour, why?”
A: We never know what kind of problem is going to come through our surgery door. Some can take a lot of sorting out and require longer than the allotted time. We cannot just ask a patient to leave because “Your 10 minutes are up”. We would give that time to you if you needed it. Please be patient with others.
Q: “I was asked to make another appointment for some of my problems”
A: We try and deal with matters as comprehensively as possible but if there are an undue number of different issues, dealing with the more minor ones will result in other patients having to wait too long. This is particularly the case when you are being seen for urgent problems where the shorter appointments are not suitable for many “while I am here” problems.
Q: “I never see the doctor on my medical card”
A: That is up to you. You can see any Doctor you choose subject to availability. Any of the doctors can be “your Doctor” irrespective of the Doctor named on your medical card. There might be one you feel more comfortable with than others. Go to that one. Nobody minds. Please be aware that not all doctors work full time and this affects availability of specific doctors.
Q: “I was made to come to the surgery”
A: With modern transport it is possible for most people to come to the surgery, even children with temperatures whom we can arrange to see on arrival. A far greater number of patients can be given quick attention in this way. With better facilities in the surgery, we can provide you with a higher standard of care than at home. The house call service is solely for those who are medically housebound.
Q: “I can never get through. They won’t answer the telephone”
A: However many telephone lines we have, however many receptionists, there will never be enough for the busiest times of the week and we cannot always tell when those busiest times will be! Afternoons are generally quieter. If you ring to get an appointment just after 9.00am on a Monday morning you will quite likely find the number engaged. If the matter is not urgent leave it until a little later when the phone is less busy.
Q: “I had to make an appointment; all I wanted was a prescription.”
A: By issuing a prescription the Doctor has to be satisfied that you need what is written on it. Unless fully satisfied, we are required by law to obtain further information. Patients are asked to obtain medication from Chemists where possible.
Q: “I wanted antibiotics and the doctor wouldn’t give me any”
A: Antibiotics are issued on prescription to Patients with bacterial infections. When used properly they can save your life. If used repeatedly for more minor ailments, resistance becomes more common making them less effective for all when they are really needed. It is important to realise that taking medications can sometimes be risky, causing side effects and even sometimes nasty reactions, antibiotics should not be viewed as something to be taken 'just in case'