New Springwells Medical Practice

Appointments

In accordance with Department of Health Guidelines, we aim to offer an appointment with a Doctor within 48 hours and a Health Care Professional within 24 hours. Appointments are for one medical problem only and we cannot guarantee that appointments will be with the doctor of your choice. Patients are welcome to see any Doctor at either Surgery. For continuity of care, we suggest that patients see the same Doctor for any ongoing problems when possible.

Appointments - Extended Opening Times

All consultations are offered by booked appointment and are available each morning (8.40a.m. to 11.00a.m. approx) and afternoon (4.00p.m. to 6.00p.m. approx).

Extended Opening Times

The Surgery at Billingborough offers appointments between 6.30pm and 7.50pm, these appointments are in place for our working Patients who are unable to attend during normal surgery times. As these appointments are limited please use them responsibly.

Please be aware that EMERGENCY PROVISION (Out of Hours) will continue to be provided by the Out of Hours Team – 111 and that DISPENSARY SERVICES are available ONLY for patients attending appointments.

Rippingale Surgery is open on Monday and Wednesday all day and Friday morning until 1.00p.m.

Patients are welcome to see any Doctor at either Surgery We do suggest that patients see the same Doctor for any ongoing problems when possible, to provide continuity of care which benefits both yourself and your chosen doctor.

The surgeries are open at the following times:

On Thursdays, the Surgery at Billingborough is closed between 1.30 - 2.30p.m. for Protected Staff Learning Time, Practice Meetings & Doctors' Administration. A recorded message is left on the Reception telephone line with an emergency contact number. If, in the event of a serious medical emergency or accident, and you need to visit the surgery between these times, please use the rear entrance.

Making An Appointment please either call in or telephone one of the surgeries to request an appointment with a doctor or nurse.

Emergencies

Acute Medical Emergencies will always be seen on the same day by a duty doctor, by appointment after morning Surgery at 11.00 am approx., Patients are asked not to abuse this Surgery service and to telephone for an Emergency appointment as early as possible.

Telephone Consultations

Doctors are available to be consulted by telephone. If you wish to discuss a medical matter or receive advice, then please ring the surgery. A Doctor will return your call, as arranged with the receptionist. You may be asked to give an indication of what you need to speak to the Doctor about. We are unable to give a specific time when you will be called, please make sure that you are available to take the return call.

NOTE

1. Antibiotics are NOT prescribed by phone.
2. Do NOT use this facility to request a repeat prescription.

Home Visits

If you are housebound or too ill to attend surgery, you can request a home visit. If at all possible, telephone before 10.30am and please try to make an appointment rather than request a home visit.

Please let us know as quickly as possible if you cannot make an appointment, so that we can reallocate it to another patient.

GOLDEN RULES FOR APPOINTMENTS

If you decide that your appointment is no longer needed, please ring up and cancel so that someone else can have the appointment instead.

Does more than one family member need to see the doctor? If so, please make a separate appointment for each person.

If you have several different problems to discuss, feel free to make a list, but be prepared to discuss the most important issues first. If there isn't enough time in the 10 minute slot, it might be necessary to make another appointment.