Appointments

The appointment system is still running differently. Dr Canning & Dr Jordan's appointments are on the day telephone calls initially, please call at 8am to arrange a call back from the doctor, should the doctor wish to see you, you will be given a time to attend. We have some pre-bookable appointments as well as on the day face to face appointments with Locum GP's. For appointments with the Practice Nurse - please call after 9 o'clock to make an advanced appointment.

(PRE-PANDEMIC) An appointment system operates at all times. Appointments to see the doctor or practice nurse can be made by telephone or at reception during surgery hours. Routine appointments are available each day in the morning and afternoon. At present most of the appointments are bookable on the day. Should you require an on the day appointment, please call as soon after 8am as possible. Should this not be suitable, we offer some pre-bookable appointments up to 4 weeks in advance.

Although the doctors and nurses endeavour to keep surgeries running to time, some consultations will inevitably take longer than others. We would therefore ask you please to be patient if you are kept a little beyond your appointment time.

The Practice offers an extended hours service, where patients who have work commitments can book an appointment at a more convenient time, outwith our usual working hours.

Interpreting Services

Should you require an Interpreter, please ask our reception staff about the service. Our receptionist will contact Lanarkshire Health Board to arrange this on your behalf.

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

We encourage our patients to attend the surgery where possible, where all means of examination, diagnosis and treatment are at hand.

We do however, appreciate this is not always possible. Any request for a home visit should be made as early as possible and before 10:00.

Home visits are made at the doctor’s discretion, this service is provided for housebound patients or for those whose condition makes it impossible to attend the surgery.

If you are unsure if a home visit is required, please speak with our receptionist, who will ask for some details and liaise with the doctor. The doctor or receptionist will then advise if a home visit is required.

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).