Appointments
How to See the Doctor
Consultations are by appointment which can be requested either via Patient Triage, by telephone on the main telephone number 01243 782819, (we ask that patients avoid coming to the surgery to arrange an appointment if they are able to do so). We request that wherever possible, patients use Patient Triage to request an appointment. This gives the GP a lot of useful information ahead of the appointment and leads to a much more efficient use of the GP’s time.
The telephone lines are open 08:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 18:00.
Parklands Surgery operates a total triage system which is overseen by our doctors. Requests for an appointment, be they by telephone, Patient Triage or in person, are added to a triaging list. Twice daily, this list is reviewed by our doctors who determine the level of urgency that the patient’s concern needs to be dealt with. This may be for them to be dealt with that day or approximately seven days later or somewhere in between.
The advantage of this system means that those patients with a more pressing concern will be consulted with earlier than those with a less urgent concern, rather than everyone being dealt with on a first come first served basis. A second advantage is that there is no longer the need to rush to make an 8.30am telephone call; calls made throughout the day will be added to the triaging list and they will be prioritised according to the condition rather than the time the call was made.
Whilst there is some flexibility, our doctors hold clinics on the following days:
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri |
Dr Patient | Yes | | Yes | Yes | |
Dr Clarke | Yes | Yes | | Yes | |
Dr Mtharu | Yes | | Yes | Yes | |
Dr Jameson | Yes | Yes | | Yes | |
Dr Barnes | Yes | | Yes | | Yes |
Dr Kamal | | Yes | | | Yes |
Doctor Triage
If you wish to see a doctor urgently, the receptionist will take your details and some information about your condition. The information will be passed to the duty doctor who will telephone you back depending upon the urgency of your need. You may receive telephone advice from the duty doctor or be given an appointment to see one of the doctors at the surgery. This system of triage enables the patients with the most urgent needs to be seen as a priority and for all patients to be dealt with in the most appropriate way. If you feel your matter is particularly urgent, please tell the receptionist that this is the case.
Nurse Triage
Some of the nurses at Parklands Surgery are able to prescribe medication and so many minor illnesses can be dealt with by one of these qualified nurses. You may be offered an appointment with the triage nurse on duty for that day. If the nurse is unable to help, she will contact the duty doctor.
Telephone/Webcam Appointments
Many issues can be dealt with directly on the telephone or on a webcam by a doctor or a nurse. Our clinicians will decide whether they need to see you as part of the triaging process or possibly as a follow up to a remote consultation.
Extended Opening Hours
Parklands is open early on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings for pre-bookable appointments. We prefer that these appointments are used by patients who have difficulty visiting during working hours and so ask that those who do not have such difficulties avoid booking at these times. The surgery and telephone lines are not open for general enquiries during these extended hours.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraception is provided at Parklands Surgery and is available as pills. If you require emergency contraception, please explain this to the receptionist and you will be given an appointment on that day wherever possible.
Buddy System
When doctors are on holiday or study leave, a locum doctor may be employed to cover their work. Each doctor has a nominated 'buddy' doctor within the practice, who is responsible for looking at the absent doctor's results and post. If your regular doctor is on holiday, please try to see your buddy doctor if possible.
Chaperones
For your own protection and safety, a qualified chaperone will be present during an intimate examination. If you require a chaperone for any other reason, please ask your doctor. Click here to view our Chaperone Policy.
Interpreting and Translations
If you require any help with interpreting and translation in order to use any of our services, please inform the reception staff in advance. We are then able to book an interpreter via the telephone to assist with your consultation.
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.