Appointments

Doctors and nurses have an appointment system. Consulting times do vary according to which doctor you prefer to see with the earliest morning appointments being at 08:10. We do run early afternoon surgeries commencing at 14:00 but also provide later sessions with the last pre-bookable appointment being 17:30 (must be booked well in advance) and emergencies until 17:30.

Appointments can usually be pre-booked up to four weeks ahead either in person at the reception desk or after 08:30 by telephone. Should you require a same day emergency appointment please telephone at 08:00. If you are unable to get a same day appointment you may be offered a call back by the Doctor/Triage Nurse who will ascertain whether or not you need to be seen urgently that day and they will make the necessary arrangements.

Extended Access

We are able to offer extended access appointments at other surgeries, please ask at reception for details.

Choice of Practitioner

The practice doctors work on a pooled list principle. Patients can request to be seen by the doctor of their choice for routine appointments only. On the day appointments or emergencies will be allocated to available doctors on that day.

Chaperone

If you would like a chaperone present during an examination, please ask the doctor or nurse who will make the arrangements for you. Please note in all cases the practice chaperone policy will be followed.

Telephone Advice

The Doctors and the Nurses are happy to provide advice over the telephone. Should you have a query please let the receptionist know and your call will be returned during the course of the day. Please ensure we have your correct telephone number and that you are able to accept incoming calls.

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. We do take it seriously if patients fail to attend for appointments.

Home Visits

Pinxton Surgery patients telephone 01773 810207

South Normanton patients telephone 01773 811469

Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:30.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

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).

Teaching & Training

We are committed to education. Medical students and registrars in general practice may be present during consultations. Registrars are fully trained doctors who need to gain experience in general practice. You will be informed of their presence in advance and they can be excluded if you wish.

Since it is impossible to train doctors without patient contact, and these doctors are under supervision all the time, it is hoped that all patients will feel able, when requested, to co-operate with their training.