Seeing Your Doctor

You may also book appointments over the internet once registered with the service.

We run a 'personal list' system which means that wherever possible patients see the same doctor on each visit. This builds up continuity of care and enables doctors and patients to establish a good working relationship.

We try to ensure that you can see a doctor at a suitable time for you. We have a system whereby you can book appointments with a named doctor at least two months in advance. You may telephone (but not until after 10 a.m. please) or use the internet. (You must be registered for this service, please see further on).

If you need to see a doctor on the same working day or three working days later you can book on the internet or telephone from 08.30. It would be helpful if you could ring after 10.00 for non urgent appointments (i.e. those that are not required within the next three days). Our staff will ask you for some idea of the problem so that they can direct you to the most appropriate clinician.

You can register for the internet service by visiting www.newburystreetpractice.co.uk/registration.asp or ask at reception or E-mail us via the website.

Should you require urgent advice or wish to speak to a Doctor we will take your details and either your normal doctor, or in their absence the duty doctor, will telephone you. You will also be advised if this is going to be a morning or afternoon call. Please remember if the matter is urgent you will always be able to speak to a clinician who will always be able to provide an urgent "fit-in" appointment if they think it necessary.

Please remember that perhaps a nurse could treat you instead of a doctor.

Appointments

Appointments System

For an appointment the same day: ring up EARLY that day. (Phones are switched on at 8.30am)

For an appointment two days later: ring up EARLY (as above).

For an appointment up to two/three months ahead: ring any time during opening hours, but avoid the early-morning "rush hour".

(NB here "day" refers to weekdays, not Sat or Sun)

this system works well, though an occasional doctor shortage might make a slight difference.

We will always be able to provide an urgent "fit-in" appointment!

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

You have a right to expect a high standard of medical care from our practice and we will try at all times to provide the very best care possible within the resources available. In order to assist us in this we require that you take full responsibility for ensuring that you do not abuse the service. For example, it is your responsibility to ensure that you keep medical appointments and follow the medical advice given.

Very occasionally a practice/patient relationship breaks down completely. In this situation the patient may choose to register with a different practice. The practice also has the right to remove that patient from their list. This would generally only follow a warning that had failed to remedy the situation and we would normally give the patient a specific reason for the removal. If you are removed from our list you can get help with finding a new GP from Thames Valley Primary Care Agency on 0118 918 3333.

Surgeries

The above schedule assumes all doctors are available and are not on holiday. Part time doctors may work slightly different shifts in different weeks.

We also offer EXTENDED HOURS of access for both Doctor and Nurse pre - booked appointments. First Saturday of the Month 9 a.m. to 12 noon and alternate Wednesdays and Thursdays 6.30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Home Visits

If you are too ill to come to the surgery a home visit may be possible. If you telephone the surgery on 01235 763451 your usual doctor (or the duty doctor in their absence) will return your call and make appropriate arrangements.

When the Surgery Is Closed

If you require medical help you have a choice.

If you wish to speak to an emergency doctor, telephone 0845 345 8995. The doctor will then decide the best course of action. If you require health information or advice, you may telephone NHS Direct, a 24 hour nurse-led advice line, on 0845 4647. Website http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ A recorded telephone message provides this information when the surgery is closed.

On weekdays between the hours of 6.30pm and 8.00am, and all day and night at weekends and bank holidays, services are commissioned by the South Oxfordshire Integrated Emergency Care Service, with call handling provided by Oxfordshire Primary Care Call Handling Service.

Violent Patients

Violence against staff working in the NHS is a crime. The NHS operates a zero tolerance to violence and abuse against its staff and any incident where staff are abused, threatened or assaulted will result in the patient being reported to the police and no longer allowed to receive medical services from this Practice.