APPOINTMENTS

In order for you to see the most appropriate clinician, we will ask you a few standard questions. All information given will remain strictly confidential. You will be offered a telephone consultation or a face to face consultation with a GP or Nurse Practitioner. Please ring after 10am or 3pm to pre-book a routine appointment with a GP of your choice. Appointments can be made over the telephone (01204 573445) or you may call in to the surgery.
 
If you are unable to attend your appointment you must ring the 24 hr cancellation line on 01204 799955 and cancel giving as much notice as possible.
 
You may request to book a telephone consultations with one of our GPs or Nurses, providing that a physical examination is not required. You will be asked to confirm your mobile phone number if you have one.
 
When booking an appointment please remember the following:
 
*Appointments for a repeat sick note only will be offered over the telephone only.
*A 10 minute appointment is for 1 problem only. If you have more than 1 problem to discuss you will need another appointment.
*Do not make an appointment for a repeat prescription.
*Do not make an appointment to have forms or certificates completed, please ask at reception.
*If your appointment is a query about your hospital appointment or referral, please ask to speak to a Secretary.
*Doctors have no treatments for minor ailments, eg, colds, sore throats, minor stomach upsets. Your local pharmacist can help with these. If you have any doubts you can obtain telephone advice.
 
You may contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice on your health problems. You may also attend Lever Chambers walk-in centre for minor ailments or injuries, located on Ashburner Street, Bolton, 01204 872725.
 
URGENT APPOINTMENTS
 
Patients who have an urgent medical condition that has started in the last 48 hours may be seen urgently. They should try to telephone between 9am - 9.30am. They will be asked to give brief details of the symptoms and when they started. These details will remain strictly confidential. An appointment time will be given, but they may have to wait. A telephone consultation will be offered if a physical examination is not required.
 
HOME VISITS
 
Patients too ill to attend surgery may request a home visit by contacting the receptionist (01024 573445) before 10.45am. Please explain the problem to the receptionists so that the doctor can assess the urgency of the call.
It is up to the doctor to decide whether a home visit is necessary. Children should be brought to the surgery. Visits requested in the afternoon will be directed to the GP. Please note that Bolton Out of Hours cover our visits on Wednesday afternoons and the GP will organise this on your behalf.

PRESCRIPTIONS

You may order your prescription either on-line or in writing using the tear off slip on your last prescription. Please circle the item(s) that you require. It is very helpful to write your telephone number on the tear off slip as we may need to contact you urgently. Write on the slip where you would like to collect your prescription from (Stonehill or Highfield). Post your request in the prescription boxes at either surgery. If you wish to have the prescription returned by post, you must include a stamped addressed envelope. Allow at least two working days for postal requests to arrive. If collecting your prescription, all orders submitted before 5.30pm Mon to Fri will be ready after 3 pm the following working day.

OUT OF SURGERY HOURS

When surgery is closed there is always a doctor on call for advice or consultation if there is an emergency. This service is provided by Bolton Out Of Hours Services based at Waters Meeting Health Centre 01204 386655. For advice you may contact NHS Direct (A Nurse led advice line) on 0845 4647. Lever Chambers Walk In Centre, Ashburner Street Bolton (near to the Octagon Theatre) tel: 01204 462787 is open at weekends and bank holidays from 8.30am til 4pm for conditions relating to: ear, nose & throat, stomach, skin, respiratory system, genitals & minor injuries.

REGISTERING

All patients wishing to register will be asked to complete the appropriate forms and offered a new patient medical at that time. You may be asked to provide a form of identification to verify your personal details. A copy of the practice boundary can be viewed at the surgery. If you are visiting from a country outside the EU you will be charged for the services we provide to you.

REFERRAL TO A SPECIALIST

Your doctor may decide to refer you to see a specialist/consultant within another organisation. An appointment will be sent to you throught the post.

SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS

All constructive comments on improving the service are welcome. We have a suggestion box to the right of the entrance at the main surgery. Suggestions, concerns or complaints should be addressed to the Practice Manager - Mrs Kakoullis. A copy of the complaints procedure is available on request. For help with raising a complaint, you may contact ICAS Tel: 0845 120 3735 for help.

HELP AND ADVICE

Patient Advice and Liaison Service
 
When you need advice, have concerns, or don't know where to turn you can contact PALS.
 
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service focuses on improving the service to NHS patients.
 
The service aims to:
 
advise and support patients, their families and carers
provide information on NHS services
listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries
help sort out problems quickly on your behalf.
 
The service is confidential, and can be contacted at:
 
NHS BoltonPatient Advice and Liaison ServiceHealth Information CentreLever ChambersAshburner StreetBoltonBL1 1SQ
 
Alternatively, you can:
 
Telephone 01204 462701 during office hours
Text 07771 389 539
E-mail PALS@bolton.nhs.uk

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