Ardgowan Medical Practice

Appointments

The practice appointment system runs exactly one week in advance.  On a Monday we book for the following Monday and a Tuesday we book for the following Tuesday and so on.  To be guaranteed a GP of your choice we advise that patients telephone the surgery as soon after 8am on e.g. the Monday for an appointment for the following Monday for the GP of their choice.  This will guarantee that patients are able to see their GP within one week unless their GP is on outside duty, on annual leave or attending a meeting.

The practice also offers a selection of on-the-day appointments in the morning and the afternoon for each consulting GP (this means that if the GP has a surgery and is not on annual leave or on house calls).  This enables patients to phone first thing in the morning to enable them to see the GP of their choice without having to wait for a week if they feel they have to be seen quickly.

Each day the practice also offers urgent appointments and if a patient feels they have to be seen by a GP they will be given an appointment as per urgent appointment protocol.

Due to GP staff shortage the practice may work on a Bookable on the day appointment system from time to time and pre-bookable appointments may be limited.  Reception staff will be able to advise when you telephone the surgery.

Extended hours – Temporarily suspended

The practice participates in a Direct Enhanced Service which offers patient appointments out with normal working hours. These telephone appointments are on a Tuesday evening from 5.30pm – 6.45pm and on a Wednesday morning from 7.30am to 8.30am These appointment times may change due to annual leave or other commitments

If any patients wish to discuss the appointment system further, our Practice Manager, Mrs Angela Owens will be happy to discuss this with you.

Out of Hours Calls

Call NHS 24 on 111 for emergency advice out of hours.

The NHS website is www.nhs24.com

Outwith the normal surgery hours 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, telephone NHS 24 on 111 for urgent medical advice.  Prior to Public Holidays notices will be displayed notifying patients to contact NHS 24 on those days.  Messages will also be left on the practice answer machine informing patients to contact NHS 24 and repeating the contact number.  Please remember that calls which are not true emergencies could delay help to seriously ill patients. We would ask you to follow some helpful guidelines:-

Do limit requests after 6pm and before 8am to EMERGENCIES ONLY.  But DON’T be afraid to call for advice if you are concerned.  Do try to wait till the morning if at all possible.  A doctor for that delay can see you first thing if necessary.

 

Date published: 8th October, 2014
Date last updated: 27th June, 2023