HOW DO I...
MAKE APPOINTMENTS?
To make an appointment, ring Blackburn 580931 between the surgery times. You may request to see any doctor, but we do encourage you to see the
same doctor where possible. This doesn't have to be the doctor with whom you are registered.
Normally, you will be offered the earliest appointment with the doctor of your choice. If they are fully booked, we will try to offer you an earlier appointment with
another doctor.
If you feel you need to be seen URGENTLY, please tell the receptionist and we will arrange to see you that day.
HOW DO I...
CANCEL APPOINTMENTS?
If you no longer need the appointment you have made to see the doctor please CANCEL by phoning Blackburn 580931.
Cancelled appointments can be offered to other patients so please cancel as soon as possible.
Many appointments are wasted by non-attenders. This is a frustrating and expensive use of your doctors time.
Your co-operation is appreciated.
TRIAGE NURSING
A new system has been set up at Little Harwood Health Centre. In the future, anyone requiring a same-day emergency appointment, after giving basic details to the
reception staff, will be asked to speak to the triage nurse.
One of our practice nurses will be the nurse that you will speak to. She will discuss the nature of your problem and either give advice, arrange an appointment with
the nurse, or arrange an appointment with the doctor. This means that there will be more same day appointments available, but not necessarily with the doctor.
Anyone who feels that they would still like to see a doctor after being given advice will be offered an appointment.
The idea behind the scheme is that the on-call doctor will be free to take some ordinary appointments as well as emergency appointments, therefore cutting down waiting
time for ordinary appointments.
We hope you like this scheme and we welcome any comments you may have.
HOW DO I...
OBTAIN HOME VISITS?
You may request these by phoning 580931 between Monday-Friday 8.15 - 10.00am.
The receptionist will ask for a few details to enable the doctor to assess the urgency of your call. Wherever possible, you will be visited by the doctor of your
choice.
Please note:- home visits are really only for those who are too elderly and frail to come to the surgery; or those whose illness is so severe, they cannot leave the
house.
Wherever possible, we do ask you to come to the surgery. In the time taken on one home visit the doctor can see four patients at the surgery.
HOW DO I...
OBTAIN REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS?
Our repeat prescriptions are now computerised. Each repeat prescription will come with a tear-off slip, listing your medication, how to order further repeat
prescriptions, and your personal computer number.
To obtain a repeat prescription, either send us the slip, ticking items required or fax us on 662091.
The prescription may be collected after 4.00pm the following working day. If you wish it to be posted to you, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Normally, a two month supply of medication will be issued. Periodically, you will need to see the doctor before any further repeats are issued, to enable him to review your
medication.
Occasionally, the chemist may give you your medication in the form of different coloured or shaped tablets; or the tablets may have a different name. This is because many drug
companies now manufacture the same drugs in different forms, and not because the doctor has changed your medication.
Always check your drugs against your computer slip and if you are in any doubt ask the chemist to check for you. If you no longer take a medicine which is on the computer slip,
please let us know, so we can alter your records.
HOW DO I...
JOIN THE PRACTICE?
We welcome patients from the town and surrounding villages. Please consult our practice area map on our website. To register with us please contact reception on Blackburn
580931. You will be invited for a new registration medical check; please bring your (white) NHS card if you have one.
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