Appointments

A New Way of Operating during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus has changed the way health services work.  GP Practices are open, and have been throughout the pandemic, but services are being delivered differently.

These changes are in place to protect you, your family and staff.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.  For more information please visit nhsinform.scot/gp.

A useful video is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=13&v=5hP9Yn5-zFE&feature=youtu.be

In some cases, where appropriate, the reception staff will recommend that the patient visits a pharmacy, dentist or optician instead of making a GP appointment.

After 6 pm and before 8 am, please call NHS 24 Monday to Friday.

Weekends please call NHS 24 on 111 for advice and medical support or 999 if life threatening.

At Cromarty Medical Practice consultation is by appointment only. Please telephone before attending the surgery.

Why does the receptionist need to ask why I need an appointment

At the request of the GP’s, the staff have been asked to gain some information about the need for an appointment.

It is not a case of the receptionists being nosey.

Reception staff are trained to ask certain questions in order to ensure that you receive:

The most appropriate medical care, from the most appropriate health professional, at the most appropriate time

Receptionists are asked to collect brief information from patients:

• To help doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
• To ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
• To direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional

Reception staff, like all members of the team, are bound by confidentiality rules.

Any information given by you is treated strictly confidential

The Practice would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with it accordingly.

You can ask to speak to a receptionist in private, away from reception.

If you feel an issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is then this will be respected.

Thank you for your support

Chaperone

If you would like to have a chaperone in attendance, please make a request when booking your appointment

If you are unable to make your appointment, please telephone as soon as possible to cancel as this allows someone else to attend in your place.