Appointments

Appointments System

Appointments are 10 minutes long and normally by arrangement.  If you have a problem that may take longer, please tell the reception staff when you ring.

When you call for an appointment, you will be asked to provide a brief description of your problem. You will then be directed to the most appropriate service. If you require a GP assessment, you will be asked for a contact number for the GP to call you back.

We are unable to give an exact time for your phone call, but will give you either a morning or afternoon timeslot.

The GP will call you back, triage your request and allocate appointments accordingly.

We endeavour to provide access to either a doctor or a member of the nursing team on the same day you request your appointment. 

A large number of appointments are bookable in advance if you have special requirements and our receptionists will advise you about this when you call us.

If your condition needs urgent treatment, please tell us when you call

We also have a branch surgery some evenings or Saturdays at Ellesmere Port Hospital - please ask for details of availability from reception.

Please note you may ask for a chaperone to be present during any medical examination.

Nurse Appointments

Appointments with practice nurses are bookable up to 3 months in advance.

Telephone Advice

Sometimes we will offer advice from a doctor or nurse over the telephone in response to a call for a home visit or appointment.  If advice over the telephone is all you need please leave your number and we will call you back

Extended Practice Opening Hours

Need a weekend or evening appointment?

The GP Extended Hours service is designed to provide patients with appointments outside core general practice hours for routine care and is available:

  • Monday to Friday: 18:30 – 21:30
  • Saturdays & Sundays: 09:00 – 18:00
  • Bank Holidays: 09:00 – 14:00

You can make an appointment for a:

  • GP
  • Nurse
  • Blood test
  • Physiotherapy assessment

To book an appointment call: 0300 123 7743 or speak to your GP practice receptionist. The phone line is operational from 08:00 to 20:00, seven days a week.

Patients registered with a GP practice in West Cheshire can access appointments at six locations:

  • Chester
  • Ellesmere Port
  • Helsby
  • Tarporley
  • Malpas
  • Neston

Please note that opening times and services offered at different venues will vary.

Patients will be given an appointment at the most convenient location for them. Extended Hours appointments can be booked up to two weeks in advance.

Please note this is not a drop-in service and appointment times and availability may vary.

Click here to find out more.           

 

Staff Training

The practice values our staff keeping their skills up to date and from time to time an afternoon will be set aside for this and the centre closed.  Please accept our apologies should this cause inconvenience and we will endeavour to give notice whenever possible.

Training of Medical Students

We are pleased to be an approved practice for training student doctors in their 4th year of medical school. They are usually with us on Fridays. We hope that you will join us in helping with their education but if you would rather not have a student with you in the consultation, please advise a member of staff and your decision will not affect your care in any way.

Home Visits

Home visits take a greater proportion of doctors` time than a surgery visit and we would always ask you to attend the Centre if you can. If you need a home visit your request should be made before 10:30 if at all possible and you will be asked for a brief description of the problem.

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

See our Home Visit Policy

Cancellations & Reminders

Cancel an Appointment

It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient. If you fail to notify the Practice that you are unable to attend, you will be sent a letter informing you that you have defaulted from your appointment. Persistent defaulters maybe removed from the list.

You can also complete our appointment cancellation notification request form. This can only be used if your appointment has been arranged for more than 24 hours in advance. (excluding weekends and public holidays). You can also text to cancel your appointment.

Late For Your Appointment

Please attend your appointment on time, if you are late you may not be seen. If you are not seen you will not be able to rearrange your appointment until the next working day-except in the event of an medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Interpreter

If you require an interpreter to attend with you when you see your Doctor please notify the receptionist and she will arrange this for you.

Text Reminder Service

We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.

To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.

Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.