Telephone: 0208 519 9914

Lime Tree Surgery Newsletter June 2013

Dear patients,

We apologise for the difficulties in getting a timely appointment.

This is not due to too many patients on our register neither is it due to not having the required number of appointments.

The problem is the unprecedented demand for appointments due to multiple factors such as appointments with a Doctor for minor ailments that are better dealt with by our qualified prescribing nurse practitioner who can consult, treat and prescribe.

As a result, we would like you to use our services appropriately. We will be changing the way we provide services and directing patients to the healthcare professional that suits your need.

Our telephone lines will be closed from 1pm to 3pm. The surgery will still be open

One appointment = One medical complaint.

If you have more than one medical complaint, please inform the doctor at the beginning of the consultation and not at the end.

This is for the benefit of all patients waiting in reception and will reduce the delays. The Doctors cannot guarantee that all complaints will be dealt with in a one consultation.

Home visits will only be accommodated for elderly, seriously ill and housebound patients. Requests for a home visit must be registered before 11am on that day.

We are trying to improve the way we deliver our services for minor illnesses.

You will be encouraged to see our qualified prescribing nurse practitioner or use self-help measures.

Other services available to you;

  • Pharmacy first
  • Walk in centres

Telephone advice will only be available for urgent medical problems.

Requests for telephone advice will need to be registered before 1pm
on that day.

Requests after 1pm will be assessed according to priority and severity.

 

Morning book on the day appointments will be released at 8.30am and afternoon book on the day appointments will be released at 3pm with some exceptions due to Doctors’ working hours.

Our ‘Did Not Attend’ rates are impacting on the appointments available to you.Not attending your appointment without calling us to cancel will result in a letter being sent to you and you may be removed from our register.

Referrals to a hospital or clinic will be generated within 2 weeks of seeing the Doctor. You will be given a copy of your referral letter. If you do not receive an appointment, please contact the hospital or clinic you have been referred to.

The Doctor suggests you have these basic items at home;

– Thermometer
(for children)
– Over The Counter Medication
(Paracetamol, Calpol, Ibuprofen)
ALWAYS READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY