How Do I?

If you require health information or advice you may telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 which is a 24-hour nurse-led advice line, or visit the NHS Direct website.

Routine Appointments

The Practice operates an appointments system for both Doctors and Nurses. Each appointment is 10 minutes long. Doctors' appointments can be booked up to two weeks in advance and Nurses up to four weeks in advance.

Please note:-

1. Registered patients aged 16 - 75 who have not been seen for three years are encouraged to request a consultation.

2. Registered patients aged over 75 years who have not been seen in the previous 12 months are encouraged to request a consultation. (If you are unable to attend the surgery for these checks because of your medical condition, a home visit may be arranged.)

Internet Booking - This facility is available through this website. In order to use this service you must first collect your pin number and password from the Practice (please ask at reception). Once logged on you can book a routine appointment with the Doctor using this method. Please note that only routine Doctors' appointments can be made. For all other appointments eg smear clinics, travel clinics, diabetic clinics, nurses appointments etc, please call reception.

Translation Service - There is a telephone translation service available. Please ask at reception if you require this service.

Emergency Appointments

There is a duty Doctor surgery both morning and evening each day for patients with medical problems which must be seen on the same day. Each appointment is for seven minutes and is for the immediate problem only and not for requesting results or repeat prescriptions. Morning appointments are released after 8.00am and evening appointments are released after 1.00pm.

Out-Of-Hours Services

On weekdays between the hours of 6.30pm and 8.00am, and all day and night at weekends and on bank holidays, services are commissioned by Haringey Primary Care Trust.

If you require medical treatment you have a choice:-

A recorded telephone message provides this information when the surgery is closed.

Which Doctor?

The Doctors prefer to see their own patients, subject to availability, as they do like to get to know them. We therefore encourage you to see the same Doctor for the same problem if possible.

Delays

Sometimes problems take longer to sort out than expected or a Doctor may be called out on an emergency. We will make every effort to keep you informed of delays and we appreciate your patience and understanding as this situation can be stressful for all concerned.

Late Arrival

If you arrive more than 10 minutes late for an appointment the Receptionists will ask the reason and let the Doctor know. You may be seen, asked to wait until the end of surgery or to re-book your appointment as requested by your Doctor.

A home visit request should be made before 10.00am unless an emergency arises later in the day. The receptionist will need as much information as possible to help the doctor prioritise requests. A decision to visit remains at the doctor’s discretion and is based on medical necessity.

Please ring in the afternoon as the switchboard is less busy and that day’s results will have been processed.

HOW DO I....
CHANGE MY PERSONAL DETAILS?

It is extremely important that you notify us of any change of details so that we can keep your medical records up to date. When you leave the Practice area it will be necessary for you to register with a doctor in your new location.

HIGHGATE GROUP PRACTICE