How do I register with the surgery?
Please complete our new patient registration form. The two forms needs to be returned together. They can be returned in person, by post or via our website dashboard however all new patients will need to provide a form of ID prior to their first appointment at any of surgery premises.
Yes, if you reside within our boundary.
Yes, if you reside within our boundary.
I am living in the area temporarily and am not registered with a local doctor. Can I get medical help?
If you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one, you can receive emergency treatment from the local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you will need to register as a temporary or permanent patient.
To register as a temporary resident with a GP:
– you’ll need a surgery that covers the area where you’re staying
– contact the surgery and ask to register as a temporary resident
The surgery will ask you to complete the temporary resident registration form. You must provide details of your current surgery, your NHS number where known, the address where you are currently staying together with likely during of stay.
You can register as a temporary resident with a GP in England if you are in the area for longer than 24 hours but less than three months.
How do I book an appointment?
You have a choice:
– you can book one appointment online and then further appointments once you have been given your log-in details
– By calling into the Surgery to book in person
– By telephoning our receptionist on 01920 468777 Option 1
It is not currently possible to book nurse appointments on-line as our nurse appointments vary in length subject to the type of appointment needed. We need to ensure you book the right appointment with a nurse qualified in the procedure you require.
Triage Appointments
If you are offered a Triage appointment please be aware that the doctors in our Practice have trained and instructed our receptionists to ask appropriate questions in order that you receive the right appointment with the right person.
We ask that you give brief details as to the nature of your enquiry so that we can direct you to the most appropriate service. Providing us with this information allows us to deal with your enquiry as effectively as we can.
Smear Appointments
Appointments need to be arranged mid-cycle. First invitation for screening in the UK is at age 25. Routine recall (repeat screening test): UK: three-yearly tests from age 25 to age 49. Five-yearly tests from age 50 to 64. Screening stops at age 65.
Contraceptive Pill/Hormone Replacement Therapy Medication
Please be aware that you will need an appointment with one of our contraceptive nurses for a prescription however you may be offered an appointment with one of our GP’s when we are unable to offer you an appointment with one of our nurses.
Further details about our Appointment System
See our Appointments page
How our appointment system works
Internet and Extended Hours appointments are released 14 day and 7 days ahead.
Routine appointments are released 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 2 days, 1 day and on the day.
How do I cancel an appointment?
– If you have booked your appointment online, you have the option to cancel your appointment online
– If you have received a text message appointment reminder you will be given the option to text back to cancel this appointment, however you must type the word CANCEL exactly as it appears on the text you receive (in either upper or lower case).
– Cancel via our website dashboard but when using this service please allow 1 working days notice – silicon to confirm available
– Please ring 01920 468777 and speak to our receptionist
How do I check-in for my appointment on arrival at reception?
Please use our check-in screen adjacent to reception. If you need assistance our receptionist will be happy to help you.
I wish to speak to a receptionist in confidence
Please let them know and you will be directed to our privacy booth.
How do I order repeat prescriptions?
You have a choice but please note that we do not accept telephone requests:
You can order online
By post
By handing in your repeat request to either the pharmacy of your choice or to our receptionist.
Why does it take 2 working days for a GP to sign my prescription?
On most occasions it does not take that long however we ask our patients to allow this time to ensure our GP’s can check the accuracy of the medication details.
How can I check if my prescription is ready?
If you collect your medication from the pharmacy of your choice please contact the pharmacy direct to check and they will assist you. If you collect your medication from the Surgery, please allow the required 48 hours before calling into collect.
Can someone else collect my prescription on my behalf?
Yes providing they are 16 or over and they can verify your address details. We can arrange for your medication to be sent to the pharmacy of your choice.
I am unhappy with my medication. What should I do?
You can liaise with a pharmacist or request a telephone call from the doctor by contacting our receptionist on 01920 468777
How do I get the most out of a consultation?
For advice on getting the most out of your appointment please visit the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk
How do I organise Patient Transport?
Call East Herts Community Car Scheme & Information Line on 0330 123 1677 or contact them via email – [email protected]
For further details please visit their website www.drivenbythecommunity.org.uk
How do I change my name, address and telephone number?
Please complete the attached change of address form. Please note that for any name changes, an original marriage or deed poll certificate is required and for this reason, this type of change cannot be accepted on-line.
I am a carer. Do you need to know?
Yes, if you support someone who could not manage without you, you are a carer. Please complete our register a Carer form so that we can put you in touch with Hertfordshire Carers who run a variety of coffee mornings, free courses, workshops and local trips to give carers a break.
How do I arrange receive information from the Practice that I can access and understand?
The Surgery follows the NHS Accessible Information Standard. The Standard sets out a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers and parents with a disability, impairment or sensory loss. The Accessible Information Standard aims to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss get information that they can access and understand.
Please inform our receptionist if you require information in an alternative format so your medical record can be updated to support your needs.
How do I arrange an interpreter?
Please inform our receptionist at the time of booking your appointment and this will be arranged for you.
I am hard of hearing and unable to communicate using the telephone. What options are available to me?
– When visiting the surgery, we have portable induction loop facilities and our receptionist will be happy to provide you with further details on its’ use.
– You have the option to use our online facilities
– You can nominate a person of your choice to talk to us on your behalf (providing written consent from you is received)
– You can contact us in writing
– Arrange with our receptionist at the time of booking your appointment for a sign language interpreter.
Blood Tests Instructions & Locations where you can have a Blood Test
Please see our Blood Test information page
How long do I need to fast before a “fasting” blood test?
12 hours but you may drink water and take your medication unless your GP has advised otherwise.
What are the opening hours for the Walk In X-Ray Service?
For further details please see our X-ray Leaflet
Can I see my medical records?
On-line users are currently able to see current and repeat medications, immunisations and allergies.
Insert appropriate wording re plans to extend above … plus access to medical records/hyperlink form and fees etc.
What do I do if a death occurs in the family?
If unexpected, contact 999 who will give you instructions on what to do. If the death was expected please contact the Surgery and ask to speak with our Duty Doctor.
How do I obtain a death Certificate?
Providing the Practice is aware of the death of the deceased, a death certificate is completed by the doctor who last saw the deceased within the last 14 days. The Practice will contact the next of kin to arrange collection of the death certificate.
Please be aware that if the deceased has not been seen by one of our doctors within the last 14 days, our duty doctor will liaise with the coroner to discuss the deceased. In these circumstances the Practice will keep the next of kin informed as it may be necessary to arrange for the coroner to complete the death certificate.
You may find this link useful in providing further guidance – www.gov.uk/after-a-death
Why do surgeries run late?
If an emergency occurs on the day your appointment may be delayed. Our receptionist should keep you informed when delays occur.
On occasions a patient may present with a medical condition that may be more time consuming to manage than in a 10 minute appointment. We ask our patients to be respectful of this.
On occasions some patients may present with multiple problems which causes our clinicians to run over the allocated 10 minute appointment.
On rare occasions subject to traffic delays following home visits, or calls from emergency services including the coroner, our clinicians may be delayed, otherwise they should start their surgeries on time.
How do I obtain a Fit Note?
Please follow our online triage for sick/fit notes. Please note that you can provide your employer with a Self-Certification for your first week of absence.
How do I get advice or help on how to stop smoking?
Please make an appointment with one of our Health Care Assistants who provide smoking cessation advice.
How do I make a Compliment, Comment or Complaint?
All feedback is important to us as it helps us to improve and review our services. Please complete our feedback form.