Appointments
Please telephone the surgery on 0191 2961456 or call in at reception to make an appointment. (We do not have a ‘walk in’ service – all patients are seen by appointment.) Online booking of appointment is also available.
If your condition is non-urgent you can expect to see a GP within two working days, though you may have to wait longer to see a particular GP (especially if the doctor works part time).
Urgent Problems
If your condition is urgent and you need to be seen the same day, the receptionist will take your contact number so that the doctor on call can ring you back. The doctor will then be able to assess the nature of the problem and arrange an appropriate appointment if necessary. Speaking to the doctor on call not only helps us to manage each days workload but also helps our patients by sorting out some problems over the telephone ( for example by issuing a prescription) As we have one “on call” doctor every day who is responsible for all the urgent requests we regret it is not possible to ask for a particular doctor.
The doctor has a number of appointments available every day so those patients identified as needing to be seen will be offered an appointment the same day.
Our doctors’ routine appointments are 10 minutes long. Please don’t expect the doctor to sort out several problems in this time. If you think you many need a longer consultation you can ask to book a double appointment in advance.
Our nurses’ appointments vary between 10 and 30 minutes depending on whether it is a simple blood test or a complicated review. It is helpful if you can give the receptionist an idea of what you are attending for so she can book the correct time. Sessions will vary when doctors are on holiday.
Arriving for an Appointment
Automatic check-in
We have an automated check-in screen as you enter the surgery. If you register yourself as soon as you arrive then the doctor or nurse will know that you are in the waiting room. This avoids any delay if there is a queue at the reception desk.
If you have any problems using this system our reception staff will be happy to assist.
Patient call system
When you attend the surgery we have an electronic call system in the waiting room. When the doctor or nurse is ready, your name will be displayed on the screen with the consulting room number. Please check this carefully as clinicians do not always use the same room.
If you do not want your name to be displayed please inform our reception staff before your appointment.
Telephone Consultations
As well as routine appointments we also offer patients the opportunity to book a telephone call to speak to the doctor or nurse. These can be used to discuss test results, review medication, or just ask for advice. The receptionist will take your contact number and the doctor or nurse will ring back.
Interpreting Service
If you require an interpreter we can arrange one through the Newcastle Interpreting Service. This can take several days to book so please try to let our reception staff know well in advance.
Support for Carers
As it may be difficult for the carer, or the person(s) whom they care for, to attend appointments at Redburn Park Medical Centre, offering a double appointment for both is possible to avoid unnecessary difficulties. We can also be flexible when arranging appointments by offering telephone consultations which may prevent the need for a journey to the surgery.
Help Us
If you are late for your appointment it is unlikely the doctor or nurse will still be able to see you and you will have to rebook for another surgery.
Surgeries do sometimes run late. We do apologise for these delays which are often due to unforeseen emergencies or patients who are acutely ill and need immediate care or hospital admission. Our receptionists will try to inform you of any delays.
You can help us by:
- Being on time for your appointment
- Letting us know as soon as possible if you wish to cancel your appointment
- Booking a separate appointment for each family member who needs to be seen
- Not asking for routine repeat prescriptions to be issued - please request these at reception
