Appointments

Appointments can be made for all surgeries and clinics preferably, if you have access to a computer, it is quicker and easier for you to make your own appointments via on-line booking; this is available to you 24 hours per day.To access this service you need to call in to our reception to register. You will be issued with a password which will allow you to book, cancel and print your appointment via the link above.

We require two forms of identification prior to access being granted.

You can also make appointments at the desk or by telephoning the appointment number. Please try to book routine appointments a few days in advance. A receptionist will be available from 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

The telephone lines can be busy from 9.00 to 11.30am and a little quieter thereafter so, if your call is not urgent, you may well get through more easily if you ring after 11.30 am. (It is important if you cannot keep your appointment to cancel so we can offer it to someone else). Monday mornings are always busy – so try to avoid this if at all possible. Also, please write down the date/time and who your appointment is with. You wouldn’t believe how many patients ring us to ask when their appointment is. This badly holds up our appointment lines! Very shortly we shall be introducing mobile text alerts to remind you when your appointment is. Please make sure we have your up to date mobile telephone number to take advantage of this service.

You have the right to express a preference of who you wish to see at the practice and we will try to accommodate this request, however we may not be able to meet this request at all times due to availability of staff.

Telephone Advice

The doctors are usually available for advice around 11.30am but the times may vary a little. Alternatively the receptionist may take your number and brief details for doctor to return your call after their morning surgery.

The practice manager, the administration team and the practice nurses can also be contacted for help and advice on this number. Again, the receptionists may ask you to ring back at a specific time if the individual you need is busy when you call.

Emergencies

Telephone No.: 0191 5673804

During the day please use this telephone number for emergencies only.

When the surgery is closed please dial the Freephone number 111, which is available 24 hours per day, every day of the year.  Please refer also to our section on here “What to do when the surgery is closed”

A doctor at the surgery can always consult patients with urgent medical problems the same day, but it will not necessarily be your regular doctor. Please contact the surgery as early in the day as possible, when the receptionist will ask you some questions about your urgent need of advice/appointment. Please note the doctors need this information from the receptionist so that they may prioritise the emergencies. Our administration staff may also re-direct you to another health care professional who may be better placed to help with your problem, i.e. a physiotherapist, pharmacist or nurse. These consultations are not for repeat medication, sick notes, test results or non-urgent problems. Please note we do not offer a non – appointment “walk-in-service.

Choose and Book

Choose and Book is a service implemented across Sunderland that allows you to choose a hospital or clinic and book an appointment with a specialist. It is a national service combining electronic booking with a choice of place, date and time for first outpatient appointments.

When a patient and their GP agreed that they need to see a specialist, the patient will have been able to choose from at least four hospitals or clinics, whilst also choosing a date and time for their appointment.

For more information on Choose and Book, visit the Sunderland Choose and Book website.