|
Access to Doctors and Nurses on the telephone
The practice offers patient telephone advice during morning and evening surgeries. On contacting the practice this is an option that may be offered to you. A time will be given when the doctor or nurse will ring you back on the given telephone number to discuss problems and offer advice. We ask that you remember to keep your telephone free and to be available to take the call at the allocated time.
Telephone System
The practice has eight in-coming telephone lines to enable the patient to contact the practice easily. On calling the practice during office hours you will hear the following:-
Welcome to Howden Medical Centre, if you know the extension you require please enter it now….
If your call is a medical emergency, press 1
This will direct you to our emergency telephone that is answered as a matter of priority, please only press option number 1 if you have a true emergency.
To book a routine doctors appointment press 3
This will direct your call to our automated appointment service. This will enable you to arrange an advance appointment with a doctor or to cancel or check an appointment you may have already arranged with a doctor or a nurse. For you to use this service the practice requires an up to date telephone number that you have to enter when prompted along with your date of birth. Please listen closely to the instructions given. This service can also be used outside of office hours.
For repeat prescriptions press 4
Our automated service enables you to order a repeat prescription both in and out of office hours. We ask for your full name, address, date of birth and to list clearly the items you require. Please speak slowly so the receptionist listening to the message is able to document your details accurately. Your prescription will be available to collect 2 days from receipt of your message. Please allow a further two days if you wish to collect your medicines from the local chemist.
For test results press 5
This option will direct you to a member of the reception team not on duty at the front desk. We ask that you ring after 11am for test results to give time to the doctor to read and comment on the actions, if any, to be taken.
To speak to a receptionist or to book any other type of appointment press 6
This will direct you to the reception team for any questions or queries or to book an on the day appointment with a doctor or an appointment with one of the nursing team.
Or to listen to these options again please hold
This will direct you to the beginning of the greeting.
|