We have put together the following information to help you to understand how you can access us when you need us.
- Who do I need to see?
- How can I book an appointment?
- I can’t seem to see the same person twice
- Accessing services online
- I just need some advice about my condition
- Telephone appointments have worked for me, can I still book these?
- I don’t need an appointment I need a letter or fit note
- Chronic condition reviews with practice nurse
- Visiting the surgery
- What services do you provide at Elmwood?
1. WHO DO I NEED TO SEE?
Our medical receptionists can help to ensure you navigate to the most appropriate member of the team. In order to do this we have asked them to ask for a brief outline of your problem.
Did you know that if you need to speak with someone about your mental health or a musculoskeletal problem you can book an appointment without a referral from your GP. Click on the links for further information about these staff.
2. HOW CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Patients can book a face-to-face appointment to see a clinician by booking online or calling the practice telephone number 01484 943000. We also have some telephone appointments available, and these can be booked by telephoning the practice.
Home Visits; our process for home visits has not changed. We would politely request that visits are requested before 10:30am with a brief reason for the request. All routine and and urgent home visits will be triaged to see if a visit is required and to ensure you are seen by the most appropriate person.
3. I CAN’T SEEM TO SEE THE SAME PERSON TWICE
Whichever type of appointment you book please consider the benefit of waiting to see the clinician of your choice. By planning your visit in advance you can get the most out of your appointment. Please read and watch patient stories of the benefits of continuity of care. For urgent appointments continuity will not be possible.
4. ACCESSING SERVICES ONLINE
For most patients the easiest way to access your online record is by downloading the Airmid App or the NHS app. If you do not have a smartphone you can log in to your account here. We can help you if you are having any problems using your online access.
Face to face appointments are available to book online.
Telephone appointments have to be booked via our phone line.
5. I JUST NEED ADVICE ABOUT MY CONDITION
You can seek general advice at nhs 111. If this does not give you the advice you need you can complete an e-consultation with us here, using Patchs (our e-consult system). Please note you can expect a response from the practice by the end of the next working day.
6. TELEPHONE APPOINTMENTS HAVE WORKED FOR ME, CAN I STILL BOOK THESE?
Yes! But please consider whether this is the most suitable type of appointment for you.
Please note that if you feel your problem cannot wait until the next routine appointment all urgent appointments will be done at the surgery in person. This is following our own reviews and listening to our patients – recognising this as being the safest and most effective route to urgent care.
For urgent appointments you will be likely be booked with our team of Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) who represent a key part of our expanding workforce within the Valleys. ACPs are qualified healthcare professionals who come from a variety of backgrounds such as nursing, pharmacy, paramedic and physiotherapy.
7. I DON’T NEED AN APPOINTMENT, I NEED A LETTER OR FIT NOTE
For administrative queries you can complete an e-consultation using ‘Patchs’ (our e-consult system). If upon review we need to arrange an appointment with you we will then contact you.
8. CHRONIC CONDITION REVIEWS WITH PRACTICE NURSE
We remain committed to proactively looking after our patients with long term conditions. We have a safe system for contacting patients when they are due for review, usually around your birthday, so unless we have asked you to book an appointment you do not need to contact us (unless you feel your circumstances have changed). Depending on your condition and needs, this may be a face to face or telephone appointment.
9. VISITING THE SURGERY
Each of our practice sites has a car park adjacent to the main entrance, with disabled access. For more information about the accessibility of each of our sites, click here
The addresses can be found here.
10. WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE AT ELMWOOD?
For information about the clinics and services available at Elmwood, please visit our ‘Clinics and Services‘ webpage.