In the last few years, Kingsholm Surgery has seen an increase demand for appointments. In order to deal with this we have increased the number of doctors and the number of appointments.
However we are still struggling to keep up with demand for appointments. We have adjusted our appointment system so we have a mixture of routine appointments and urgent (available on the day) appointments so we can try and meet demand in a timely and safe manner. You can help us by trying to make sure that you book the right sort of appointment.
Urgent appointments
To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday) during opening times:
- phone us on 01452 522 902
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.
Routine appointments
To request a routine appointment in advance during opening times:
- phone us on 01452 522 902
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) or SystmOnline to book an appointment, screening test or vaccination
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.
Emergency appointments
If all the routine and urgent appointments have gone and you have a problem that cannot wait until the next surgery then you may be offered an emergency appointment. These are only 5 minutes long.
For this reason we will only deal with the emergency problem and no other. We will not give out repeat prescriptions. These appointments are shared out equally between the doctors so you will not be able to choose which doctor you see. If you book an emergency appointment for a routine problem then you will be asked to book a more appropriate appointment.
Telephone appointments
Sometimes if you have a problem that can be dealt over the telephone, you will be booked a telephone appointment. These are usually dealt with at the end of surgery between 11:45am and 3:00pm after 6:00pm.
It is possible that the doctor may be able to phone before this time, so it is important that you answer your phone at any time after a telephone appointment has been booked. If the doctor has tried to phone you and got no reply then they will not phone again.
Improved access service
This service is available from 6:30pm to 8:00am, 7 days a week. The service also covers bank holidays.
Weekday evening and weekend appointments are offered every day at GHAC (8:00am to 8:00pm) and Thursday afternoons at the surgery. These appointments can be booked through our surgery when we are open.
These appointments are for anyone with a new acute problem, such as tonsillitis or an ear infection or a long-term condition that has become worse e.g a chest condition and needs treating urgently. If you have a complex ongoing problem, it is probably best to follow up with your usual GP who knows you best
Cancelling or changing an appointment
To cancel your appointment:
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- use the GP online system: SystmOnline
- use the cancel an appointment form
- phone us on 01452 522 902 during opening times
If you need help when we are closed
If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.
Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
If you need help with your appointment
Please tell us:
- if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
- if you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
- if you need an interpreter
- if you have any other access or communication needs
Home visits
Home visits are reserved for patients who are physically housebound. We appreciate that transport can be a problem for some patients, but lack of transport is not a reason for a home visit.
Feverish children can safely be brought to the surgery. They often improve by taking them out into cooler surroundings, and they are also likely to be seen more promptly.
Requests for home visits should be made before 11:00am.