These are common questions we are asked. If they do not answer your query, and you cannot find an answer from the Appointments page, please call the Practice during opening hours.

Q. How do I decide if I need to make an appointment to see a doctor?

A. Please use NHS resources such as the NHS 111 symptom checker. This will ask you a series of questions specific to you and will give advice as to what action should be taken. A pharmacist may also be able to help, see their services here.

Q. When can I book a routine appointment?

A. Between 10:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. Please avoid the lunch period (12:00 to 2:00) if possible.

Q. How far in advance can I book an appointment?

A. For GPs, one week to two weeks ahead. For other clinicians (Pharmacists, Nurses, Health Care Assistants and blood tests) these can be booked up to 6 weeks ahead, where available.

Q. How do you book an emergency appointment?

Phone between 08:00 and 18:00. You may be asked to initially discuss your condition by a phone consultation with a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Q. What should I do if I have requested/given a telephone appointment?

A. Await your call. It may be up to two hours before or after the time given.

Q. Can I get an appointment/follow up appointment with a specific GP.

A. We will try and meet your request, but their appointments are quickly filled each day.

Q. How often are routine appointments made available each day?

A. Routine appointments are available from 10am, and we are able to offer a routine appointment most of the time if you are not specific about when this is and with whom.

Q. Can I book a routine appointment online?

A. Yes. A small number are made available each day. They are bookable through the NHSApp or Patient Access.

Q. Can I book a home visit?

A. You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the Practice. If a visit is needed the same day you should call before 11:00.

Q. Why is it difficult to book a routine appointment for a Monday?

A. The ratio of routine and urgent appointments on Mondays is biased towards urgent appointments. This is to effectively deal with urgent problems that have arisen over the weekend.

Q. Will I receive a reminder of an upcoming appointment?

A. Yes, if you have registered your mobile number with us. This will be to your phone or the NHSApp if you have set that up.

Q. How do I cancel an appointment?

A. Use the link in the Appointment reminder, if received (internet access required), send an email to ddicb.dmp@nhs.net, ring the surgery or call in. Early cancellation will enable us to allocate the appointment to another patient.

Q. Can you get an evening/weekend appointment?

A. The extended hours service, provided at Stubley Medical Centre, offers appointments with locum GPs, Nurses and Healthcare assistants. Available during weekday evenings (from 18:.30 to 20:00) and Saturday mornings (08:00 to 12:00). Ring Dronfield Medical Practice to book.

Q. What if I want a longer appointment with a GP to talk about my condition?

A. Appointments with GP Registrars (qualified doctors doing specialist GP training) are longer than those with senior GPs. You can request a double appointment with a senior GP but these are harder to arrange as it requires two concurrent appointments.

Q. How long do I have with a nurse?

A. It will depend on the reason for the appointment.

Q. Can I get a walk in appointment?

A. No. Pre-booking of appointments allow patients to be prioritised on clinical need rather than convenience.

Q. Will I receive a reminder to book an appointment?

A. Yes, if you have given us your mobile number, for regular reviews with a Nurse/ Pharmacist or Blood Tests.

Q. How are changes to the appointment system announced?

A. On our Facebook and Instagram pages and our occasional newsletter. See our home page to sign up for the newsletter.

Q. Who can I see outside the surgery open times/extended hours service?

A. A pharmacist may be able to help, see their services here, or go to 111 online or please ring 111.

Q. What happens if I am late to an appointment?

A. We allow a few minutes grace but those exceeding this may be asked to rebook.

Q. Will I be seen promptly?

A. All staff will endeavour to run to time, however sometimes patients need slightly longer than their appointment time, this occasionally means that clinics run late. If you are waiting longer than 15 minutes past your appointment time, please check with reception to ensure that you are marked as 'arrived' in our clinical system.

Q. What happens if I miss an appointment?

A. We recognise that despite best intentions this sometimes happens. We will make a note you did not attend. If an appointment is still required, please book a new one. Should you miss several appointments we may contact you to understand why and take further action. To maintain the standards of care we would like we must ensure that everyone uses our services responsibly.

Full details are on our Appointments page.

The Patient Participation Group are seeking new members. Find out more here.