Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the on-going infection control measures required, the partners at Crickhowell Group Practice feel we need to introduce a new appointment system. This system will be reviewed on a monthly basis and may change depending on the virus impact and our ability to provide a safe service.
We aim to prioritise care in the safest way possible to ensure your access to medical advice and treatment is maintained during this difficult period.
From the 23rd of November we will only be offering ON THE DAY telephone first appointments for all our GP consultations. During this time advance appointments, online appointments and online telephone consultation requests are not available.
Important information for patients booking appointments at the Practice during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you suspect that you have symptoms of the virus please do not attend the surgery. There is information on how to obtain a Covid-19 test by ringing 119, looking at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ or https://gov.wales/coronavirus. This means that you can quickly get help and advice without leaving home or potentially putting others at risk.
We are still bringing in patients that need a face to face assessment to the surgery. This is after a telephone appointment with a doctor or nurse with appropriate infection control measures provided.
Do you need to see the doctor today?
Choose Pharmacy
You can now get free NHS advice and free treatment for a range of common ailments from our local community pharmacists without having to make an appointment with a GP. For more information and for the full list of conditions covered under this scheme download a leaflet below: Minor Ailments Services Leaflet.pdf
If you need an appointment
You can call the surgery and speak to a receptionist/patient administrator at the reception desk. Call lines will be open from 8.30 am until approximately 11.00 am every morning. We recommend that you phone early to avoid disappointment.
The appointment system is as follows:
- Our trained patient administrators will ask you a few questions to assist the clinicians in dealing with your request in the most appropriate way.
- If you need an appointment the administrator will allocate your name to a clinician’s list. It is your right to express a preference for a practitioner, however, we cannot guarantee an appointment with the clinician of your choice.
- Later on the same day the clinician will return your call, the clinician will then decide whether the problem can be resolved by telephone, or if a face to face appointment with a doctor or nurse is necessary. It is possible the clinician will recommend another professional such as a pharmacist or an optician or physiotherapist, as these professionals might be more appropriately consulted. If a face to face appointment is necessary then the clinician will arrange an appropriate time.
Urgent Treatment during surgery hours
After the GP bookings are full – approximately 11 am.
If your appointment is immediately necessary and cannot wait for the next day. After taking brief details the receptionist will contact the duty doctor who will arrange a telephone consultation. It is important that these appointments are not used for routine concerns or for any concern that can wait for the next day.
Should there be any delay or difficulty in contacting the surgery and the patient is unconscious, suffering heavy blood loss, severe breathlessness or chest pain or symptoms of stroke (facial or arm weakness or slurred speech) you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
Nurse appointments
Appointments for blood tests and INR checks can be booked in advance by phone. Repeat HRT and any contraception requests can be booked in advance as a telephone appointment with the nurse. If you are due a Depo Provera injection the receptionist will give you a nurse appointment in advance. Patients receiving other injections at the practice will be seen as current system. A clinic day will be provided on a rolling basis for B12 injections to book in to when due.
It is very important you attend for your cervical smear appointment when you receive a letter form Cervical Screening Wales. These appointments are held at our branch surgery in Gilwern currently. This site is also being used for 6 week baby checks and childhood immunisations.
Minor Illness
Our trained practice nurses are available for minor illness telephone consultations in the morning.
Home Visits
Home visits are for patients who are too ill to attend the surgery, not for people who have difficulties with transport. Please ring before 10.00 am if you feel a home visit is necessary and your request will be assessed by one of the GPs.
Minor Surgery, Joint Injections
In view of the recent increasing number of cases of Covid-19, we are not planning the re-introduction of these services at the moment. This will be under monthly review and will need to be discussed with your clinician.
Failure to attend appointments
Nurse and certain clinic appointments can be booked in advance so if you cannot attend your appointment for any reason please let us know as soon as possible, giving at least 24 hours notice. We can then offer the appointment to someone else as there is considerable pressure on our appointments.
Thank you for your co-operation with this new system. We will monitor and review issues as they occur over the winter. We hope with this re-configuration and your assistance we can continue to provide you with the good healthcare you need.