Book An Appointment With Us
The practice offers a vast variety of appointments:
- 7 am to 8 pm on weekdays
- 9 am to 5 pm most Saturdays
How to book an appointment
- Use The NHS App
- Call the practice on 01923 247 446 (Bushey & Watford), 0208 953 3355 (Borehamwood) and 0208 421 6746 (South Oxhey)
- Use The NHS App
- Patient Triage using the Online Consult form
- Call the practice on 01923 247 446 (Bushey & Watford), 0208 953 3355 (Borehamwood) and 0208 421 6746 (South Oxhey) – They will be able to assist you in completing the Online Consult form if you are not able to do so yourself.
Before you visit
Think about your main concern
Think about your main reason for booking the appointment before your visit. This does not have to be a physical symptom. It could be an emotional concern.
There is no reason to be embarrassed. We see lots of people with lots of conditions. Any information you share is confidential.
Note your symptoms
The note can be written down or recorded on your mobile phone. Try to include:
- When your symptoms began
- What they are
- If they follow a pattern
- How they impact your life or family
- Issues relating to those close to you that may be impacting you
Symptoms can include pain, changes to your eating habits, changes to your energy levels and your general mood.
If you have a family history of a condition which matches these symptoms note that as well.
Top tip: Keep track of your symptoms over 24 hours to see if you can spot a pattern. A pattern could be your symptoms getting worse late at night or immediately after eating.
Note your any medication
Make a note of any medicines you are taking or treatments you have tried. This includes treatments for other conditions, including physiotherapy and herbal remedies.
Prepare some questions
You may find it helpful to make a short list of questions before your visit. See section 4 for some suggestions.
During your visit
Take support
If you feel you need it, you can take a relative, friend or carer to your appointment for support. They may also be able to help you remember or understand what has been said.
Discuss your main concern first. Do not feel you have to justify being there or leave your main concern to the end.
Be honest
It is important that you are honest with your GP about your lifestyle. For example, how much you drink or exercise.
You should also be honest about your concerns.
Ask for a chaperone
If you need an intimate examination, you can ask for a chaperone or for the physical examination to be done by another doctor at another time.
Ask questions
There are some suggested questions for your GP appointment on the next section. They are grouped into four main areas: symptoms, tests, treatments and general questions.
Ask about anything you are unsure of. If you do not understand, ask before leaving the room.
Get a contact
You may think of questions to ask after your appointment. Find out who you can contact to get these answered.
You can also find out the names of any support groups providing reliable information.
Key questions to ask
Below are some questions which can help you make the most of your GP appointment.
These questions are just a guide. If you feel there is something else you want to know, ask.
Top tip: You have limited time during your GP appointment. For more detailed answers choose a maximum of five questions.
Questions about treatments
What is the likely treatment?
How long will I need the treatment for?
Are there any side effects?
Will it interfere with other medication?
How will it fit in with my life?
Are there other options?
What happens if I do nothing?
When will they be reviewed?
What if i cannot cope?
Questions about tests
Do I need any tests?
When will they be done?
What will they involve?
Where will I have them done?
Will I need more tests after that?
How will I get the results?
What should I do if I do not get my results?
General questions
What support is available for me?
Should I make changes to my lifestyle?
Where can I get more information?
Do you have any written information?
What happens next?
Questions about symptoms
What do my symptoms mean?
How long will they last?
What should I do if they get worse?
After your visit
Don’t be afraid to ask more questions
You might not remember every detail of your GP appointment. This is normal.
If there is anything you are unsure of talk to the practice nurse or phone the GP.
Continue to record symptoms
Keep track of your symptoms after your visit. This is useful because:
It can help you see improvements
It can help you see if your symptoms are becoming worse or more frequent
If you need to go back to the GP you will be prepared
Your GP should give you an idea of how long a treatment will take to work. If your symptoms last longer than you think is normal or you are concerned, contact your surgery for advice.
Raise small concerns early
If you are unhappy with your GP you can ask to switch GPs, raise your concerns, make a complaint or change practices.
It is usually worth discussing your concerns with your GP or practice manager first.
Seek further support
You can ask other healthcare professionals about a wide range of health problems and treatments. For example, pharmacists and hospital specialists.
There are also dedicated support groups and charities for almost every medical condition.
Top tip: Look for organisations which are recommended by the NHS or your GP surgery. This will help make sure the information is reliable.
Patients who are late
It is important that you come to your appointment on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment the clinician will not see you and you will be asked to rebook. For extended hours appointments you will need to come on time for your appointment. If you are late then you will be asked to rebook.
If you can not attend your appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that your appointment can be offered to someone else. You can use Patient Access to do this or complete the Cancel Appointment Form if you are not registered for online services.
