The Practice Asquith
About the practice
Appointments
All surgeries are by appointment and these can be made in person or by telephone. When booking an appointment our reception staff will need to ask you a few questions so they can direct you to the most appropriate healthcare professional - this may be a GP, Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant. If you are unable to keep an appointment, please let the surgery know as soon as possible so it can be made available for another patient. Each patient has a right to express a preference of GP for booked appointments. It should be noted that it may not be possible to see a preferred GP as they may not hold surgeries every day.
Urgent appointments
Should you require an urgent appointment please contact the surgery as soon as possible. Please state immediately if it is urgent. These appointments are only for patients for minor injuries and illnesses who should be seen within the hour. They are not for repeat prescriptions, ongoing appointments or sick notes. In a serious emergency call 999 or go straight to your nearest A&E department.
Registering as a new patient
To register at The Practice Asquith please call into reception for a welcome pack and we can advise you of our catchment area. Alternatively please see the section on registering as a new patient on our website where registration forms are available to download.
Teaching and training
We value our staff and provide support through teaching and training this enables us and them to provide the best service for all our patients.
Out of surgery hours
NHS Direct is a national 24-hour advice help line for all medical problems. Simply call 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. In an emergency when the surgery is closed please contact the out of hours service. Other than in an emergency, please use these services before attending the A&E department at the hospital.
Telephone advice
During surgery the doctor has set aside time to deal with enquiries over the telephone. We will ask you to leave your contact number and enquiry in order for the doctor to call you back during the surgery hours. A triage system is in place and you may be asked to speak to the Practice Nurse first.
Home visits
These are for patients who are too frail, severely disabled or confined to bed and are unable to attend the surgery. To request a home visit on the same day, please call the surgery before 11.00am. The doctor will decide if a visit is necessary.
Repeat prescriptions
To request repeat medicine, tick the repeat slip as appropriate and deliver, post or fax it to the surgery. Please include a SAE if you would like the prescription to be posted back to you. The prescription can be collected from the surgery or be sent to a preferred local chemist, please make this clear when you make your request. The prescription will be ready in 48hrs or two working days.
From time to time we require you to see the doctor or the nurse for a medication review before a repeat prescription can be issued. This is to ensure that you get the medications that are most appropriate. To check for your medication review date please refer to the repeat slip. Please do not telephone for repeat prescriptions.
Results of tests and X-Rays
These are available by telephoning the surgery between 12.00pm and 1.30pm. Results of blood tests usually take one week, X-Rays normally take 7-10 days and cervical smears can take up to four weeks. The doctor or nurse will advise as to whether there is any action to be taken. The receptionist can inform you if you need to see the doctor again.
Disabled access
There is disabled access at the surgery.
Parking
There is limited onsite parking with extra street parking nearby.
Patient confidentiality
The Practice Asquith follows the patient confidentiality policy as outlined by the PCT. If you would like to see a copy of this policy then please ask at reception. Any request for a report or copies of notes requires a signed patient consent form.
Patient behaviour
Physical and verbal aggression towards medical and administrative staff working in the NHS environment unfortunately does occur. This sort of behaviour is not tolerated at The Practice Asquith.
Change of contact details
If you change your name, address or phone number please inform the surgery in writing.
Complaints, comments and suggestions
At The The Practice Asquith, we sincerely hope that our patients are happy with the care and advice they receive, and we welcome your views and comments. We hope that you will raise any concerns with our staff at the time they occur. Alternatively, please refer to the patients complaints guidance poster available at reception.
Where to go for other local services:
NHS Direct: Call for advice on 0845 4647 for confidential healthcare advice and information 24 hours a day. You can also visit NHS Direct online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
The Merlin Vaz Health and Social Care Centre, 1 Spinney Hill Road, Leicester, LE5 3GH
Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5WW
t. 0300 303 1573
Translation policy
If you do not understand this document and would like assistance with translation, please speak to a member of reception staff.
Patients come first
The Practice Asquith offers clinical services to NHS patients who need to be sure of the very highest standards. But it's how we do what we do that makes the difference. We aim to deliver genuinely caring and thoughtful patient centred services. From first referral through diagnosis to effective treatment we promise true professionalism. M
No patient will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, gender, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition. At The Practice, patients come first.
