Improved Access Service

Providing Healthcare for the North East Gloucestershire Group (NEGG)

Churchdown Surgery is now part of The North and South Gloucester Primary Care Network (NSG PCN); and together with it’s other Practices, will now offer Improved Access Appointments at each of the Surgeries.

These additional appointments will be available between 6.30pm and 8.00pm every weekday evening and on Saturday mornings 08:15-12:30. Patients registered with any participating GP Surgery within the (NSG PCN); will be able to have an appointment at these extra clinics.

Improved Access GP Surgeries

  • Churchdown Surgery
  • The Alney Practice
  • Brockworth Surgery
  • Hucclecote Surgery
  • Longlevens Surgery

Improved Access GP Appointments

Our aim is to make it easier and more convenient for patients to see a GP by providing more appointments at certain surgeries across the area. These will be known as Improved Access Appointments.

Patients can book to be seen regardless of which Surgery they are registered at. These appointments can only be offered to patients registered with one of the South East Gloucester Group Improved Access Surgeries.

How to book an Improved Access Appointment

Contact the surgery as normal. The surgery will offer you an appointment based on what is available. If you choose an Improved Access appointment, the reception staff will tell you where the clinic is being held and the times available. If this is convenient an appointment will be booked for you. You will be asked for a brief indication of why you want to be seen. This is not because they are being intrusive, but in some cases it may be better for you to see your own GP and they are simply trying to ensure your appointment is booked appropriately.

Who can be seen at an Improved Access Appointment

These appointments are for anyone with a new problem, such as tonsillitis or an ear infection, or with a long-term condition that has become worse, e.g., a chest/respiratory condition that has become worse and needs treating urgently.

Usually, if you have already seen your own GP about a problem, or the appointment is about a long-term condition, it would be better for you to continue to see your own GP who already knows about your condition, including any tests or treatments you have received.

Medical Record Consent

The Doctor will need your consent to access your medical record. You will be asked for your consent when you book, and again when you arrive for your appointment. If you later change your mind and do not consent to your record being accessed, you will not be seen.

Attending an Improved Access Appointment

The Improved Access Clinics are staffed by GPs from GDoc; it is unlikely you will see your own GP.  Please bring a list of any medication you current take, and you might find it helpful to write down your concerns so the GP has a clear idea of what the current problem is. Please arrive 5 minutes early, or on-time for your appointment.  If you are late you may not be seen.

Tests or Referral to hospital

Following your consultation, if you need to have further investigations such as blood tests or x-rays, or you need to be referred to a Specialist at the Hospital, your own GP will make the referral for you.

Medication

If you need medication, such as antibiotics, you will be given a paper prescription to take to any Pharmacy to be filled.  A list of late opening pharmacies will be displayed outside the Surgery.

After your appointment

If you have any further concerns or feel you need to be seen again, please contact your own GP Surgery to arrange to see your own GP.

Who to contact

Your first point of contact should always be your own GP Surgery who will be able to assist you.