How to Make an Appointment
As part of NHS England’s plan to eliminate the 8am appointment rush & to make the appointment system equitable for everybody, GP appointments at Hammersmith Surgery need to be requested through PATCHS – the online consultation platform approved by NWL ICB. You will need an active email address to register for this service. Regrettably, you are unable to use the NHS App to request an appointment.
- PATCHS is to be used for routine / non-urgent medical issues that do not need an immediate response.
- We aim to respond to all incoming PATCH requests within 24 hours (not including weekends).
- For urgent enquiries when the Practice is closed, please contact 111.
- If you are unable to request an appointment on PATCHS, you will be asked to complete a hand-written request at the Practice or the request form can be sent to a mobile number / email address to be filled out & returned to the Practice.
- For those patients who are not able to access PATCHS or complete the hand-written form, the reception team will endeavour to find an alternative.
PATCHS is to be used for GP appointment requests. Appointments with other staff – such as nurse or HCA – are available to be booked over the telephone or in person.
Thank you for your patience whilst we are implementing these changes.
Cancellations
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else.
Patients who miss three appointments without letting us know may be removed from the practice list.
Call us on 020 8741 3944 or use our Online Service to cancel your appointment.
Chaperones
The Surgery prides itself in maintaining professional standards. For certain examinations during consultations an impartial observer (a “Chaperone”) can be requested.
This impartial observer will be a practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant who is familiar with the procedure and be available to reassure and raise any concerns on your behalf. If a nurse is unavailable at the time of your consultation then your examination may be re-scheduled for another time.
You are free to decline any examination or choose an alternative examiner or chaperone. You may also request a chaperone for any examination or consultation if one is not offered to you. The GP may not undertake an examination if a chaperone is declined.
The role of a Chaperone:
• Maintains professional boundaries during intimate examinations.
• Acknowledges a patient’s vulnerability.
• Provides emotional comfort and reassurance.
• Assists in the examination.
• Assists with undressing patients, if required.
Home Visits
It is clinically better for you to be seen at the surgery where we have better facilities, diagnostic aids and lighting to assess you, however, if you need a home visit please contact the surgery as early as possible in the morning, before 10:00, and give one of our receptionists your specific details.
Home visits are ONLY for housebound patients and for those too ill to attend the surgery. Home visits are not for those who do not have transport. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed.
You can be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.
Late For Your Appointment
Please attend your appointment on time, if you are late you may not be seen. If you are not seen you will not be able to rearrange your appointment until the next working day-except in the event of an medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Text Reminder Service
We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.
To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.
Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.