Unless otherwise specified every appointment lasts for 10 minutes only which is enough time to discuss one medical problem only.

If you have more than one problem to discuss, you may need to return for a second appointment.

Many medical issues can be dealt with by our nursing staff a lot quicker, so please tell our receptionists what you need your appointment for. This also helps to ensure that you see the right person who can also prepare better if the reason for the appointment is known. If your reason is highly personal, tell the receptionist and they will not probe further.

• Clearly formulate in your own mind what you are worried about and highlight any particular concerns.
• Consider preparing short notes to help you remember what you want to say including a description of your symptoms and exactly how long they have been experienced (in days, weeks or months, not “a while”!)
• Consider what is achievable in your one appointment. Be realistic.
• Get to the point. You do not have to justify being there and don’t save important issues to the end when you’ve run out of time.
• Do not use your mobile phone while in an appointment.
• Wear easily removed clothing. If you need to be examined, taking off many layers of clothing and redressing uses up too much of your appointment time and can cause clinicians to run late.
• At the end of your appointment, make sure you fully understand any advice you’ve been given or steps you must take.
• Don’t be put off by a doctor or nurse running late. This is often due to them having to give bad news to a previous patient or dealing with an emergency before you arrived. We all might need a bit of extra time unexpectedly one day so although it might not be convenient to you, please consider others.

Thank you for your understand and help.