Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?
Do you make home visits?
What number do I call in an emergency?
Do you give advice over the telephone?
What if I need a doctor of the weekend or out of hours?
How do I arrange a repeat prescription?
What is the immunisation schedule for children?
Are there any other providers of medical assistance?
What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
How do I contact North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust?

Q. How do I make an appointment? (back to top)
A:Appointments may be made during surgery opening hours in person or by telephoning the surgery at which you wish to make an appointment. Please try to give as much notice as possible, especially if you wish to see a particular doctor. It is best to follow through an illness with the same doctor.

Expect to be able to see your doctor or an authorised deputy:

The Practice also has the facility for patients to book appointments with GPs on-line via the internet. If you would like to take advantage of this facility you need to contact Reception to ask for an on-line booking registration form. You can then click the "Book an Appointment Online" box at the top of any of our website's pages

Q. Do you make home visits? (back to top)
A. Patients who are too ill to attend the surgery and need a home visit please telephone Elvington Surgery 08450 71 71 70 between 08:00 and 10:00. You will be asked to give some indication of the nature and urgency of the illness. You should only request a home visit if you are too sick or unable to get to the surgery. Telephone advice may be offered by the GP.

Q. What number do I call in an emergency? (back to top)
A. In an emergency please call 08450 71 71 70

Q. Do you give advice over the telephone? (back to top)
A. If you want to talk to a doctor for advice on a health problem then you should leave a message with the receptionist. The doctor will call you back after the end of surgery

Q. What if I need a doctor of the weekend or out of hours? (back to top)
A.If you need a doctor in an emergency outside the normal surgery opening times then you should contact the emergency doctor service on 08450 56 80 60

Q. How do I arrange a repeat prescription? (back to top)
A.The practice operates a repeat prescribing and dispensing service for those medications authorised for repeat prescribing by a doctor. You can either post your repeat prescription request to us or place it in the special postbox in the reception area of each surgery. The postbox is emptied daily and your request should be dealt with within 48hrs.
You should give as much notice as possible, but the practice requires 48hrs notice to process and dispense your repeat prescription request. This is to ensure that any queries regarding your prescription can be checked with the doctor. Do not leave it until the very last minute to order your medication. We may need to order it from our supplier and this takes 24hrs (longer for aids and appliances). Please bear this in mind when you request medication prior to going on holiday.

The practice operates a 28 day prescribing policy (apart from HRT and contraception). This means that the maximum amount of medication you will be given at any one time will last 28 days/one month.

We have a dedicated telephone line for repeat prescription requests:
All sites: 01904 724 882

Answer-phones in use when you telephone. Be prepared to give:

• Your Name

• Your Telephone Number and the first part of your address

• Details of the medication you require with drug strength and quantity

• Where you want to collect your prescription.

Q. What is the immunisation schedule for children? (back to top)
A. For a full explanation please visit the NHS Immunisation Information site by clicking here

Q. Are there any other providers of medical assistance? (back to top)
A.York NHS Walk-In Centre 01904 725401

Situated within Monkgate Health Centre, Monkgate, York, the walk-in clinic is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. No appointment is necessary. Staffed by experienced NHS nurses, the centres have been introduced to help anyone whose modern, busy lifestyle, or practical circumstances and particular needs, make flexible access to services so important. The centres are not intended to replace local GP or hospital services, but to complement them.

Healthcare advice, information and treatment are offered in a number of areas such as:

• Minor injuries and illnesses
• Minor infections and rashes
• Stomach upsets
• Superficial cuts and bruises
• Strains and sprains
• Coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms
• Blood tests
• Blood pressure checks
• Stitch removal
• Ear syringing
• Conjunctivitis in adults
• Dressings
• Consultation on emergency contraception

NHS Direct 0845 4647

NHS Direct is a nurse-led telephone service offering confidential healthcare advice and information 24 hours a day. They also have an on-line service NHS Direct Online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

Q. What do I do if I want to make a complaint? (back to top)
A.Patient Advice and Liaison Service (P.A.L.S) is a new support service for patients and carers provided by North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust. The service will enable you to:

• Obtain information about local health services

• Make comments and suggestions on the services that are provided in your area

• Resolve problems or difficulties you are experiencing with local health services

• Become involved in the planning and design of local health services.

PALS is not intended to be a replacement for complaints procedures however, PALS will be able to help and advise you about how to make a complaint, if you wish.

Patient and carers can contact PALS through a free phone telephone number at no cost to the caller 0800 5870856

The service is available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Your name and contact details will be treated as strictly confidential.

Q. How do I contact North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust? (back to top)
A.North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust
The Hamlet
Hornbeam Park
Harrogate
HG2 8RE
Telephone 01423 815150