New Open Access Surgery from November 2009

Want to avoid the 8.30am rush on the phone?
Don't mind just turning up and waiting to be seen?


Howden is pleased to announce the introduction of a new open access service

Starting on 2nd of November 2009, in addition to our existing wide range of pre-booked appointments, there will be an open access surgery from 9.30am to 11am, Monday to Friday.  This will be staffed by 2 GPs, and will be able to deal with up to 24 people who attend without a prearranged appointment.

To access this service, all you need to do is report to reception between 9.30am and 11am, and have your name added to the open access surgery list.  You cannot phone in advance for this surgery. You will be asked to wait in a specified area, and your name will be called when it is your turn.  We will tell you if the surgery is already filled to capacity, and if so please speak to the receptionists about the alternative appointments we offer.  We continue to have a duty doctor every afternoon if your problem is urgent.

As it will be a first-come first-served system, we ask you to be prepared to wait your turn.  Also, please do not ask the GPs to deal with multiple problems in this surgery, as time is limited, and others will be waiting their turn too.

We plan to review this service after a few months to measure how effective it has been in improving access.  We are hoping it will reduce pressure on our phone system for those who want to book an appointment.

Our usual system of booked appointments will remain unchanged, which continues to include a mixture of same-day and routine appointments.