Introduction to Bideford Medical Centre

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The doctors in this Practice believe in personal list as it enables continuity of care.

Patients will be encouraged to see their own doctors whenever possible.

The Practice offers Advance Access appointment booking system. The practice standard is to offer patients a consultation with the appropriate health professional within 24 or 48 hours. The Midwives take bookings 2 months in advance because of the nature of the care they provide. 

The doctors offer both face-to-face and telephone consultations to patients. 

Receptionists should always offer Patients the next available appointment with their own GP. If it is not acceptable to the patient then they will be offered the next available appointment with another GP.  If the patients’ own GP is away the patient will be offered an appointment with another GP.

Patients may book routine or follow-up appointments 3 weeks in advance if they wish but the number of these appointments is limited. They are normally at the beginning of morning surgery and at the end of afternoon surgery. These appointments are best used by patients who are unable to come to the surgery during normal working hours. 

We do not encourage patients to book their appointments too far ahead as statistics show that a lot of appointments have been wasted when the patients fail to turn up for their booked appointments.

Some conditions are self-limiting, such as viral infections which will resolve themselves over a few days. In such occasions it is possible to wait and see what happens to the symptoms before coming to see the doctor in the first instance. 

If Receptionists are unable to offer an surgery appointment they will offer the patient a telephone call from their doctor, or an alternative GP of their own is away. Patients may ask to see the Practice Nurses, District Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors direct or other Primary Health Care Team members if they think it more appropriate to do so. If they need health information and advice we advise them to contact NHS Direct, available 24 hours a day on 0845 4647. Local Pharmacists will also advise on minor illnesses and medication.