Maximising Your Appointment Time
At Brierley Park Medical Group, our GP appointments are 12.5 minutes long. While we aim to address your concerns efficiently and thoroughly, we kindly ask that patients adhere to the “One appointment, one problem” guideline. This ensures that each issue can be addressed properly and safely, and that we provide the best care possible during your visit.
Why this is important
This approach is essential for your clinical safety and well-being. We understand that it can be tempting to bring up multiple concerns at once, especially if you’ve been waiting for an appointment. However, trying to address several problems in a single 12.5-minute appointment may compromise the quality of care, as each medical issue requires adequate time for thorough assessment, treatment, and explanation.
Managing multiple concerns in a rushed appointment can lead to incomplete care, and in some cases, the conditions may not be properly managed. Moreover, if appointments run over, it can delay the rest of the clinic, impacting other patients.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
During your 12.5-minute appointment, your clinician will:
- Listen to your concerns and ask relevant questions to understand your issue
- Order prescriptions, tests, or referrals as needed
- Perform any necessary examinations
- Provide advice and reassurance
- Document a comprehensive record of your consultation
Given the limited time, please keep in mind that addressing multiple concerns might result in a rushed and less effective consultation. If needed, we may suggest scheduling a follow-up appointment to address additional issues in more detail.
What You Can Do to Help Us Maximise Your Appointment
We understand that waiting for an appointment can be frustrating, and we want to ensure you get the most out of your time with us. Here are some tips to help:
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Be Prepared:
- Inform the receptionist of the reason for your visit when booking. This allows us to allocate the appropriate amount of time for your concerns.
- Write down your symptoms, concerns, and any medications (including non-prescription medicines or supplements) you’re taking.
- Bring a pen and paper to note any important points from the appointment.
- Wear accessible clothing if an examination is likely.
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Be on Time:
Arriving on time helps ensure your consultation runs smoothly. If you are more than 5 minutes late, the clinician may not be able to see you, and you may need to reschedule. -
Prioritise Your Concerns:
Focus on the most urgent or concerning issue first. If you have several problems, it may be more beneficial to address one at a time in order to allow for proper discussion and treatment. Please be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment for other concerns. -
Ask Questions:
If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s important that you fully understand your diagnosis and any prescribed treatments. -
Be Direct:
If you have an issue that feels embarrassing or difficult to discuss, bring it up early in the appointment. Your clinician is here to help, and no concern is too small or too awkward.
Appointments for Children or Family Members:
We kindly request that you do not ask the clinician to address issues for children or other relatives during your appointment. Please make separate appointments for each person who needs to be seen.
Your Ongoing Care:
We recognise that waiting for an appointment can be challenging, and we aim to provide the best care we can during the time available. We encourage you to make the most of your consultation by following the tips above.
Thank you for your cooperation and for your continued support. We are committed to your health and well-being, and we strive to ensure every appointment is as effective as possible.