Appointments

How to book an Appointment using the new Appointment Booking System

From Wednesday 1st October, Downing Drive Surgery will be introducing a new triage system for all patient GP appointment requests.

This means that instead of calling at 8am to book, all patients will now be asked to complete an online medical triage form. The form will be reviewed by a GP, who will decide the most appropriate next step for your care and ensure you are seen in the right place, at the right time, by the most appropriate professional.

The link to complete the online form can be found here: https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/c82030.

Please click on the link to read more: https://downingdrivesurgery.nhs.uk/new-booking-system-faqs/

Types of Appointments

  • For medical emergencies, such as sudden difficulty in breathing, chest, or abdominal pain, please call 999.
  • If you need urgent NHS mental health support, call the Mental Health Central Access Point on 0800 800 3302. This is a free helpline operating 24/7 for people of all ages in Leicestershire.
  • For non-urgent free medical advice call NHS 111 which operates 24/7 or visit 111 online
  • For coughs, colds, minor illness, and medication queries please contact your local pharmacist for advice. If your own local pharmacist is unable to manage your medication query you can book an appointment with our practice-based pharmacists via reception. (https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy)
  • For minor injuries such as broken bones and sprains, please visit A&E at The Leicester Royal Infirmary, LE1 5WW
  • For joint or muscle pains you can book to talk to our First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) via reception. FCPs have expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions.
  • For non-medical support, such as day centres, charities, or community groups to reduce loneliness, you can book a conversation with our Social Prescriber via reception.
  • For a self-referral for counselling please contact VitaMinds on 0330 094 5595. Or complete their contact form online:https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/contact-us

Pharmacy First Scheme

Most pharmacies are now offering the NHS Pharmacy First Service and can treat some common conditions. The table below shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.

To find a pharmacy that offers this service, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Condition Age range and criteria
Ear infection 1 to 17 years
Impetigo 1 year and over
Infected insect bites 1 year and over
Shingles 18 years and over
Sinusitis 12 years and over
Sore throat 5 years and over
Uncomplicated UTI (urinary tract infections) Women 16-64 years

Or for more information please visit: https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

Chaperone Policy

At Downing Drive Surgery, we are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for our patients.

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present during any consultation, examination, or procedure. Our clinicians will advise you if a chaperone is necessary during any intimate examination to safeguard both you and the clinician.

Our staff members are appropriately trained to act as chaperones and are knowledgeable about the examinations or procedures being performed. For this reason, family and friends cannot act as chaperones.

If you have any questions or wish to see the chaperone policy, please speak to a member of our staff.

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Cancelling your appointment

If you no longer need your appointment, please contact the practice on 0116 2413801 to let us know as this will allow us to offer your slot to another patient.

This is very important as missed appointments waste valuable surgery time.

You can also cancel your appointment online by:

Submitting Administrative Queries

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How do I submit Administrative Queries?

Accurx Online Patient Triage is an online consultation tool that allows you to submit any administrative request to Downing Drive Surgery. This feature is open 24/7 but should not be used for urgent queries or booking appointments.

What can I use it for?

  • Requesting a fit (sick) note
  • Online access queries and password resets
  • Requests to access your medical records
  • Cancelling an appointment
  • Test results
  • Home Blood Pressure Readings

How do I access it?

You can access Accurx Online Patient Triage via a link on the banner at the top of our practice website home page or by clicking here.

Start here

Enhanced Access

In collaboration with our Primary Care Network, we now offer appointments outside of our regular hours. This includes weekday evenings, Monday to Friday, until 8 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please note that these appointments are provided by the PCN, so the clinician you see may not be from Downing Drive Surgery but from another GP practice within our network. Appointments will be either via telephone or held face-to-face at Johnson Medical Practice, 22 Maidenwell Avenue, Hamilton, LE5 1BL.

Home Visits

If you are too unwell to come to the surgery, the Doctor will make a home visit only if it is clinically determined that you are unable to attend the surgery.

It would help to plan the Doctor’s visits by phoning the practice before 10.30am.  Failure to do so may lead to delays.

Who do I see?