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Appointments
Contact your GP
If you need help with a medical or admin request, you can now contact us online.
How to make an appointment
The practice is open from 8.00am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Throughout these hours you, or your carer on your behalf, can:
- Visit the practice
- Call the practice on 01278 411520.
- Go online using the practice’s website or the NHS App.
What happens when you contact your practice to request an appointment?
Whether you make your request by phone, online, or by visiting the practice, you may be asked to provide some details. This helps a clinician assess what is best for you based on your clinical needs.
A clinician will review your request for an appointment or medical advice and will let you know what will happen next within one working day.
This could be:
- An appointment that day or a subsequent day
- A phone call that day or a subsequent day
- A text message responding to your query
- Advice to go to a pharmacy or another NHS service.
Who might help you?
You might be offered a face-to-face appointment or a phone call with a GP or other member of the practice staff, like a nurse or other healthcare professional.
If you have a carer, they can speak for you with your consent.
You can ask to see a preferred healthcare professional, and we will try to honor your request, although you might have to wait longer for that person to be available.
It can be helpful to see the same healthcare professional, particularly if you have a long-term health condition.
From what age can you see a GP on your own?
If you are 16 or older, you can make and go to appointments by yourself.
If you are under 16, you can still ask to see a GP without your parent or guardian. The GP will decide if that’s appropriate for you.
What if you need extra help?
If you do not speak English, you can ask for interpretation services in your preferred language when you make an appointment.
If you need extra help like longer appointments, a quiet space, wheelchair access, or information in a different format, tell your practice and they will try to help.
If you are away from home but still in the UK
If you’re away from home but still in the UK and need medical help, you can:
-
Contact a local GP practice and register as a temporary patient.
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Call NHS 111 for advice on what to do next.
The NHS App
Somerset Bridge Medical Centre would like to invite you to use The NHS App
Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to contact your GP and access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to give information about my problem when I contact the surgery?
We ask for a brief description of your issue so our clinical team can assess the urgency and type of care you need. It helps us make sure you’re seen by the right person, at the right time. All information is treated confidentially.
Who reviews my request?
A trained clinician (such as a GP or advanced nurse practitioner) reviews every request to decide the most appropriate next step for you.
Will I still be able to see a GP if I need to?
Yes. If after reviewing your request it’s decided that you need a face-to-face GP appointment, we will arrange one for you.
What happens if my problem is urgent?
Urgent cases are prioritised. If your issue needs same-day attention, you will be contacted promptly and offered appropriate care.
How do I contact the practice if I don’t have internet access?
You can still call or visit the practice in person. Our reception team will complete the triage information with you to make sure you get the right help.
What if I need to speak to a specific doctor?
We’ll do our best to accommodate requests for a particular doctor, but depending on availability and urgency, you might be offered care by another suitable clinician.
Is Total Triage safe?
Yes. Total Triage is designed to enhance patient safety by ensuring all requests are clinically assessed. It helps us spot urgent issues faster and provide the right level of care for everyone.
Will this save me time?
In many cases, yes! You might receive the advice or prescription you need without having to visit the surgery, saving you time and effort.