Milton Keynes Doctors

How To Contact

Patients should at all times contact their own GP surgery first when they require a doctor. If however you only need advice you can call NHS Direct, on 0845 4647.

When you telephone your surgery and it is closed, you will have three options:

1. You will be forwarded to a message that will inform you of who to contact.

2. If you only require advice contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

3. If you require emergency care from a GP contact MKDOC.

Information To Give

If you are directed to MKDOC you will be asked the following questions:

• Telephone number of the patient’s house
  
  
• The patient’s GP
  
  
• Full name and date of birth of the patient
  
  
• Address
  
  
• Nature of the illness (symptoms)

What Happens Next?

The telephonist will then pass your call promptly to a GP. It is vital that you give a clear history of the patient’s illness so that the duty doctor can reach a reasonable opinion about the appropriate course of action.

The duty doctor will be able to form an opinion as to whether to just offer advice, a consultation at the emergency centre, or a home visit based upon assessment of the patient’s symptoms and medical condition. In some instances patients are best admitted to hospital and in most cases the staff will arrange this if necessary.

You cannot insist on a home visit. The decision rests with the doctor and, whilst we sympathise with the difficulties some patients experience, we cannot offer a home visit simply to overcome transport problems if the medical condition does not warrant it.

Consultations

Normally it is most appropriate to see patients at the centre rather than at home for three main reasons:

1. A patient can be properly examined in better lighting settings and observed, if needed, until the condition improves eg. asthma.

2. There is better equipment and support staff which facilitates a better delivery of care.

3. A doctor can see four times as many patients at the centre in the time it takes to complete a home visit.

IF ALL PATIENTS USE THE SERVICE SENSIBLY FOR GENUINE EMERGENCIES, WE CAN DELIVER A SERVICE THAT IS BEST DESIGNED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THOSE THAT ARE MOST AT NEED.

Comments/Complaints

If you have any complaints or comments please see your own doctor in the first instance. All matters will be investigated and you will be duly notified on the findings through your own surgery.