We understand that different patients want different things from our appointment system. Some people like to fit appointments in with their work or other commitments whilst others prefer to ring for a same day appointment. Many people have more routine matters to discuss whilst other people have potentially life-threatening health issues needing prompt attention.

We try our best to meet these varying needs within the limitations of the number of clinicians and appointments available. Like most GP surgeries, the demand for appointments here at Long Lane Surgery is very high. Every month our clinicians provide well over 4500 consultations for patients and demand continues to rise.  Therefore, to ensure you are seen by the right person, patients are asked to share details of their request with our teams by telephone, online, or at the front desk, so we can direct you to the most appropriate care. This isn’t always going to be with a GP. We have so many highly skilled people in the practice and wider team that better suits all our patient’s needs. GP’s can then concentrate on the most unwell within our communities.

Our trained Care Navigators will assess the needs of each individual patient and either book an appointment at the Practice, or signpost appropriately. If you are given an appointment at the Practice there are a range of different clinicians that may be more suitable to your needs, these include:

• General Practitioner (GP): Medical doctors who diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues, provide preventive care, and manage chronic conditions.

• Advanced Care Practitioner (ACP): Highly skilled healthcare professionals with advanced training and clinical expertise who assess, diagnose, and manage both acute and chronic conditions. They are qualified to prescribe medications, request and interpret investigations, and provide patient education and counselling. ACP's come from a variety of professional backgrounds, including nursing, paramedicine, and physiotherapy.

• Paramedic: Highly trained healthcare professionals with advanced medical expertise who aid in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute health issues.

• Clinical Pharmacist: Pharmacists with specialised training in clinical pharmacy practice, involved in medication management, providing medication reviews, and offering advice on the safe and effective use of medications. Some Pharmacists are also qualified prescribers, enabling them to prescribe medications within their area of competence.

• Physiotherapist: Healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and disabilities through physical techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, and education.

• Practice Nurse: Registered nurses who provide a wide range of nursing services within the practice, including immunisations, wound care, cervical screening, long-term condition management, and health promotion advice. Some Practice Nurses are also qualified prescribers, enabling them to prescribe medications within their area of competence.

The following appointment options are available at the practice: