The surgery offers 10 minute timed slot appointments and we ask if you need longer to please let reception know. We offer both same day and routine pre-bookable appointments.
Salisbury House Surgery is a group practice. This means the doctors share responsibility for all our patients. However, to enable continuity of care you may find it beneficial to see a regular doctor where this is possible. If you wish to see a particular doctor, you may have to book in advance.
Pre-bookable appointments are released up to 6 weeks in advance.
Contact us with eConsult
You can contact a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional online using a website called eConsult.
Urgent appointments
To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday) during opening times:
- use the eConsult service
- phone us on 01525 243890
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.
Routine appointments
To request a routine appointment in advance during opening times:
- use the eConsult service
- phone us on 01525 243890
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App) or SystmOnline to book an appointment, screening test or vaccination
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.
We will use your answers to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you.
Pregnant ladies
Pregnant ladies do not need an appointment with a GP. You should request an appointment with the midwife.
Phone consultations
It is not always necessary to come to the surgery, particularly if a physical examination is not required. In this case, you may find it useful to book a phone consultation.
When you book a phone consultation you will be asked to give the phone number you want to be contacted on and will receive a call before 6:30pm please be available at that time and if using a mobile please ensure it is switched on. The surgery will only make two attempts to contact you. If you fail to answer on both occasions you will need to call the surgery and re-book.
Interpreters
We can arrange for an interpreter to be present for your consultation with the doctor should you need one.
All interpreters used are bound by a code of conduct to ensure accuracy, impartiality and confidentially as well as having police clearance.
Please let the receptionist know when you book your appointment the language and dialect that is needed. You may need to give a brief outline of your condition.
Please give as much notice as possible.
Carers or representatives of patients please telephone reception 01525 243890 to make special arrangements for you to order prescriptions online on behalf of those you care for.
Enhanced access
In addition to the above we are now open at the following times.
These times are for those that have difficulty attending during normal opening times. A named doctor cannot be booked as it will change in line with doctors on call duties.
Please note: extended hours are for pre-booked appointments only. There is no sit and wait clinic during these times. Without an appointment you will not be seen by a GP/nurse and you will be asked to call the out of hours number: 111.
- Saturdays 8:30am to 12:30pm (3rd Saturday of each month)
- Thursdays 6:30pm to 8pm (3 per month)
- Fridays 7am to 8pm (weekly)
On occasion, due to bank holidays these times may change but the receptionists will be happy to advise when you ring.
We’re here for you, for longer – GP extended access service
Appointments with a GP or practice nurse are now available in the evenings and weekends for patients registered at this practice, these are called ‘extended access’ appointments. We are working with other practices in Bedfordshire to provide these additional appointments to increase access to healthcare at times that are convenient to patients.
When you call to make an appointment we may offer you an ‘extended access’ appointment, this appointment could be held at another practice and with a GP or practice nurse from another practice. Our reception team will confirm all of the details at the time of booking and if you are registered to receive text message alerts, you will receive a text message to confirm the date, time and location of your appointment.
At the current time, extended access appointments are not available to book online.
There has been no change to normal surgery appointments which are available as usual. If you would prefer to see a GP or practice nurse from this practice, please book an appointment during normal opening hours.
Phlebotomy
Blood tests are currently by appointment only.
Missed appointments
Please remember to let us know if you cannot make your appointment so that we can offer it to someone else. You can cancel your appointment online, even if you did not originally make it online. However you will need a user name and password from us.
SMS reminders
You may be aware that an average of 40 hours per month of appointment time is wasted as patients forget either to attend or cancel appointments they have already booked.
The practice has therefore implemented a service whereby we will send appointment reminders via SMS text messages. When you book your appointment the surgery will receive a reminder via your mobile phone unless you opt out of this service.
We are able to offer this to all patients for whom we have a mobile phone number recorded on our system.
For the service to be effective, it is important that we have your most up to date mobile phone details by completing a contact details form.
Your appointment
However you choose to contact us, we may offer you a consultation:
- by phone
- face to face at the surgery
- on a video call
- by text or email
Appointments by phone, video call or by text or email can be more flexible and often means you get help sooner.
Cancelling or changing an appointment
To cancel your appointment:
- use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- use the GP online system: SystmOnline
- use the cancel an appointment form
- phone us on 01525 243890 during opening times
If you need help when we are closed
If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.
Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
If you need help with your appointment
Please tell us:
- if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
- if you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
- if you need an interpreter
- if you have any other access or communication needs
Home visits
Home visits can be requested via phone before 11am for housebound patients.
You will be asked a few questions which will be given to the duty doctor who will then return your call before 12:30pm.
Any requests for home visits after 11am cannot be guaranteed for that day and may be held over to the following day.