You will be able to discuss new medical problems as soon as possible. If you have an urgent need and require a ‘same day’ appointment, please phone as early as you can in the day. In most cases a phone consultation will take place in the first instance.

Routine telephone appointments are also available and can be booked online or via a phone call to reception.

The Surgery is required to allocate a named accountable GP to all patients. Your Named Accountable GP will be Dr Shields (Partner) but you can book appointments with whoever you wish to see. If you’re unwell suddenly, you may see any of our doctors or nurses, but if you have a long term condition you will benefit from continuity of care from one particular doctor. Doctors have different skills and we want to ensure you get the best care for your medical needs by enabling you to see your chosen doctor wherever possible.

Our doctors do not work every day, so it may be preferable to see the Duty Doctor if you wish to be seen on a specific date. Please do not be offended if our receptionist asks you for guidance on the nature of your problem in order to direct you to the most appropriate person to help you.

Please note: the rota is subject to change due to holiday cover.

The Patient Charter

We’re committed to providing you with high quality medical care in a friendly and accessible way. This Charter sets out your rights and standards you can expect from your GP and the NHS. We aim to comply with these standards but if you’re unhappy with the service received, please let us know.

We believe high quality medical care includes the following:

• You will be treated as an individual and will be given courtesy and respect at all times
• We will maintain strict confidentiality at all times and ensure all staff adhere to data protection guidelines
• Great Staughton Surgery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults
• You will receive the most appropriate care from suitably qualified staff who will give an explanation of any proposed treatment
• We will also provide useful and effective health promotion and screening
• A non-urgent appointment to see an unspecified Doctor will usually be arranged within a week, requests to see specific doctors can be arranged but may take longer
• If you require an urgent appointment we guarantee that you can be seen at the next surgery session
• We aim to see you within 20 minutes of your appointment time, you are entitled to an explanation if we cannot do this
• We will arrange a home visit if appropriate
• You will have access to a Doctor rapidly in an emergency
• Your repeat prescription will be available no later than three full working days from the time of your request unless there is a problem beyond our control, in which case you will receive a full explanation of any delay
• If you are receiving repeat prescriptions you can expect your medication to be reviewed regularly
• If you have undergone tests or x-rays ordered by the practice, we advise you of the result by telephone, text or email.
• We will try to answer the telephone promptly and if appropriate advise you when a Doctor will call you.
• You have the right to see your health records, including computer records, subject to any limitations within the Law. Records can be accessed by a written request to the Practice Managers.

Patients can help us to achieve high quality medical care in a number of ways, please:

• Treat the doctors and staff with courtesy and respect.
• We aim to provide a caring and safe environment for our staff and patients. Violent or abusive patients will not be tolerated and will be removed from our patient list.
• Please use an appointment for one person only. If another family member needs to be seen or discussed, another appointment should be made. This helps us run to time and saves others waiting.
• Please cancel an appointment if you no longer need it; someone else may be able to use it
• Call the out of hours NHS 111 service if you have a medical emergency when the surgery is closed.
• Call the surgery as early as possible if you require a Doctor’s visit at home to treat your medical emergency.
• Be considerate with telephoning the Surgery, and if possible, avoid calling about non-urgent matters during peak times.
• Please return any equipment loaned to you from the surgery when you no longer require it, as other patients may need it.
• Let us have your updated contact information if you change your address, mobile or email details.
• Let us know if you care for a family member or have a carer – we will record details of carers, next-of-kin and mobile / email details for emergency contact.
• Please tell us if you have suggestions on improvements we can make to the services we offer.

Patient who are registered at the Surgery and who are over 16 years can have online access to medical records,  make appointments, order repeat medication, view test results, vaccine history and allergy information.

To register for this service, please bring 1 item of photo identification into reception, such as a driving licence or passport, and complete the application form in Reception. Reception will then issue you an access password and instructions to register within 2 days.

Click here to download our latest Practice Privacy Notice (November 2022)

Full Subject Access Request Policy

If you have suggestions to improve how the Practice operates or manages our services, please complete a Friends and Family Test feedback form available on this website.

If you feel you need to complain, please contact the practice to resolve the issue. Please see a copy of our Complaints Policy:

Complaints Policy Leaflet

Alternatively, you can also complete the below form for suggestions and feedback.

Our newsletter will let you know the news and developments within the Practice and within the wider NHS. If you would like a copy emailed, please let Reception know your preferred email address.

Our patient computer system “SystmOne” helps us process repeat prescriptions; recall programmes and also stores relevant information. It ensures we are managing illnesses in the most appropriate way by carrying out audits of our patient care.  Under the Data Protection Act you have the right to see information held about you electronically.  Any requests must be applied for in writing to the Practice Managers.

The Practice will not tolerate violent, threatening or abusive behaviour, whether directed to our staff or to others. Such behaviour will result in the offending patient being removed from our list.