Our Appointment System

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We offer a variety of appointments, including home visits, with a wide range of healthcare professionals. Our team includes Doctors, Nurses, Paramedic Practitioners and Healthcare Assistants.

Blood Tests and Follow-Up Appointments

Appointments such as blood tests and follow-up appointments that one of our clinicians has asked you to make can be booked at the reception desk, by telephone or via eConsult.

New Concerns (Urgent or Routine)

The most efficient way to book an appointment is by phone or econsult. If you need to book at the front desk, you will be asked to fill in a form to take the important information we need to get you the help you need. We can help with form filling if you would like assistance.

This will then be assessed by our clinician. This is so we can ensure that you are booked with the right health care professional as soon as possible.

A GP is now a part of our highly trained reception team, ensuring the correct care is provided for each and every patient and that appointments are made efficiently. The care offered may consist of advice from a GP or an appointment with an appropriate health care professional.

Some appointments can also be booked online via the the NHS App. Please select either option for more information on how to register. Please do not book these appointments if you require a GP to complete a form or write an administrative letter for you. Forms should be brought to reception and letters can be requested via eConsult, or in writing at Reception. We can then advise you on what action is necessary and if any fees apply. Further information regarding forms and fees can be found here.

Practice patients who have an urgent medical problem outside of our Practice working hours should ring the Out of Hours service on 111 or visit a Pharmacy who can also provide advice.

Clinicians, Clinics and Referrals

We have a variety of clinicians at St Lawrence Surgery, besides Doctors, who are able to treat, prescribe and refer patients when necessary.  Paramedic and Nurse Practitioners can help with many medical conditions, acute and chronic injuries, injections, minor ailments, child conditions and much more.

We offer a variety of clinics, Monday to Friday, including Family Planning, Microsuction, Diabetes, Smoking, Respiratory (COPD and Asthma), Phlebotomy, NHS Health Checks.  Home visits are available for patients who are too ill/frail to attend the Practice.  Please remember a Doctor can see four patients in the time it takes to make one house call. 

If you need to be seen by a specialist, we are committed to ensuring that whenever possible you receive a timely outpatient appointment with a provider of your choice.  Your GP will forward your referral to the Referral Support Team (RST) at NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group, who will help you to make an informed choice.  In accordance with the NHS Constitution, you have the right to choose when and where you wish to be treated in a timely manner.   Following discussion with you, the RST will send your referral on to the hospital or community provider of your choice, who will then contact you to confirm your appointment. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your information being passed on to the RST then please speak to a member of the Practice Team.  Information will only be shared when you have agreed with your GP that a referral is the best course of action.

Top Tips for visiting your GP

Is your issue urgent?  Do you need to see a specific GP?

Is it important you are seen quickly or would you rather wait for an appointment with a particular GP?  If you have a long-term illness would you benefit from seeing a GP who knows your history personally?

Take notes to help you

Before you see your GP, be clear in your own mind what you want to say.  Make a note of your symptoms, worries and any questions that you would like to ask.

Many problems?  See if you can book a double appointment

If you have a number of issues that you would like to discuss with your GP, see whether it is possible to book a double appointment to give you more time to talk them through.

Take a list of your medicines – prescribed or otherwise

Bring a list of any medication you are taking, including over-the-counter and/or alternative medicines, or anything prescribed after a hospital visit.   This includes tablets, liquids or creams.  Your GP needs to know about everything you are taking.

Discuss important things first and stick to the point

Make sure you tell the doctor about the important things first and try to get to the point.  Do not feel you have to justify being there or leave your main concern to the end.

Not clear on treatment plan?  Ask again

Make sure you fully understand the next steps before you leave the room.   If you do not understand, then do not be afraid to ask your GP to go through the plan again.

Ask who to contact if you have any more questions

You may think of questions that you would like to ask after your appointment.  Find out who you can contact to ask questions, as well as any support groups that can provide reliable information.

If you need support, take a relative, carer or friend

If you feel your situation needs it, take a relative or friend for support.  They can help you understand or explain.

Unhappy? Ask to see another GP

If you are not happy, you can ask to see another GP in the practice.  You can also change GP practices, but you should as a first step always discuss your concerns with a practice staff member first.