Appointments
Appointments System
You can call us at 01273 523623, and someone will help you book an appointment.
We try to offer appointments to see the doctor you like, but if they're not available, we'll set up an appointment with another clinician. Some doctors work part time, so it might be hard to see them on the day you want. We kindly ask for your understanding in this matter.
Please note, we are not a drop in service. For general appointments you will need to register with us. However, if you are 24 and under we do offer a walk in sexual health service.
Urgent appointments
If you're feeling sick and need help right away, call our Reception Team at 01273 523623.
You don't have to call exactly at 8 in the morning, but we do have a daily safe capacity for the duty list so we recommend calling before 10am.
A clinician, or receptionist will get in touch with you, either by phone, or text. They'll give you advice, or if needed, set up an appointment to see a clinician in person. If it's not urgent, they'll help you schedule an appointment for a later date.
Routine Appointments
At Park Crescent, you can book appointments with our clinical staff either in person or by phone. The Reception Team will ask about your needs to book you with the right person.
There is a several-week wait for the next GP appointment. We may suggest seeing another clinician or booking you at a different location with the Extended Hours service in the evenings and on weekends. These appointments depend on availability.
Extended Practice Opening Hours
Extra doctor appointments are available after regular hours on weekdays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
You can talk to a doctor on the phone or see them in person during these times. You can also make appointments to see a nurse, or pharmacist. They even have special clinics to talk about things like women's health.
To learn more, you can visit their website.
To make an appointment, just call us like you usually do. But remember, where you go for your appointment will depend on what's available.
Late For Your Appointment
Please come to your appointment on time. If you're late, you might not get seen.
If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we can't see you, and you'll need to make a new appointment.
If you can't come to your appointment, tell a receptionist. That way, someone else can be seen. Just call 01273 523623 and press 1. You can also cancel your appointment using your reminder text message.
If you miss your appointment, you can't reschedule until the next available date, unless it's an emergency
Cancel Your Appointment
It's really important to tell a receptionist if you can't make your appointment. This lets someone else have it. Just call 01273 523623 and press 1. If you don't tell us, you'll get a message saying you missed your appointment. If you miss lots of appointments, you might not be able to stay on our list.
If you use online services, you can cancel your appointment there too, as long as it's more than 24 hours before your appointment (not counting weekends and holidays). Or just reply to your reminder text message to cancel
Online Access including the NHS app
Did you know you can use your NHS app or Online Services Account to cancel appointments, see your current medication and results? Click the links to learn how to sign up
If you have been set up for Online Services and need to sign in to your account press here
Interpreters
If you need an interpreter, tell the receptionist when you book your appointment. We will arrange either a telephone or face to face interpreter for your appointment.
You can also mention if you need an interpreter in your New Patient Questionnaire.
Chaperones
Patients can ask for someone to be with them during exams. You can ask for this when you make your appointment, when you arrive, or during your consultation.
For more details, please see our chaperone policy
Privacy Slips
We have decided to introduce Privacy Slips to the Practice. This is to support patients that don’t feel comfortable to verbally share their details with a receptionist in the waiting area.
These slips allow you to write a brief reason for your appointment on a piece of paper. The reception team will use this information to ensure that you are booked with the most appropriate clinician.
Once the receptionist has processed your privacy slip they will dispose of it in the confidential waste bin, or you may dispose of it yourself
Blood Test Appointments
To get a blood test, you need approval from an NHS doctor.
If your blood test requires fasting, don't eat anything and only drink water for 12 hours before your appointment. Keep taking your medication as usual.
Here's where you can get your blood test:
- Park Crescent GP Surgery: Adults and older children. If your child is older and does not need numbing cream, talk to reception who can advise on your options
- Hove Polyclinic walk-in clinic: You need your GP's request. If you're over 16, you can visit the walk-in Community Phlebotomy Service. Call 01273 265588.
- Royal Sussex County Hospital: For tests ordered by hospital staff. Over 16s can also go to the walk-in phlebotomy service. Call 01273 696955 for advice.
- Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital: Young children needing a blood test from the back of the hand after numbing cream must attend here. Call 01273 696955 for advice.
Our receptionists can't explain results. You will be contacted to book a follow-up appointment with the doctor if needed.
For more information about tests and what they mean, visit these websites.
http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk
http://www.patient.co.uk/directory/investigations-scans-tests
Home Visits
We encourage our patients to come to the surgery, as we have the proper equipment and facilities available. We do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 11:00.
You can only ask for a home visit if you're housebound or too sick to come to the practice. Your GP will visit you at home if they think it's necessary and will decide how urgently you need it. Please be ready to give enough details to help the doctor plan the visit.
A community nurse can also visit you at home if your GP refers you. If you've recently had a baby or if your child is under five and you've just registered with a GP, a health visitor will visit you at home too.
Click here to view the full Home Visiting Policy