Comments & Plaudits

Can we have more privacy at reception? We are aware of the lack of privacy at reception and although our receptionists try to speak to each person as confidentially as possible, it is not ideal. However, this is something that will very much be addressed in the new build and a separate area will be available too for confidential discussions should the need arise. In the meantime if anybody does need to discuss a matter privately we will do our very best to try and accomodate your needs.

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Can we have an easier way to order repeat prescriptions? Currently patients can order repeat prscriptions via our dedicated prescription line, via e-mail, through our website, by handing the tear off slip into reception and ticking the items required, by posting the tear off slip or by fax. We are also pleased to confirm we are presently working on a new initiative with local pharmacies to enable patients to simply re-order their routine medication via the pharmacist through the repeat dispensing system - information leaflets are available on request. This naturally will make the whole process more efficient and speedier. Not all patients are eligible to participate in this scheme and our Practice Pharmacist, Kate Dawes, will be contacting patients that this service will be suitable for.

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There is sometimes not enough parking space. We are aware that it can sometimes be difficult to park at the surgery and this is not helped by the fact that some people are STILL parking in the car park and going off to do their shopping in Tavistock. This is extremely inconsiderate to other patients. May we take this opportunity to remind all patients that you should ONLY park in the car park for the duration of your appointment.

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Can we improve the continuity of seeing the GP of choice? The ever increasing demands upon GPs in General Practice, presents many problems which are often optimally adressed where a Practice operates a work ethic of team working. Clearly a patients dependance upon an individual GP creates significant issues during the latter's enforced absence e.g. holidays, sickness, study leave etc. The accessibility to all our GPs in these circumstances is evidently advantageous to overall patient care. That said, patients are usually able to book an appointment with the GP of preference if enough notice is given and for that reason our booking system provides for bookings 4 weeks in advance.

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Can we have more complimentary therapies at the surgery? We currently have two doctors who are qualified in complementary medicine.  Dr Vicky Evans  is qualified in accupuncture and Dr Sarah Robbins is qualified in homeopathic medicine. >     They both only treat specific conditions with their specialities but any patients wishing to find out if  they can be helped by this form of treatment should make an appointment to see the appropriate doctor.

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It would be good if we could have saturday morning appointments available. As from 5th July the surgery will be open on Saturday mornings from 8am to 10.30am.  This will be for booked appointments only.  Hopefully, this will mean that the people who are struggling to get in to see the doctor on a weekday will be able to attend the doctors without having to book any time off work.  All phonecalls will be dealt with by Devon Doctors on Call, as they are at the moment.  Therefore if you call our number on a Saturday you will speak to Devon Doctors, not us.  If you want to make an appointment for a later date you can pop in to the surgery in person to arrange that.  The same applies with ordering repeat prescriptions - it can only be done in person at the surgery on a Saturday.

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