There a number of new services now in place at Winyates to make it
easier for patients to access the things they frequently need.

New Extended Opening Hours: To improve access for our working patients unable to attend normal daytime appointments, we now offer a limited number of appointments between the hours of 6:30pm and 7:30pm twice weekly. Please ask a receptionist for further details.

Practice Telephone Number: To improve our service we have invested in an up to date telephone system. During the busiest times the old telephone system was at times too busy to take any more calls. The new system will help to manage your call to the right department, and will give information should there be delays in getting through. Click here for more information.

Patient Touch Screen (Self Check-in):
New for July 2007, patients can now check-in for their appointments on arrival without the need to queue at reception or speak to a receptionist.
The touch screen is located on the left immediately as you enter Winyates. Follow the simple on screen instructions to select your gender and date of birth, confirmation that you have checked in along with waiting times and where to sit will then be displayed.

Patient Participation Group:
We are looking for patients to get involved with the surgery in various ways including:

• helping us provide services and facilities.

• contributing to service development and decision making.

• helping with patient surveys.

• lobbying local organisations.

• If you feel you have the time and would like to be involved please get in touch by contacting the practice manager Julie Ingram. Written enquiries only.

Patient Partner: Now anytime during the day or night (including weekends) appointments can be booked, altered and cancelled via the telephone. Just telephone the surgery as normal and select the appointments option. By following the simple instructions you can organise your appointment even when we are closed. Click here for more information.

Coming Soon: You will able to organise your appointments online through a new feature on the website. As well as being able to book, alter and cancel appointments online, you will be able to view and order your repeat medications as well. More details will follow in due course.

New Practice Telephone Number: 08444 773 803 Not only will we be able to answer your calls more quickly and more efficiently, the updated telephone system also allows us to offer a better service. Offering patients the option of organising appointments day and night makes it easier for people with busy schedules to arrange to see a Doctor. This will mean it should be easier to get through to reception staff during the daytime.

• When calling the surgery you will be given various choices. This will make it easier for you to be directed to the correct person for help. Listen to the options available and then select the option you require by pressing the appropriate key on your telephone to be put through.
  When calling you can choose from the following options:
  
  Press 1 for Emergencies.
  Press 2 for Appointments.
  Press 3 for Repeat Prescriptions.
  Press 4 for Community Services.
  Or hold for to speak to the operator.
   

• The new 0844 number is a lo-call rate number. Calls are charged at the normal BT local standard rate of 4.2 pence per minute (plus VAT). Calls from mobiles and payphones will be the same rate as you pay now.

• Patients should note that if they have contracts with other suppliers the BT 'lo-call' rate of 4.2 pence per minute will still apply and therefore your calls may be more expensive.

• Our fax number will remain the same on 01527 517969
  
   

Patient Partner: At any time during the day or night (including weekends) you can book, alter and cancel an appointment using our automated service. Just telephone the surgery as normal and select the appointments option. Follow the simple instructions and you will be able to organise your appointment (even when the surgery is closed).

• If you experience a problem the first time you use this system this may be because we do not have an up to date telephone number, leave your details on the answer machine when prompted to do so and your records will be updated for the next time.
• Alternatively ask us to update your telephone number next time you visit the surgery.