Seaforth Farm Surgery
Vicarage Lane
Hailsham
East Sussex
BN27 1BH
Tel: 01323 84 84 94
Availability
Patients may phone up to make an appointment on the day that they wish to be seen. We use an "Advanced Access" method of appointment making which allows variation of availability according to demand. In short, we
have two types of appointment - Urgent ones that cannot wait until
the next available slot and routine appointments, which seems to suit patients and staff alike.
You will be asked if your need is urgent or routine. If it is
urgent we will see you on the day that you call us. If it is
routine then you will be offered the next free appointment
onwards.
If we cannot fit you in with the doctor of your choice and you want to be seen on a particular day, you may be offered an appointment with one of the other partners. Please phone early in the morning if you need to be seen the same day. You may be asked to call back if we are particularly busy.
Whatever your reason for contacting us please ring (01323) 84 84 94. To the top
Opening Hours
Normal opening hours are from 08.30 to 18.00. We are closed except for emergencies from 13.00 until
13.30.
Someone will always answer your telephone calls night or day (but calls after normal hours are for emergencies only of course).
Telephone Calls
Sometimes patients' problems can be managed by means of a telephone call. Any general medical queries should be addressed to NHS Direct , either through their telephone lines (0845 46 47) or their website, which has a useful search facility. Please use links from this website.
Often people know that all they need is a brief answer to a question that can be given over the telephone. If you would like to be phoned about a particular problem please let the receptionist know and she will take a number that we can call you back on. As we get time during the day we will call you back as soon as we can, although this usually happens after morning surgery. First thing in the morning, especially on a Monday can be particularly busy and telephone requests can often wait until after 10.00.
Home Visits
If you think you need a home visit please ring as soon as you can during the day. This helps us plan the day ahead. We will take your telephone number as the doctor may call you back to obtain more details. Sometimes there may be better ways of dealing with the problem such as advice or direct admission to hospital and this can be discussed.
Outside normal surgery hours calls to the surgery are diverted automatically to NHS Direct. Experienced nurses will take details of your problem and either give advice or put you in touch with an appropriate person which may be a doctor or district nurse or social worker etc as needed.
You may be asked to attend an out-of-hours base where you can be seen by the GP on call. It would help greatly if you could attend this centre if asked, as home visits are only appropriate to those such as the elderly and teminally ill who are physically unable to leave their home. To the top
Outside Surgery Hours
Outside normal surgery hours calls to the surgery are diverted automatically to
South East Health. Experienced nurses will take details of your problem and either give advice or put you in touch with an appropriate person which may be a doctor from
South East Health or district nurse or social worker etc as needed.
You may be asked to attend an out-of-hours base where you can be seen by the GP on call. It would help greatly if you could attend this centre if asked, as home visits are only appropriate to those such as the elderly and
terminally ill who are physically unable to leave their home.
Please only use this service if you cannot wait until the next working day.
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