Making an appointment to see a doctor or nurse

Appointments - what's the deal?

This might be the first time you've had to make your own appointment. Here are some questions you might have...

If you are 16 years of age or older you can make your own appointment.
Even if you're under 16, you have the right to have at least one appointment without a parent or carer there:
- During this appointment the doctor or nurse will decide if they think you are ready to make your own decisions about your health. They will chat to you about how you're feeling and what you want.
- If they don't think you're quite ready to make decisions about your health, they will ask you to bring a parent or carer with you next time you visit.

All the practices are open outside of school/college/work hours so you should be able to get an appointment at a time that works for you. Select your practice to see opening times and contact details.

You can telephone and make an appointment by speaking to a receptionist. At Saville Medical Group and Falcon Medical Group you can also register to make appointments online (ask a receptionist for more details).
To make an appointment telephone:

You can get help and advice on lots of health issues. For example your body, your skin, your sexual health, your emotional health, smoking, alcohol, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception ("morning after pill"), basically anything that's worrying you!

Nurses can give advice on lots of health issues too so you don't always need to see a doctor.
You can see a nurse about things like rashes, sore throats, eye infections and contraception like the pill. It's your choice.
If you'd like to see a nurse let the receptionist know when you make your appointment.

If you know which doctor or nurse you would prefer to see or you want to see a male doctor or a female doctor, just ask the receptionist when you make your appointment and they'll do their best to help you.

All the practices are easily accessible for young people with any form of physical disability or sensory impairment, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act (2005).
If you have any questions about this, you can ask the receptionist when you make your appointment.