top of page

FAQs >> Appointments

How do I make an appointment at Ballymodan Family Practice?

Please note that an appointment is necessary for all visits to your GP. You may call to the reception desk to arrange an appointment or telephone 023 8844577.

How long are appointments?

Each appointment slot is 15 minutes and all doctors try their best to keep to this arrangement. If you require more time i.e. need several procedures or have a complex issue to discuss with the doctor, it may be necessary to make 2 separate appointments to cover your requirements. If you are booking in for a specific test or procedure – please let us know in order that we can adjust the length of the appointment time accordingly.

Can more than one person attend an appointment?

If more than one member of your family is coming to see the doctor at the same time, please make us aware and book each member for the allocated time.

What do I do in the case of an emergency?

In the case of an emergency you will always be seen, however, it is best to phone first if at all possible so that we can make arrangements for you to be seen without delay.
 

If you have a very sick child or need to be seen urgently, please make reception staff aware as we will do our best to facilitate you even if the doctor’s sessions are booked up.

Please note that we reserve  urgent appointment slots each day so please let the receptionist know if you are very unwell and need to be seen that day. 
 

Can I speak to a doctor on the phone?


In order to provide a quality service, it is practice policy not to interrupt consultations unless it is of the utmost urgency.

 

When booking an appointment, please have other options ready in case the appointment time you are looking for is not available in order that calls may be dealt with efficiently. It may not always be possible to schedule a same day appointment. If you wish to have an appointment with your doctor of choice it is advisable to book your appointment a few days in advance.
 

When the surgery is closed an answering machine is in operation and details of our Out of Hours service are available by listening to the recorded message. South Doc  1850 335999.
 

Please note that when you phone the surgery and leave a message for your doctor, this is passed on via an electronic message to the doctors task list and they will return your call as soon as possible.

Most call-backs will be made either in the lunchtime period or directly after surgery is finished in the late afternoon/evening. Our  Practice Nurse can be contacted Monday, Wednesday & Friday 2.00-2.30pm for results of blood tests/urine samples or swabs.

Can I book an appointment on a Saturday?

The Saturday surgery is specifically aimed at people who are sick on the day and need to see a doctor – no routine tests are carried out as the courier service for the hospital laboratory is not available at weekends. This is a 'walk in' surgery for patients of the practice available between 10 am and 12 noon.
 

bottom of page