Policies

Abbey Medical Centre, Boyle – Our Policies

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a principle of medical ethics; it extends after death and is fundamental to the doctor/patient relationship. We have a strict confidentiality policy in our Medical Practice. All members of our Practice staff have signed a confidentiality agreement. While the concerns of relatives and friends are understandable, staff will not disclose information to any person without the consent of the patient, except:

• when ordered by a Judge in a Court of Law, or by a Tribunal established by and Act of the Oireachtas
• when necessary to protect the interests of the patient
• when necessary to protect the welfare of society
• when necessary to safeguard the welfare of another individual or patient

 

Appointments

We operate a walk-in service here at Abbey Medical Centre where patients are seen in rotation as they arrive. Emergencies will be given priority. Patients are asked to please expect delays during busy periods. Wednesday afternoon is for emergency appointments only

 

Home Visits

Unfortunately due to the demand on our services, we do not do home visits

 

 

Phone Calls

We are not a telemedicine Surgery and as we provide a walk-in service for our patients, there are no barriers to care. It is always best to attend the Surgery for consultations. There is a very large volume of calls to the Surgery each day so it is not possible for the Doctors to return phonecalls.

 

Test results

The doctors check all blood, MRI reports and x-ray results. Please phone the reception staff to obtain results. Blood results are usually available the Thursday of the following week after they have been taken and x-ray results take one week from when the x-ray has been taken. It is your responsibility to contact us for your results.

 

How To Register 

Unfortunately due to current circumstances we are unable to accept new patients to the Panels at this time. Please check our website regularly for any updates. 

 

Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions may be issued for regular medications as arranged by your doctor. This helps us ensure that you get exactly the items you need, with the least amount of side effects/interactions and that there is no wastage. Please ensure you order your repeat prescription well in advance of running out of your medication to ensure treatment is continuous. Please note: we require a minimum of 1 week to process your request, so that the doctor will have sufficient time to review your file.  This is a time consuming process and accuracy is vital.

Regular reviews are essential if you are on medication, to ensure it is working effectively and that you are not experiencing unwanted side effects. If you have not been seen recently, your doctor may request that you come in to be reviewed before preparing your prescriptions.   Hospital prescriptions which need to be rewritten will be dealt with as soon as possible.

 

Medical Students / Junior Doctors

From time to time we have medical students and junior doctors visiting our Practice for experience. Your doctor/nurse will ask if you are comfortable with the student sitting in on your consultation. Please feel free to refuse. It is entirely up to you.

 

Out Of Hours

If you need to contact a doctor for an emergency outside surgery opening hours, please telephone the Practice on 07196 62230.  There will be a mobile telephone number on the answering machine for you to call during lunch time and on a Wednesday afternoon.  Between 6.00pm and 8.00am Monday to Friday and at the weekend, please call NOWDOC on 0818 400 911 where a doctor is available outside surgery hours.

 

Behaviour In The Practice

We aim to provide a comprehensive and professional service in an efficient and pleasant manner to all our patients.  We strive to provide a helpful and friendly environment.

We would like to ask that patients co-operate with all our staff in implementing our policies and to treat our staff in a courteous manner. Safety is of paramount importance at our Practice and, accordingly, any patient or visitor who is verbally or physically abusive, or who acts in a threatening manner will be asked to leave the Practice immediately and will be removed from the patient list.  We consider aggressive behaviour to include any personal, abusive or threatening comments, bad language, physical contact, aggressive gestures or damage to property.

Health & Saftey

We take great care to ensure that the Practice is as safe as possible.  We ask all patients not to leave children unattended in the building.  If you discover a potential risk around the building please report it to reception.  We respectfully ask you to follow cough etiquette. Bins are provided for disposal of your tissues.

 

Equality & Respect Policy

We are committed to treating all patients in a courteous, consistent and professional manner.  We aim to have a mutually fair and respectful relationship with our patients and to provide equality of service to all patients in an environment which is free from discrimination or harassement.  Should you have any query or complaint regarding our service, please contact us immediately.

 

Medical Cards & Doctor Visits Cards

All General Medical Services (GMS) patients must provide a valid medical card or doctor visit card at check-in.  Patients with expired or invalid cards will be required to pay as per the schedule of fees as only the costs incurred while cards are valid are covered by the GMS.  Please note services which are not covered by the GMS contract will incur normal charges.  These services include examinations for driving liciences, travel vaccines, sports medicals, etc. Please enquire at reception for further information.

 

Payment Policy

Our Practice aims to provide a fair and efficient service for all patients.  To facilitate this, the Practice has adopted a policy that all accounts should be settled at the time of your consultation.  We thank all our patients for co-operating with this policy.  Patients with outstanding balances are required to pay their balance in full prior to making any further appointments.  For your convenience we accept payment by cash, cheque or laser card.  Please collect your receipt at the end of visit.  No end-of-year receipts can be given. If there are any queries about payment please discuss with reception staff.

 

Children’s Waiting Room

A child friendly area is available in the waiting room of the Practice. We have toys and books to keep your little ones entertained.

 

Breastfeeding

We are a breastfeeding friendly Practice.  A private breastfeeding area will be provided for mums who wish to avail of it. Just ask one of the reception staff.

 

Comments and Suggestions

We welcome any comments and suggestions from our patients.  If you are unhappy with any aspect of our Practice please let us know.