One Appointment, One Problem

At Arundel Surgery, we follow a ‘One Appointment, One Problem’ policy to help ensure the highest standard of clinical safety.

We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to get an appointment, and as a result, some patients try to address several issues in a single visit. However, this can compromise the quality of care and increase the risk of something important being missed.

Appointments are typically 15 minutes long. This time includes:

• Getting settled in the consultation room
• Explaining your symptoms
• Undergoing any necessary examination
• Receiving advice or treatment
• Clinicians completing documentation, referrals, and test requests

Discussing one issue can take the full time available and when multiple concerns are raised, it can pressure the clinician to rush, potentially leading to missed information or errors, and delays for other patients.

We kindly ask all patients to use GP appointments responsibly by discussing one issue per appointment. This allows us to provide focused, safe, and effective care for everyone.

If you feel you need to discuss more than one problem, please speak to reception in advance to book a double appointment.

Please don’t be offended if your doctor asks you to book a follow-up for additional issues—this is done with your safety and well-being in mind.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.