Appointments
Appointments at the surgery need to be made in advance except in emergencies. Long consultations are charged at different rates. Late appointments can be made for people who work long hours. Every effort will be made to find a suitable time, we understand how difficult it can be to attend to routine medical needs.

After Hours
For appointments and urgent medical problems after-hours, please ring the usual surgery number. The answering machine will direct you as to how to contact the doctor. The doctors mobile phone number will be given on the message. Nillo Surgery is part of the Hunter Urban Division of General Practice - Maitland After Hours GP Service at Maitland Hospital. (MAGS). The phone number for this service is 1300 147 130 and is also on the Nillo Surgery phone message.

Forms
Please let Reception staff know beforehand if you have a form to be filled out as this will require a long consultation to be booked for certain days only.

Home Visits
House calls are available for those who are unable to attend the surgery premises. Visits are also made to people at nursing homes and hostels. Due to time and distance constraints, some house calls may not be available to those who live quite some distance from the surgery. Staff are happy to let you know the surgery house call service areas. Adequate notice is usually needed before arranging non-urgent house calls.

Prescriptions
It is advisable to make an appointment for all prescriptions. Very few prescriptions can be written without an appointment. If the the Doctor has agreed to do this beforehand , please give at least 24 hours notice before such a script is needed. A surcharge charge will apply.

Tests & Results
If it is necessary for you to have a test done ie xray, blood tests, scan etc, the Doctor will give you the various choices available to you regarding where you go to have the test. We are able to offer the choice of several providers for most tests. You will be informed of potential out of pocket expenses. Please phone the surgery to check on progress of results and to make appointments to discuss them with Dr.

Referrals
For specialist visits a referral must be written. It is a requirement that the patient must be seen by a GP first. Please do not ask for backdating of a referral as it is unethical and illegal. Referrals are normally valid for one year from the date written. For on-going visits to the specialist it is advisable to check with the specialist's receptionist when you make the appointment that your referral is still valid. Please allow plenty of time to book an appointment.

Procedures
Procedures are either emergency or routine. If you have an injury which needs urgent attention please let stafff know, we will help you as quickly as possible.
Routine appointments are made for other procedures ie mole removals etc after Dr has examined and discussed the best course of treatment. Please ensure when booking that you let staff know that you have a procedure to be done. We have special times and days set aside for routine procedures.
Procedure costs are hard to estimate because of the rules which Medicare places ie the pathology result must return before the full cost is known but the staff can give you an estimate of the range of the expected cost. There are some instances where Medicare rebate will not apply.

Sterilisation of Instruments
This practice uses the sterilising service of the local Hospital CSD for all instruments using the latest methods in cleaning, disinfection and decontamination - this means that the instruments are sterilised to the highest standards.
Many instruments are disposable ie Pap Smear speculums.

Medical Students
Nillo Surgery often has Medical Students from Newcastle University. If your appointment is on a day where there is a student present you will be asked for your choice of their level of involvement.
Reception staff will give you a form to fill out which will be given to the Doctor showing your preferences about the Medical Students attendance at your consultation - before you need to go in.
If your consent is not obtained, the student will be asked to leave the consulting room, before you enter.

Services
This surgery offers the full scope of General Practice.
These are some of the many services:
Family Medicine
Women's Health
General Medicine
Paediatrics
Antenatal Care
Counselling
Travel Medicine
Treatment of Skin Lesions
Immunisations
Practice Nurse
Diabetes Cycle of Care
Health Assessments
Asthma Action Plans
PreEmployment Medicals
Annual Checkups
Stroke & Diabetes Risk Assessments
Cholesterol Tests
INR tests

Other Services
At Nillo Surgery we have an experienced Practice Nurse and Reception team. Their role is assist in day to day help for patients with urgent, immediate or routine enquiries.

A comprehensive list of other local services is kept at Nillo Surgery, you may see some of these posted in the waiting room, there are also many brochures available giving information about local transport options, clinics, language translators, support groups ect. We also have a comprehensive video and book library about various diseases and conditions.
If you have a certain request please ask - we will endeavour to find the help you need!

Visitors
Visitors to the area are welcome to make an 'one-off ' appointment if you have an urgent problem which cannot wait until you see your regular Dr and as long as we can fit you in.
A medical report of the visit can be sent to your own GP.

Parking
Parking is available out the front. There is also a free council carpark off The Avenue with walking access to the surgery. Entry to the surgery is from the surgery front door. There is a Taxi stand out the front and staff are happy to call for transport if required.

Disabled Access
Disabled access is via the ramp leading to the front entry. Please let staff know when you arrive. Home visits can be a preferred option.

Premises
This practice has facilities which are appropriate for general practice and which promote the health, safety and comfort of staff and people who use the practice. There are well marked bathroom facilities and play areas for children. For infants we provide an area for changing babies nappies, heating their bottles and a comfortable , private alternative to the busy waiting room for mothers to breastfeed.
Toys are kept well cleaned and separated quickly if used by contagious children.
If you arrive very unwell and cannot wait in comfort in the waiting room with other people we can place you in another waiting area. This may suit you if you are undergoing chemotherapy or are suffering from migraine etc.
Please let staff know how we can help you......

Your Comments
All attempts are made to make this practice run efficiently and to provide courteous and friendly staff, with pleasant and comfortable surroundings. Any suggestions which could improve our service are appreciated and can be given verbally or in writing to any member of the practice. There is a suggestions box in the waiting room for this purpose.
Alternatively , you can send comments to the Practice Manager by clicking here.......