PRACTICE Policy

  1. We operate an appointment-based system. While we try our best to accommodate as many patients as we safely can each day, same day appointments may not be possible due to increased demand for services and during particularly busy periods. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
  1. All prescription orders must be in writing. A list can be dropped to our reception desk or items required can be emailed to scripts@bettystownmedicalpractice.ie. They can also be ordered via our website at bettystownmedicalpractice.ie. We ask that you try to order medications in a timely manner as scripts can take up to 48 hours to process during busy periods. The same turnaround times applies to work notes and other forms that need to be completed.
  1. All private fees must be paid to reception at the time of your visit. A schedule of fees is available at reception and on our website bettystownmedicalpractice.ie . Patients attending the practice for the first time must present a valid medical card. If your card has expired or is invalid you will be required to pay as per normal schedule of fees. The following services are NOT covered by GMS medical card:

Blood tests
Medical examinations for medico-legal purposes
Driving Licence Medicals
Pre employment examinations
Sports Medicals
Travel Consultation and Vaccination

This list is not exhaustive. Please ask as reception for more details.

  1. Due to increased demand for appointments, we can no longer provide routine house calls. House calls are reserved for those patients who are housebound or those requiring palliative or end of life care.
  1. 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 harassment. We also have a duty to protect our staff both clinical and administrative. For this reason, any rudeness or aggression by telephone or in person will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the practice.
  1. For clinical safety and to get the best medical care during your visit, we ask that you discuss a maximum of two medical concerns per consultation. We are aware it can be difficult to find the time to attend a GP, but an appointment slot is ten minutes long. Please do not be offended if the GP asks you to book another appointment for multiple issues as they are working in your best interests and assigning your care the time it needs.
  1. Missed Appointment Policy – We understand that situation may arise that prevent you from attending your appointment. To provide high quality and accessible care to our patients we try to manage our appointment schedule effectively. To allow for best patient care, please review our missed appointment policy.
  • Patients are asked to notify the surgery as soon as possible if they need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
  • Cancellations can be made via phone or email.
  • An appointment is considered missed if the patient fails to show up without prior notification or provides insufficient notification
  • Patients who miss more than three appointments in a 12-month period without sufficient notification may be subject to review and potential discharge from the practice.
  1. Medical Certification / Sick Notes Policy

Where appropriate we are happy to furnish medical reports and certs. We can issue medical certs for your employer as well as Social Welfare certs when applicable.

We request that you give us 48 hours’ notice to have these ready for you, some reports may take longer but we will let you know. Please note there may be an administration charge for reports and certs.

Welfare Certs

If you wish to apply to the DEASP for Illness Benefit, please contact the surgery and we will arrange to send a cert to the DEASP for you. As part of your social welfare application, you must also complete an IB1 Form (your part of the benefit application). You can collect a paper version of the IB1 Form in our Reception, an Intreo office, alternatively contact 1890 800 024 or forms@welfare.ie and it will be sent out to you.

Return to School After Illness.

Please do not ask for sick notes for school/creche to avoid disappointment. Assurances/certification to return to childcare after an absence is not appropriate as it places an unnecessary demand on the healthcare system. Parents, guardians, teachers and childcare workers should use their judgement in considering if the child is well enough to return to childcare or school.

  1. Complaints Policy

We know that sometimes we can make mistakes or fail to meet expectations. There will be times when patients/families and carers will express dissatisfaction with the service/care provided at our practice. It is our practice policy to do our best to resolve complaints as early as possible in the process and to ensure that each member of staff has a duty to listen to our patients concerns. For further information on our complaints policy and information on how to make a complaint please see our website www.bettystownmedicalpractice.ie .

  1. Chaperone Policy

We will always respect your privacy, dignity and your religious and cultural beliefs particularly when intimate examinations are advisable – these will only be carried out with your express agreement and you will be offered a chaperone to attend the examination if you so wish. You may also request a chaperone when making the appointment or on arrival at the surgery (please let the receptionist know) or at any time during the consultation.

We will make changes to these policies from time to time. Details of any changes made will be posted here.  By continuing to use our site after we post any such changes, you accept and agree to the policies as modified.