At Eltham Medical Practice, our priority is to provide safe, effective and high-quality care for every patient. To help us do this, we usually ask that you focus on one issue per GP appointment.
Why Only One Problem?
Our standard GP appointments are 10 minutes long. In that time, your doctor needs to:
- Understand your concern
- Take a full medical history
- Examine you if needed
- Discuss possible diagnoses or options
- Agree on a treatment plan or next steps
- Arrange follow-up, tests, or referrals
Trying to cover multiple, unrelated issues in a single appointment makes it harder to do this safely and thoroughly. It can increase the risk of something being missed or rushed — which isn’t in anyone’s best interest.
Is This a Rule?
It’s not a strict rule, but it is a general principle we follow to keep your care safe, focused and effective. If there’s time at the end of your appointment and your GP feels it’s safe to do so, they may be able to address another concern. But this isn’t always possible.
If you have several things you’d like to discuss, we recommend:
- Prioritising your most important concern
- Booking a follow-up appointment to cover any other issues
What If My Problems Are Linked?
Sometimes symptoms that seem separate may actually be connected — and your GP will always use their clinical judgement to explore this fully. We won’t ignore anything that’s urgent or could be related.
What If I Need More Time?
If you think you’ll need longer (for example, for mental health support or multiple ongoing conditions), please let our reception team know. We may be able to arrange a double appointment, where appropriate.
Who Sets This Guidance?
This approach follows best practice guidance from:
- The General Medical Council (GMC), which advises doctors to practise safely and communicate clearly
- The British Medical Association (BMA), which supports the safe and sustainable delivery of general practice
- The NHS, which recommends 10-minute GP appointments as the standard nationally
We’re Here to Help
We understand that your health concerns are important, and we never want you to feel rushed. This system helps us give each issue the time and attention it needs, keeping your care safe and effective. Giving us a clear description of your symptoms when requesting an appointment can help us to book the right length of appointment with the right person and in the right time frame.
If you’re unsure what to book or how best to raise your concerns, our team is happy to advise.