At Little London Medical Clinic, your health is our priority. Due to the current level of funding the government provides medical practices, we have to limit our GP appointments to a maximum of 15 minutes – which is the standard GP consultation time across New Zealand. We understand that 15 minutes can go really fast, so we’ve come up with some guidelines to help you make the most of your time with our doctors:
Prepare Ahead of Time: Before your appointment, jot down any symptoms, concerns, or questions you have. This will help focus your GP on what matters most to you. If you have more than one concern, list them in order of priority so your GP can address the most pressing issues first.
Bring Important Information: If you’re taking any medications, supplements, or have had any recent tests or treatments, bring that information along. (If you have joined ManageMyHealth, all your test results should be online). This information will help your GP make an informed decision about your care.
Be Clear and Concise: During your consultation, describe your symptoms clearly and concisely. Mention when they started, how they’ve changed, and anything that triggers or alleviates them. This will help your GP identify the issue and provide appropriate advice or treatment.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions: Your health and understanding are our top priorities. If something isn’t clear, or you need more information, please ask. We’re here to ensure you leave feeling confident in the next steps of your health journey.
Summarise your appointment before you leave: This is especially important if your treatment plan seems complicated or involves multiple steps. Make sure you tell your GP what you understand is happening next to confirm that you heard correctly and are clear about what to expect or do.
Consider Bringing a Support Person: Having a friend or trusted family member with you to ask questions and listen can be very useful, especially if you have a concerning diagnosis and/or require complex treatment.
Your health is our mission, and by following these tips, together we can make the most of your 15-minute appointment and ensure you receive the best possible care. We look forward to supporting your health and well-being.