In response to the current challenges faced by the NHS and General Practice, and to better meet our patients' needs more effectively and efficiently, our Practice will be transitioning to a new appointment system. Currently, the Practice is working on an average of 1 Full Time GP per 2,300 patients.
The new process, managed by our clinical team, will prioritise medical urgency over demand and availability. By streamlining this process, we aim to reduce wait times on our phone lines, offering a smoother and more efficient experience for our patients.
How does the new appointment system work?
Step 1: Provide Information
Patients or carers need to provide information about the problem. This can be done by filling out an online consultation form, which would be our preferred method. We understand that completing a form online is not possible for all patients. Patients can call or visit the Practice, where our Practice Administration team will fill out the form on their behalf. Please note that appointments cannot be booked until a consultation form has been completed and reviewed by our clinical team*.
*Exceptions will apply, such as End of Life situations, vulnerable patients and/or as advised by our clinical team.
Step 2: Clinical Assessment
The consultation form will be assessed by our clinical team, who will evaluate your problem. They will then provide a timeframe for your appointment or offer information on a more appropriate service. Requests submitted before 14:30 will be reviewed the same day. We will notify patients the same day if we are unable to contact them with an outcome by the end of the day.
Step 3: Clinical Advice
The practice team will contact the patient to offer an appointment or provide information from the clinical team. This contact may be via telephone call, self-bookable appointment link, or text message. For urgent conditions, we will always call the patient, so please ensure your contact details are up to date.
Opening Times
Online Consultation System:
Open every working day from 08:00 to 14:30. Submissions will be paused daily between 14:30 and 18:30 to ensure all requests are processed.
Practice Opening Times:
Unaffected, and you can still contact us between 08:30 and 18:00.
Response Times – Clinical requests
Requests submitted before 14:30 will be reviewed on the same day. Patients will be notified if there is no response from the clinical team by the end of the day.
Response Times – Administrative requests
For administrative requests, you can submit a request 24/7, all year round. Any requests submitted during weekends and bank holidays will then be dealt with the next working day.
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming changes to our appointment system, please do not hesitate to contact the Practice, to speak to a member of staff. Regular updates regarding changes to the Practice will be posted on our website and Facebook page.