How do I arrange an appointment to see my GP.
GP Appointments - requests to see, or speak to a GP and, or requests for administrative tasks (for example sick note, letters, or prescription requests) are to be made by completing an online triage form via our website through PATCHS.
Rest assured, anyone who does not have access to the internet or has difficulty completing a form online will be still able to contact our reception team who can complete the form on their behalf. A family member or friend can also complete the form for you if needed.
From 10th June 2024, this will be the way for you to get in touch with the Practice to speak to or see a GP.
All requests will be triaged by our On-call GP team and admin Team. We will review each request in turn and will be in contact via text message or phone call.
Once your online request has been triaged by a GP, you will be offered the most appropriate next step based on your expressed symptoms and history.
For a routine appointment, you will receive a text message with a simple weblink that will allow you to book an appointment on a day and time that suits you. With just a few taps, your appointment will be booked.
If your issue is urgent, you will be booked in on the same day to see or speak with a doctor.
If you are not able to access to book an appoitment online, please call our Administration/reception team, who will be happy to help. The team will need to complete the same form with the information you supply, so please give them with the information they ask for.
Home visits
Home visits are available only for patients who are unable to come to the surgery because of their health, mobility, or frailty, please call the surgery as soon as possible to arrange a home visir.
Cancellations
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else. You can cancel your appointment in person, by phone or online.
Why does a receptionist need to ask what’s wrong with me?
Reception staff are members of the practice, and they will ask you ‘why do you need to be seen?’
Reception staff are trained care navigators and are trained to ask certain questions to ensure that you receive:
- The most appropriate medical care
- from the most appropriate health professional
- at the most appropriate time
Receptionists are asked to collect bief information from patients:
- to help doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
- to ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
- to direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional rather than a doctor where appropriate
Reception staff, like all members of the team, are bound by confidentiality rules
- any information given by you is treated as strictly confidential
- the practice would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with accordingly
- you can ask to speak to a receptionist in private away from reception
- however, if you feel an issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is then this will be respected