From June 15th 2020, we will change the way we offer appointments for your GP
All requests for GP appointments will be assessed after completing an eConsult form online – click the link on the home page of our website.
We will get back to you and may offer you a face to face appointment at the surgery, a telephone or video call, send an SMS message with advice, send a prescription to the pharmacy, possibly order tests or a referral.
We shall respond to requests as needed: before the end of the next working day, at the latest (6.30pm) but mostly the same day.
Those without internet or who can not complete an eConsult can still phone the surgery and a team member will help you.
Parents can use eConsult for children from 6m (under 6m will still have to be by phone contact) until 18y.
Young people can send their own eConsult from aged 16y (from the ‘I want help for my child’ selection).
Why are we changing?
This is in line with a ‘Digital First’ strategy for Primary care in the NHS Long Term Plan. We have brought forward these changes due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
It’s safe – it provides the clinical team with detailed information to ensure that patients get the right input in time. This is important as the lockdown measures ease when there is likely to be a large backlog of work.
We can respond to patients’ needs – Many are not keen or feel it is unsafe to leave home to come to the surgery
Allows us to be flexible – this system will allow us to cope with any further waves of Covid
It’s convenient – patients can complete online consultations in their own time and at their own pace.
How will it affect me?
We hope the new system aims to provide a better, more responsive service:
Having information about your concerns in advance helps us deliver the best help to you quickly and may avoid an unnecessary wait for an appointment and trip to the surgery.
Reduce phone-call waiting times.
Allow more time for face to face consultations.
What about routine appointments for my Long Term Condition?
Medical conditions such as Diabetes, COPD, Hypertension and so on require regular routine checks and we’ll continue to invite you for these in the usual way based around your birthday. We’ll also invite you as usual for routine Medication reviews at regular intervals. Instead of needing to come into the practice in person we will ask you to complete an online consultation review form.
Will I still be able to see a Doctor face to face?
Yes but perhaps not so often. We have precautions in place to ensure it is safe to see a doctor when necessary, and we will assess the need through eConsult, phone and video calls.
Traditionally patients came to see the doctor for everything but we know much of our care can be delivered more efficiently and this will benefit everyone. In particular during the COVID pandemic we need to reduce your risk and your Doctors.
What about nurse appointments, phlebotomy and so on?
These will continue to be booked through Patient Access online booking, telephone and some eConsult.
What about Admin requests?
Please send all of your admin requests via eConsult – whether you need a certificate, letter, form filling etc.
I am worried about this
We are continually reviewing the situation and will adjust it depending on how everyone finds it. Your feedback will be very important, so please do let us know your thoughts and any ideas you have.
The best way to eConsult with us is via the new NHS App. Once you’re signed in you’ll also be logged in to all NHS services. You can download this from the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android.
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