ALERT- NEW PILOT, ON THE DAY APPOINTMENTS!
We have listened and viewed patients feedback, reviewed the national patient survey and spoke with our Patient Participation group, and are very aware of the struggles that patients have to make appointments and therefore we have decided to pilot a new On the Day Booking System.
The practice has appointment capacity but it is just not being utilised correctly. In July there was 359 appointments wasted which is just not sustainable or practical!
We want to use all of these appointments for patients who need them, so we are asking the following:-
You telephone on the day after trying the pharmacy first for any acute problems and we will book you in with the relevant clinician. If a routine follow up is required by the GP or as a result of an investigation I.e. abnormal blood test result please also ring on the day and we will book you in with the relevant clinician.
This is not a new initiative as many practices in the local area work this way with excellent outcomes, it ensures all are seen. So please don’t worry if you need an appointment in advance as we are hoping this will work better for you!
Please do not all call at 8am as we can also accommodate your appointment requests throughout the day!
We will also hopefully see a significant drop in the number of appointments that are currently being wasted by patients not attending.
We hope that you can understand the need for the changes and be assured that you will get seen as appropriate and we continue to thank you for your support in trying to make your practice more effective for the future!
Book your Flu Vaccination now!
We are now taking bookings for those that are eligible for Flu Vaccinations. If you are aged 65 and over or suffer from a long term condition e.g. Diabetes, COPD or a child between the ages of 2 and 3 years please contact the practice to book your vaccine now!
Extended Access
The practice can now provide extended (pre-bookable only) appointments to you on a Monday, Thursday and Friday Evening 6.30pm-8pm.
Please note the telephones will not be available, so these appointments will need to be pre-booked within the surgery normal hours 8.00-6.30pm. There will also be some additional pre-bookable appointments from 8am-8.30am on a Monday, Thursday and Friday. Saturday hours will no longer be available to you from the practice but additional weekend appointments will be made available to you in the very near future from other local practices.
Any questions please ask at reception.
Blood Testing Services
From Tuesday 3rd April the practice will be providing the blood testing services to patients. This means that if you are required to have a blood test you will be able to book directly with the practice for an appointment. Please remember if you are unable to attend the appointment you must cancel as this is protected time that will be wasted. Any questions please ask at reception.
Any blood test requests that the hospital require you to have you will need to take the form and the hospital will take the blood (the practice cannot take the blood).
Telephone System Update! From 1 June 2018 -
Dedicated number for Advice Calls/Visit Requests- 526666
From Friday 1st June 2018 the practice will be piloting a new telephone Care Navigating system with the aim to assist patients more effectively and efficiently. By calling this new number it will allow you to speak with a care navigator who will be able to offer advice, signpost you to the most appropriate service, and/or pass your request to the clinician within the practice. You can continue to call 526060 if you require an appointment.
Restricted Lunch Time Telephone Access! - From 1st June 18
The practice will also be having restricted telephone access between 1-2pm however the practice will remain open and any emergencies dealt with as appropriate.
Thank you for your continued support to help improve your practices for all.
Improved Access - On the Day Appointments
All appointments that are available for patients who deem the appointment to be urgent for that day will be available from 8am (please note previously you would be asked to call back at 11.30 this is no longer necessary). Staff will ask you for an indication of the problem in order to signpost you to the most appropriate clinician or service provider to meet your needs. Appointments can be booked online or by telephone, you can also call 111 or visit your local pharmacy first.
Which health service should you choose?
Mobile Numbers!
Since the implementation of our new computer system we are able to send SMS text reminders about routine appointments at the surgery. We would encourage all patients to check that we have the correct mobile number on our records,
Health Checks for those aged 40-74.
The NHS Health Check is a new National program that offers checks to patients between the ages of 40 and 74, once every five years.
For more information, please go to the Clinics and Services tab.
Appointments for those who work:
We offer book-ahead appointments on Saturday mornings at alternate sites, and we have Nurse Practitioner appointments or telephone triage available over lunchtime.
*Please note the Saturday morning clinics ARE NOT walk-in surgeries - appointments are pre-booked only. Also the pharmacy at Alexandra Road is not open on any Saturday.
Chaperones
If you would like a chaperone present during your consultation please let Reception know as you book your appointment or check-in for it. Thank-you