Update - Contacting Us Posted or Updated on 25 Mar 2024

We understand there has been concerns raised following the text message our practice sent to patients yesterday regarding how to access our services.

We would like to assure patients that there is no change to the ways that you access our practice or contact us. People can still telephone for advice, help and appointments or walk in during practice opening hours.

Most GP practices now offer online forms, video and telephone consultations. This can save residents time waiting for a face-to-face appointment and may mean they don’t need to go to the surgery.

However, our recent patient survey results showed many of our patients find it difficult to get timely appointments and are frustrated by the daily rush at 8am to get through by telephone.

We have listened to our patients and are looking at all the ways we can meet the demand for appointments and also reduce the pressure on our telephone systems, while making it easier for people to get the help they need.

While we absolutely recognise that a number of our residents are not comfortable or able to use technology to contact us, it’s clear there are many who will find that much easier and more convenient.

Our message yesterday was part of our work to encourage our patients to use the available online tools to get timely access to help or even to speak with a health professional.

This gives our patients more choice and will help us to meet the needs of all our patients, as we will be better able to prioritise and manage our patients’ needs.

I hope this provides you with an understanding of our intention and our thinking, and that you are reassured that we take the feedback seriously and will rethink our approach.