Due to extremely high levels of requests for same day GP appointments, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend the pre-booking of routine GP appointments.  With immediate effect the practice will switch to a same day triage model.  This means we will assess every enquiry and telephone calls and/or face to face appointments will be prioritised and issued in order of clinical need and urgency.  This will ensure that we can provide as safe and effective a service as possible.

Our reception team are trying their best to help to ensure that our patients get the right care at the right time by the right professional.  This will include re-directing patients to the local pharmacy, dentist or optician if appropriate.  They may also provide you with contact details of a more appropriate healthcare professional for your problem at the request of the GPs.    This could include the specialist Musculoskeletal Service or CWIC Mental Health team.

The practice continues to strive to maintain continuity of care and patients can and should request their usual GP when contacting the practice.  The reception team will note this when taking details of your problem which will enable the GP to prioritise the requests.

The practice has increased GP capacity over the last 6 months and despite this, the demand is greater than ever.   A significant increase in the workload is due to the long delays for hospital appointments, investigations and procedures.  We are also dealing with the current rise in streptococcal infections, along with increased levels of other winter bugs.

This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, however,  feel that it is essential to support and maintain our team to ensure that safe patient care can continue to be delivered.  

The changes will commence with immediate effect and will be reviewed regularly.   

We appreciate your understanding at a time when the whole NHS is under significant pressures.

Published: Dec 19, 2022