With high demand and stretched resources, we recognise the difficulty in accessing appointments. Having reviewed the helpful and constructive criticism from patients, we believe there are two broad service categories that need improved access. For patients with skin issues (lumps, bumps and rashes) and those with musculoskeletal issues (aches and pains in joints and limbs), from October 2021, you will be able to by-pass triage if you feel you have any of these complaints.
We feel that these two trials are exciting and offer much needed developments. At present, we are working with the telephone supplier to enable a new automated option. When completed, you will no longer need to queue on the telephone. When phoning the surgery, you will simply select the appropriate option for this service (the ‘lumps, bumps and rashes’ or the ‘aches and pains in joints and limbs’). You will be prompted to leave your full name, date of birth and contact telephone number. The reception team will call you back (we aim for same day response), gather a few basic details for the clinician, then directly book you in the next available dedicated face-to-face appointment.
We will provide more details nearer the time of ‘go-live’. We sincerely hope this will improve the service for patients requiring these much needed areas of care.
Jayne – Practice Manager