New Total Triage System Using Accurx

We will action your request the same day, preventing any lengthy waiting times on the phone or repeated attempts to access the appointments. The GP will triage all the requests and support those most in need of same-day care as a priority. The system will provide you with a same-day service but not necessarily a same-day appointment.

Yes, the form can be completed by someone else, such as a family member or carer. We will respond to the patient only unless they have given us explicit consent to contact someone else.

Signposting is when we give you information about how to access other support instead of an appointment with us. Many services offer a self-referral system so you can access them directly. Examples are the Minor Injury unit, emergency department, drug & alcohol service, sexual health clinic, local support groups and charities, social care, community pharmacy, the Acute Urgent Eye Service, etc. This also includes links to online resources to support self-care when appropriate

The 2023/34 GP Contract states “Patients should be offered an assessment of need, or signposted to an appropriate service, at first contact with the practice.” We have a limited number of appointments that can be safely delivered by a limited number of doctors each day.

The number of requests for appointments is higher than the actual number we have available. This is the case for GP Practices across the country. The only way to ensure that the people with the greatest need are given these appointments is for a GP to screen (or triage) each request.

This link gives information about some of the reasons for the increasing pressure on General Practice: www.bma.org.uk.
We are aware that the way you book appointments currently is not perfect. We have tried many systems over the years, but we feel confident that this will be a positive move. Please bear with us as staff and patients get used to the new system.

Thank you.