Responses to your recent feedback:
We have to wait too long for appointments with specific GPs – Some of our GPs are booked way ahead of time and we encourage patients not to wait for a specific GP if continuity is not needed – especially if you are acutely unwell. 75% of our GP appointments are booked with in 2 weeks and we are currently working on ways to increase this. Our salaried GPs and Registrars have appointments which unblock 7 days ahead so if you look online or ring us on a morning we can usually book you in within 7 days. If you ring later in the day it is less likely that these appointments will be available. We encourage you to talk to the receptionist about your particular situation so they can advise you of the most appropriate appointment or team member so you are not kept waiting longer than necessary.
Problems with self check-in – we apologise for the issues we have been having with the Auto check-in screen – our software supplier is working on a solution. Meanwhile it is important not to press ‘OK’ repeatedly whilst the system is searching for your details as this seems to be causing some of the problems. The system is slow so we are hoping to find a solution to that.
Appointments running late – we apologise that it is not always possible for clinicians to keep to appointment times but we will try to keep you informed on arrival as to how many patients are waiting ahead of you so you have some guide as to how long you will be waiting.
Why do I have to speak to a GP before getting an appointment? – You do not. Face to face appointments are all directly bookable online and via reception. We will only ask a GP to ring you first if you are asking to be seen on the same day and you require the Duty Dr to assess your condition. If the Duty Dr feels you need to be seen face to face this will be arranged with you during that telephone call. All other appointments are available for direct booking.
Please can directions to the consulting rooms be displayed in the waiting area? – we have now placed a poster beneath the TV screen with arrows indicating which rooms are where. This is also displayed as part of the TV presentations.
Not enough parking – we appreciate that this is an issue and despite numerous discussions with our landlords we are unable to add any additional spaces to the Health Centre site. We try to stagger appointment sessions with clinicians and to provide telephone surgeries to reduce the demand on the car park where possible but on busy days it can be very difficult to park.
