To improve patient access we will be launching a new appointment system on Monday 27th January 2024.
We recognise that at present patients are struggling to get through on the phone. We want to change this to help our patients.
Online patient triage is the most effective way that the NHS can sustain a safe and accessible service for all patients based on clinical need.
This change will make it easier to submit requests to the practice and ensure that requests are seen by the most appropriate member of staff and dealt with in an appropriate timeframe.
The benefits of using patient triage are:
Easy to access
The surgery might be able to help more quickly and easily for example by providing text message advice or prescription, or referring you directly to an appropriate service.
Those who need appointments most will be prioritised, rather than those who got through on the phones first.
AccuRX is a quick and simple online triage form to prioritise all routine and urgent appointment requests and to assist you with medical and administrative queries. This will be accessed through this website, or through the NHS app.
All requests for appointments submitted between the triage opening times of 7.30am to 4.30pm (Monday - Friday) will be reviewed by our triaging team. Patients will be offered an appointment within the right time frame, the right clinician and via the right method (face to face, telephone, online).
You will be able to receive help, advice and treatment for your health problems at a convenient time for you and your lifestyle.
Patients will be able to access safe and efficient advice for lots of health conditions and symptoms on our AccuRx Patient Triage website 24/7.
If you need further advice or think you may require treatment you will be able to consult with your GP online. All you need to do is fill out a simple form about your problem and a GP will get back to you within 2 working days.
You can also request sick certificates (sick/fit notes), discuss recent tests or get help for other administrative issues at a time that is convenient for you.
Your GP will text or email you back within 2 working days, unless a different method of contact is more appropriate. Please ensure we have a verified email address and telephone number saved on your record so your GP is able to get back to you.
Get started with Accurx - how total triage works:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patient Triage?
Patient Triage uses quick a simple online form which patients fill in when they wish to contact the surgery. For medical issues it contains 3 questions, which should only take a few minutes to fill in. Whether you visit in person or contact us by phone our patient support team will no longer be directly booking your appointment.
What if I do not have access to the internet or struggle to complete forms?
Our practice phone lines will remain open for appointments for those patients who can't complete a form online. Please speak to our reception team who will pass your request onto the triaging team.
Will I get an appointment quicker if I speak to reception instead?
The answer is no. When you speak with the reception team, they will pass your request to the triaging team and they will respond within 2 working days with an appropriate appointment. If it is an emergency, patients will be seen within the same day.
What happens after I submit a query for a medical issue to the practice?
Medical queries will be submitted to our triage team. A member of the team will respond to you within 2 working days. Conditions that need to be assessed on the same day will be prioritised. The triage team may send you a request for further information.
What happens if I need an urgent appointment?
We will continue to have a duty doctor every day to deal with emergencies. Conditions that require a same day assessment will be booked in on the same day or directed to an appropriate service. A member of our triage team will contact you directly to arrange an appointment.
What if I have more than one medical issue that I need help with?
Please only submit one medical issue per AccuRx Patient Triage form, so that you can add sufficient detail for each problem, to allow our GPs to appropriately deal with your request. We do not recommend sending multiple forms in on the same day as we need to ensure that resources are shared equitably.
How do I submit an admin query?
There is an option to submit an admin query on the online form for general administrative issues such as requesting a letter from a doctor and fit notes. A member of the Triage Team will respond to you within 5 working days.
Will the patient still have a choice of which Clinician they see?
There is an option to specify which Clinician the patient would like to see. We will try to meet this request, availability permitting.
To ensure that your records are complete, details of out of hours consultations are relayed to the Practice and are retained in both medical records systems.
IN CASE OF COLLAPSE, SEVERE CHEST PAIN OR SUSPECTED HEART ATTACK
