GP surgery changes appointment request method

A general practitioner surgery in Barnstaple is changing the way patients can request appointments and address their administrative queries. 

Brannam Medical Centre will be introducing a new system, effective from October 2, which will aim to enhance patient access to care and ensure timely medical attention for everyone.

In response to NHS England's directive for GP surgeries to simplify appointment requests, patients will now be able to submit requests online, via the NHS app, in person, or over the phone. 

The GP surgery has said that this process is designed to improve patient care and ensure continuity.

The surgery explained that GPs and the administrative team will review all requests within one working day, prioritising urgent cases. 

A GP will then contact the patient directly, schedule an appointment, or provide advice based on the patient’s preferred method of communication.

Dr. Tim Chesworth, a senior partner at the surgery, expressed confidence in the new approach. 

He said: “We pride ourselves at Brannam Medical Centre on putting patients first in every decision we make. We recognise that it has become increasingly difficult to provide appointments within the appropriate timescale. This new system will ensure patients are treated equally and see the right person within the right timeframe. Having been a partner for over 20 years, I have experienced many changes to our appointment system in response to the evolving needs of our patients. I am confident this will be a positive step for both patients and staff.”

Key benefits of the new system include:

• Same-Day Medical Request Screening: All medical requests will be reviewed by a doctor within 24 hours for quicker responses and improved care.
• Enhanced Patient Access: Ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.
• Need-Based Appointment Allocation: Appointments will be assigned based on medical necessity rather than a first-come, first-served basis.

Practice Manager Susie Wheaton voiced her support for the changes. 

She said: “At Brannam Medical Centre, our top priority is ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. Over the recent months we have noticed a rise in patient dissatisfaction and complaints and patients not attending appointments due to long waiting times. This new system will utilise our current capacity and resources in the most efficient way and try to mirror increasing demand.”

Despite these changes, several aspects of the service will remain the same:

Patients can still book appointments with nurses and healthcare assistants by calling the surgery.

Urgent same-day GP appointments will still be available.

Patients will continue to see their registered GP to maintain continuity of care.

The surgery has said they are committed to supporting their patients during the transition. 

For assistance with the new request form, patients can contact the surgery or visit www.brannammedicalcentre.co.uk