Important Changes To Our Appointment System
Patient Newsletter: Important Changes To Our Appointment System
Helping Us to Help You: A New Way to Manage Appointments
Dear Patients,
We are introducing a new Total Triage System at Somerset Medical Centre to ensure we meet the growing demand for appointments while continuing to provide safe and effective care. With an increasing patient population, we need to make sure every patient is seen by the most appropriate healthcare professional as quickly as possible.
What is Total Triage?
From Tuesday 4th February when you contact the practice, our reception team will log your request and a GP will review it first. This allows us to direct you to the right clinician or service based on your needs. You will then receive a call back with the next steps.
Why Are We Making This Change?
- To manage demand more effectively – By reviewing all appointment requests first, we can ensure urgent cases are prioritised and routine issues are dealt with appropriately.
- To provide quicker access to the right care – Not all medical concerns need a GP appointment. Many conditions can be treated by other healthcare professionals or services, such as pharmacists, nurses, or First Contact Practitioners.
- To reduce waiting times for those who need GP care – This system ensures GPs have more availability to focus on complex medical cases.
What Happens After I Request an Appointment?
Once you contact us, your request will be assessed by a trained and skilled staff member, who will decide on the best course of action. This may include:
✅ A GP or Nurse Appointment – If your condition requires review by a clinician at the practice.
✅ A First Contact Practitioner (FCP) Appointment – For musculoskeletal issues such as back pain or joint problems, which can be assessed and managed by our specialist practitioner.
✅ A Pharmacy First Referral – Certain minor illnesses, such as infections and skin conditions, can be treated quickly by a pharmacist, often without the need for a GP.
✅ Signposting to Other Services – Some issues, such as social care support, mental health concerns, or physiotherapy needs, may be best handled by other professionals.
How Can This Help Me?
- Faster access to care – No more unnecessary waits for a GP appointment when another clinician can help sooner.
- More availability for urgent cases – Ensuring those with serious health concerns are prioritised.
- Expertise where it matters – Seeing the right healthcare professional for your specific needs improves efficiency and quality of care.
How Can I Prepare?
- Be ready to give a brief description of your symptoms when calling reception – this helps the GP triage your request appropriately.
- If signposted to another service, trust that this is the best option for your care.
- Use online services where possible, such as the NHS website, eConsult, or the NHS App, to manage prescriptions and routine enquiries.
We understand that changes can take time to get used to, but we truly believe this system will benefit all our patients by improving access and making sure you receive the right care at the right time.
Thank you for your support as we work to enhance our services for you.
Somerset Medical Centre