Appointments

Requesting an Appointment

The best way to request an appointment is as follows:

Use the NHS App

Contact us via PATCHs

 You can call us during opening hours on 0113 203 4550

Our telephone and PATCHS lines are open to accept GP appointment requests until all of our appointments are filled. Each day we release appointments to book on the day or in advance.

Using our total triage model (GP Triage Hub), the GP who is in charge on the day will look at ALL requests and decide whether the request is urgent for today or will book on another day. This could be up to 14 days in the future.

All requests are dealt with on a time of arrival basis, either telephone, Voice Assist or PATCHS – there is no preferential management of any calls.  The benefit of Voice Assist (Patchs Telephone Assistant) and PATCHS is that you do not have to wait in a queue when the lines are busy or if we are short staffed.  Using Voice Assist is a good way for people who prefer not to use technology to avoid holding on the line for a receptionist.

Whichever method you choose to request an appointment, by phone, Voice Assist, PATCHS, in person you will be taken through the PATCHS questions and your request will be communicated to a GP for them to make their triaging decisions.  Please avoid using the paper system wherever possible as this is the least efficient way to ask for an appointment.

Please note that our reception team cannot process requests for appointments with a GP at the front desk.

Online Service

PATCHs is our online service and it is a quick and easy way of letting your GP practice know what is wrong, asking a question or booking an appointment. You can use the online service via the NHS app or on our practice website, to give information to your practice so that they can see what care would be best for you.

Please note that all online requests are treated exactly the same as those received on the phone and you will receive the same service and care.

You can also use this service for non-clinical queries, such as requesting a repeat sick note, repeat medications or telling the practice about any changes of address / telephone number. This saves you time waiting on the phone to speak to the Care Navigator (GP practice receptionist).

When can I use this service and when will I get a response?

• PATCHs is available for clinical requests, whilst there is appointment capacity; and for admin requests during practice opening hours.
• Fill out a simple PATCHs online form to get advice and/or treatment with 48 hours.

What can I expect to be offered?

• A face-to-face appointment
• A phone call or video consultation
• A text message, for example inviting them to visit the practice for a blood test
• A call from the reception team giving advice and signposting information from the GP who has reviewed your e-consultation

Why should I use this service instead of phoning my GP practice?

• You can give more information than you might to a Care Navigator. You may find this less embarrassing than talking to someone on the phone or in person.
• You can do this using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• You can be assured that the GP will review all requests and make sure you get the right care for your healthcare need

Online booking

Appointments that do not need to be reviewed and referred by a Care Navigator are available for you to book directly online. Online booking is quicker than phoning and you can choose an appointment time to suit you.

You can book the following appointments directly on our website or through the NHS App
and SystmOnline

• Asthma clinic
• Childhood vaccinations
• Carer health check
• Flu vaccination
• New patient health check
• Contraception appointment
• Blood tests proving these have been pre-approved by a GP
• Any other Long term condition review

You can log in at any time to book an appointment, even when the surgery is closed.

After our GPs have triaged your appointment request, you will be offered either a same day appointment, or an appointment within 7 days or 14 days. These appointments may be either by telephone or face to face.

Nursing appointments that are not available for direct booking will be booked as soon as possible after we receive the request.

Home Visits

For further information on Home Visits please click here

Cancelling or changing an appointment

If you can not make your appointment let us know as soon as you can so another patient can book the appointment time.

Cancellations can be made with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice via SystmOnline, via PATCHs, via telephone or by visiting the surgery (within our opening hours – we do not allow telephone messages to be left).

We will also accept written confirmation placed in our letter box outside of working hours however 24 hours’ notice is still required.