Limes and Blackwell Medical Centre

11/02/2026

We are closed for staff training this afternoon, we will reopen as usual tomorrow at 08:00.

Thank you for your continued support.

09/02/2026

We will be closed on Wednesday afternoon,11th of February 2026 and will reopen as usual Thursday 12th at 08:00.

Thank you for your continued support.

03/02/2026

We are currently experiencing a power cut in the area, local estimates state we should be back with power at 14:00

This is affecting our phone lines and we have no access to any computers.

Thank you for your understanding.

The team at Limes and Blackwell Medical Centre

09/01/2026

Due to the weather and safety of our staff and patients. Our Blackwell site will be closed from 1pm.

Our phone lines will remain open as will Limes Medical Centre in Alfreton.

Thank you for your support

09/01/2026

🟦 PATIENT FAQ: Total Triage System
What is Total Triage?
Total triage means that every request for GP help starts with a short online form.
Your information is reviewed and given the most appropriate next step — this may be an appointment, advice, a prescription, or signposting to another service.

Why is this happening?
From 1st October 2025, GP practices must provide online access during opening hours.
This has significantly increased demand, and we can no longer manage safely using our old system.
Total triage helps us prioritise patients based on clinical need and ensure fair access.

Do I have to use the online form?
We encourage everyone who can to use it — it’s the quickest way to request help.
But no one will be excluded.
If you cannot use the form, our reception team will complete it with you over the phone or face‑to‑face.

What if I prefer to phone the practice?
You can still phone us.
Reception will ask you the same questions that appear on the online form and complete it on your behalf.

What if I come to reception in person?
Our team will help you complete the form at the desk.
You will not be turned away.

Will I still get an appointment?
If a clinician decides you need one, yes.
Total triage helps ensure appointments go to those who need them most urgently.

Is this system permanent?
This change is required due to national contract updates.
We will continue to review how the system works and make improvements where possible.

How long will it take to get a response?
You will receive a response within our usual time frames.
The triage system helps us work more efficiently and safely.

What if English isn’t my first language?
Please let reception know — we can support you and ensure your request is completed correctly.

What if I have accessibility needs?
We are committed to inclusive access.
If you need help, our team will assist you in person or by phone

09/01/2026

Adverse weather.

Our team are slowly making their way into practice and there may be some delays or cancellations. The safety of our staff and patients are our priority.

As always, thank you for your support

08/01/2026

🌐 What You Need to Do

From Monday 12th January:

Use our online form for any new medical or admin request
https://www.limes-medicalcentre.co.uk/

Contact reception if you need help completing it

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we adapt to these national contract changes.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Rapid health is our online patient triage system; Rapid Health can be used to access self-care information, submit medical and administrative requests, and even register new patients to the surgery. Get started with our online booking tool

08/01/2026

🕒 Why We’re Making This Change

We want to be honest: demand for GP appointments has risen sharply, and we can no longer manage safely using our old system.

Total triage allows us to:

Prioritise patients based on clinical need

Reduce long waits on the phone

Offer a wider range of care options

This change helps us protect patient safety and ensure fair access for everyone.

07/01/2026

💻 How Total Triage Works

From 12th January, ALL requests for GP help (clinical and admin)0 will start with a short ONLINE form.
This helps our team understand your needs and direct you to the most appropriate care.

You’ll be able to complete the form at any time during our opening hours on our website https://www.limes-medicalcentre.co.uk/

If you can’t access the internet or complete it yourself, don’t worry — our reception team can help you over the phone or in person.

Rapid health is our online patient triage system; Rapid Health can be used to access self-care information, submit medical and administrative requests, and even register new patients to the surgery. Get started with our online booking tool

07/01/2026

We are closed for staff training from 13:30 today and reopen at 08:00 on Thursday, if you cannot wait please call 111 or 999 in medical emergencies.

06/01/2026

We are closed for staff training tomorrow at 13:30 and reopen on Thursday at 08:00. if your query cannot wait call 111. For medical emergencies call 999.

06/01/2026

📢 IMPORTANT PRACTICE UPDATE
Total Triage System Begins Monday 12th January
Due to national GP contract changes introduced on 1st October 2025, all GP practices must now offer online access during opening hours.
To manage this increased demand safely, we are introducing a Total Triage system.

💻 How It Works
All medical and admin requests will now start with a short online form.
This helps our clinical team understand your needs and direct you to the right care.

☎️ Need Help? Don’t Worry
If you cannot complete the online form:

Call reception

Or speak to us in person
Our team will complete the form with you.

🤝 Why We’re Doing This
We didn’t want to make this change, but the new contract requirements and rising demand mean we must triage all requests to keep patients safe and ensure fair access.

Thank you for your understanding and support.
We’re here to help you every step of the way.