18/03/2026
📌For those who have not yet seen our update. Please read below and see the post to see the difference between how the appointment system did work and how appointment booking will operate from 1st April 2026.
❗Important Update from Orchid House Surgery❗
We’re pleased to let you know that from 1st April 2026 we will be introducing a new Total Triage appointment system.
This change means you will no longer need to queue at 8:30am for an appointment or be asked to call back another day. Instead, every request will be reviewed so we can make sure patients receive the right care, at the right time.
For many years we have operated a first-come, first-served system. While this has worked for some patients, it has unfortunately meant that those who cannot call right at 8:30am have sometimes missed out on appointments. It has also meant that some same-day appointments were used for issues that could safely wait, while patients needing urgent care had to wait longer or contact 111.
How the new system will work:
• Patients requesting a GP appointment will complete a System Connect form available on our website.
• If you cannot access the internet, please call the surgery and our reception team will complete the form with you.
• A doctor will review the information submitted.
• You will then be contacted by either a doctor or our reception team with the most appropriate next step.
This approach helps us make sure every patient request is assessed by a clinician and that appointments are allocated based on clinical need, not who gets through on the phone first.
We understand that changes to how services work can take a little getting used to, but we believe this system will make accessing care fairer, simpler and more effective for all our patients.
Thank you for your continued support 💙
Orchid House Surgery
