03/06/2025
We will be switching to Rapid Health from 1st July 2025 - It is important patients register an email address with us to use the system properly.
New Online Appointment Booking System
The practice will be trialling a new way in which patients can access our services. Rapid Health is an online facility that allows patients to book appointments, without needing to phone the practice.
Patients will be presented with a series of questions about their problem. From here, patients will be provided with a choice of appointments with the most appropriate clinician(s), in the most appropriate timeframe, based on their clinical need.
This should result in shorter waiting times, especially for more urgent medical issues, and focusses on “getting it right first time” – seeing the most appropriate member of the team for your medical issue. It will also prevent the 8am rush and long waits on the telephones.
The new platform also allows patients to raise admin requests (such as sick/fit notes, doctors letters, and more) and find trusted self-care information for a wide range of symptoms and health conditions. This will replace our current platform.
For those who are able to do so, we will ask from 1st July 2025, all contacts with the surgery come through Rapid Health, which will be accessed via our practice website.
If you are unable to use the website, please phone the surgery. Our administration team will be required to take details of your medical issue/concern and assist you in completing the Rapid Health questions. You will then be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician, in the most appropriate timeframe, based on your clinical need.
Preparing and Implementing the New System
In preparation for the switch over to this new system we are having to limit the pre-booking of appointments. We are aware that this is frustrating, and we are working to try and increase the number of appointments available to clear the backlog.
For those patients that are requiring follow ups, you will be asked by your clinician or reception to contact us around the day you require your follow up to book in or, if an appointment is required after 1st July 2025, to contact us once our new system has gone live.
Further Information and Support
We will be contacting patients again nearer our “Go Live” date with any updates and further information. Please also keep an eye on our website, page and in practice for updates also.
Rapid Health FAQ
What is Rapid Health?
Rapid health is an AI driven triage tool approved by the NHS which allows you to book appointments quickly and offers more patient choice and availability by offering you the right appointment with the right clinician first time.
How do I book an appointment?
The link to access Rapid Health will be posted on our website. There will also be posters in the practice with the link and a QR code.
However, we understand that not everyone can use online services, and our reception team will still be available on the phone and in person. The team will take some details from you and assist you to complete the Rapid Health questions. You will then be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician, in the most appropriate timeframe, based on your clinical need.
Can I use Rapid Health through my NHS App?
Not at the moment. However, this is currently in development so keep an eye out for further updates.
What do I do if I want to see a specific GP?
When you are booking an appointment, the GP’s with available appointments will be shown. We would encourage you where possible to book with your usual GP.
What do I do if I want to pre-book an appointment?
All our appointments will be available. After completing the Rapid Health questions an appointment will be offered within an appropriate timeframe.
Will all Clinicians be on Rapid Health?
Rapid Health is primarily used for the booking of GP appointments, however depending on your presenting complaint you may be offered an appointment with our extended clinical team, such as Physician Associate, Paramedic, Mental Health Practitioner and Physiotherapist who support our GP’s.
Why have I been offered an appointment with this Clinician?
Patients will be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician based on their clinical need.
I was not offered an appointment, what do I do?
Once you have completed our triage questionnaire we will offer an appointment in the most appropriate time frame. If you have not received an appointment, reception will be informed, and your issue will be triaged by the duty doctor. Reception will be in contact within 48 hours.
My problem is personal, and I only want to tell a GP.
The information which you provide is saved to your medical records and is reviewed by the clinician during your appointment. If you require our assistance when booking an appointment but want the reason to remain confidential, we can try to complete the questions in a private area. Every employee at the practice adheres to our confidentially policy.
