29/03/2025
Following the recently publicised change to how we manage requests for an appointment on the day, we have created the following FAQs in response to patient feedback.
Why is Wealden Ridge Medical Partnership making this change?
A review of our appointment data showed us that many of the telephone calls queuing at 8am to request an appointment on the day were not for urgent conditions/illnesses.
Many of the requests for an appointment were for routine issues that didn’t need to be seen on the day and could have been booked for an appointment in the future. Thus freeing up an appointment on the day for patients with more urgent issues/illnesses.
By reviewing our appointment system and creating additional appointments available to be booked ahead we anticipate that the 8am telephone calls will, in time, be for urgent illnesses/issues.
This change is also in line with the Government directive to reduce/eliminate the “8am scramble for an appointment”
How do I make an appointment for an urgent illness/condition on the day?
If you feel you need to see a doctor on the day, you should telephone the practice as normal.
The receptionist will ask whether your request for an appointment is for an urgent issue.
If it is urgent, a link will be sent to your mobile phone.
Once you receive the link and complete the request, this will be forwarded electronically to the duty doctor for triage.
Following triage by the duty doctor you will either be offered an appointment on the day or be asked to book an appointment ahead depending on the urgency of the illness/issue.
Can I make an appointment ahead for a non urgent issue?
Yes you can, we would ask if your request is routine that you telephone or call in to reception after 10am to make an appointment.
We offer the following appointments to book ahead:
· 48 hours ahead
· 1 week ahead
· 2 weeks ahead
· Up to 6 weeks ahead
Appointments are also available to book on-line via the NHS App* or Patient Access**
Please note there may be a reduction of appointments available on-line during the following times:
· For the first two weeks of this change
· Around public bank holidays
*The NHS App can be downloaded from your usual app store
**Patient Access is granted via reception with proof of ID
I do not have access to a mobile phone and cannot receive a text link, how do I make an appointment on the day for an urgent illness/condition?
We will have a limited number of appointments available for booking via reception for those patients without a mobile phone.
Or if you prefer our reception team can complete the on-line form on your behalf. If you present at reception for this option, you may be asked to go home and a member of the team will telephone you on a landline to complete the form on your behalf, this is for reasons of confidentiality.
I am not confident completing on-line forms, how can you help me with this?
Our reception team can complete the on-line form on your behalf. If you present at reception for this option you may be asked to go home and a member of the team will telephone you on a landline to complete the form on your behalf, this is for reasons of confidentiality.
I prefer to make an appointment at the reception desk, will I still be able to do this?
Yes, we will have a limited number of appointments available for booking via reception for those patients without a mobile phone.
You can also present at reception if you have a mobile phone and wish to book an on the day appointment for an urgent illness/condition, a link will be sent to your phone as described above.
Does this change affect appointments with all healthcare professionals at the practice?
No this change just affects requests for a GP appointment.
What are the 7 conditions that the local pharmacist can treat and prescribe for?
The NHS Pharmacy First scheme launched by the government and NHS England on January 31, 2024, allows community pharmacists to treat seven common conditions without a GP appointment or prescription, these being:
o Sore throat
o Earache
o Sinusitis
o Infected insect bites
o Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
o Shingles
o Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
We continue to welcome feedback and thank you for your patience whilst this new system is embedded.
