09/06/2025
🌿 Thank You from Fernbank Surgery 🌿
We want to say a huge thank you to all our patients for your patience and support as we introduced our new online triage system, PATCHS, back in March.
We’re pleased to share that nearly 6,500 patients are now signed up — a fantastic response from our patients / families / carers. 💚
📌 A few important points to note:
🔹 PATCHS is not a barrier to care. It is not designed to deter you from accessing help — it is here to improve how we manage demand and make sure every patient gets the care they need in a timely, safe way.
🔹 This change isn’t just us. From 1st October 2025, online triage will be mandatory across all GP surgeries in line with government policy. We’re preparing early to ensure a smooth transition.
🔹 Our phone lines are still open. You can always call reception during our opening hours if you have questions or need to speak to someone directly.
🔹 Prescription ordering remains the same. You can still use the NHS App or Patient Access — you don’t have to order via PATCHS.
🔹 The process for booking a nurse appointment for bloods / BP / health monitoring etc remains the same. You are not required to complete a Patchs form for an appointment that does not need to be triaged.
🔹 No internet? No problem. We’ve introduced a Telephone Assist Option — allowing patients without internet access to submit requests verbally.
💬 To everyone who has embraced this change — thank you. We know adapting isn’t always easy, and we appreciate your understanding.
As always, our focus remains on delivering the best care possible with the resources we have. Please continue to treat our hardworking team with kindness and respect as work tirelessly to help you.
With gratitude,
The Fernbank Surgery Team
