This page details recent changes we have made to our appointment system. To make an appointment, please click here
In 2025, we carried out a wide-ranging patient survey to better understand people’s experiences when requesting appointments.
Feedback showed that asking patients to choose whether their request was urgent or routine before a clinician had reviewed it did not always work well. Some patients felt their concerns were not fully reflected by these options, and in some cases requests could not always be reviewed as quickly as needed.
Based on this feedback, we are changing the way appointment requests are described to ensure concerns are reviewed earlier and more appropriately, and to help set clearer expectations.
From now on, appointment requests will be grouped as:
– New health problems or existing problems that have got worse, or
– Follow up of ongoing care with GP – (non worsening conditions)
All new problem requests are clinically reviewed on the same day.
Where the GP feels same-day assessment is clinically necessary, you will be contacted and asked to attend the practice that day.
Following clinical review, you may:
– Be invited for a same-day assessment
– Be added to the waiting list for a planned appointment in the coming weeks
– Receive advice
– Have a message passed to your usual clinician
– Be signposted to another appropriate service, such as NHS 111
As before, all requests are reviewed by a senior clinician to ensure you receive the most appropriate response for your needs.
We will continue to review patient feedback and make further improvements over the coming year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why has the appointment system changed?
We’ve updated how appointment requests work so concerns are reviewed earlier and patients receive the most appropriate response.
What do I need to choose now?
You’ll be asked whether your request is:
a new health problem or an existing problem that has got worse, or
Follow up of ongoing care with GP – for something that is not getting worse
You do not need to decide how urgent it is — a clinician will review your request.
Does this affect urgent problems?
No. Requests about new or worsening problems will still be clinically reviewed on the same day.
If the GP feels same-day assessment is clinically necessary, you will be contacted and asked to attend the practice that day.
We generally target same day urgent appointments to patients with issues where it would be dangerous if they weren’t assessed within 1 working day, such as active infections, or symptoms that may indicate hospital interventions are required such as worsening shortness of breath. To facilitate continuity most issues (where safe to do so) will be assess in routine appointments with clinicians familiar to you.
Will I definitely get an appointment?
Not always. After reviewing your request, the clinician may:
invite you for a same-day assessment if needed
– add you to the waiting list for a planned appointment in the coming weeks
– provide advice
– arrange a follow-up
– pass a message to your usual clinician
– signpost you to another appropriate service
This helps ensure you receive the right care, at the right time.
What if my symptoms get worse after I’ve contacted you?
If your symptoms worsen or change, please contact the practice again so your request can be reassessed.
Who reviews my request?
All requests are reviewed by a senior clinician.
Will there be further changes?
Yes. We will continue to review patient feedback and make improvements to ensure our appointment system works as well as possible.