THE TRIAGE SYSTEM
Because the surgery receives so many calls requesting a same day GP appointment this system has been devised by medical staff to enable the surgery to cope with the demand as efficiently as possible. After speaking with a receptionist you will be contacted by an experienced and specially trained nurse who will ask you for more details about your request. In many instances she will be able to offer you advice or see you herself that day.
Examples of problems she will be able to help you with are: coughs, colds,'flu like illnesses, sore throats, earache, sprains and bumps. There is always a GP available should it be necessary for his/her advice. If your request is an emergency and needs attention from the GP an appointment will be arranged for you the same day.
NURSE TRIAGE
When you telephone your surgery requesting an appointment or advice, if appropriate the receptionist will take your details and pass these on to a trained nurse. The nurse will then call you back and using their skills and experience together with a comprehensive computer system will guide you to the most appropriate service available from the practice.
It is not possible to know when the nurse will be free to ring you back so please leave a telephone number you will be contactable on for the next few hours rather than a number answered by a machine.
For example, you may need an urgent or routine GP appointment, be offered an appointment at a nurse led minor illness clinic or an appointment with another health professional. In some situations you may be advised of the best way to look after yourself at home, saving an unnecessary visit to the surgery. This approach will ensure you have the care and advice more quickly from a well trained and qualified member of the practice team you may be familiar with.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Will I still be able to see my GP if I want to? Yes, there is no intention of stopping any patient seeing their GP.
- Will I be able to see my GP sooner? The Primary Care trust is committed to the Government's plans to ensure you see a GP and other health professionals more quickly.
- Will a nurse be able to deal with my complaint? In many cases the nurse is the ideal person to deal with any queries. If not, the nurse will direct you to the GP or another professional who can help you best.
- When I next see my GP will they know the advice I have been given? Yes, the GP will have access to a confidential computer record of your symptoms and the advice you have been given.
Our triage system has been introduced to improve access to the doctors for those who really do need to see a doctor. If you are offered a same day appointment it will not necessarily be in the morning.
PLEASE NOTE
- Patients must let the receptionist know if they have call barring.
- Advise us if you are phoning on behalf of someone over 16yrs. old, triage may wish to speak to the patient concerned. Exceptions are children under 16 yrs. old and other patients unable to take responsibilty for their own health.
- One appointment is of 10 minutes duration; therefore doctors /nurses can only see one patient in this time. if you wish a double appointment please ask to speak to the receptionist.
- Please try to be on time for appointments or let us know if you are unavoidably delayed because of traffic or trains.
Medication Queries
If you have a question about your medication your local pharmacist may be able to help you. Advice on particular conditions, allergies or general advice If you require health information about particular conditions, about your allergies or general advice about managing minor illness at home, NHS Direct may be able to advise you. Their telephone number is 0845 4647 and this is available at any time day or night.