The health and care system as a whole is under significant pressure, and this is likely to be felt for many weeks.
There are a number of challenges facing health and care services, including winter pressures, concerns around Strep A, and ongoing industrial actions, at a time when nationally there is a shortage of GPs. We continue to see a significantly high number of requests for care which are increasing day by day, this is not sustainable. A substantial number of new requests are for minor ailments.
The NHS has recommended General Practices consider temporarily pausing routine and non-urgent work to focus on urgent demand as a priority.
Therefore we have put in place some temporary measures to manage demand and to prioritise all new appointment requests for the most poorly patients with urgent health concerns.
Patients with a less urgent or more routine enquiry will unfortunately experience a longer wait than usual. Any potential delays will be minimised, we do understand this situation may be frustrating for patients.
As a result, from Thursday 22 December 2022:
- We remain open, however, in order to ensure we can provide a safe service we will be prioritising all new appointment requests for the most poorly patients with urgent health concerns.
- Patients who feel their need is urgent and cannot wait, can get in touch with the Practice on the phone or they can visit our reception in person to make their request.
- Patients with a less urgent or more routine enquiry that can safely be delayed will unfortunately experience a longer wait than usual and will be asked to either defer submitting their request or consider if an alternative service could meet their needs.
- Any appointments that have already been confirmed will go ahead as planned, unless a patient is advised otherwise.
- The ability to submit a new online request for a health concern via askmyGP has been temporarily paused. However, patients can still use the askmyGP online service to request a statement of fitness to work (fit/sick note).
- Patients with a minor ailment will be encouraged to seek support from an alternative service to meet their needs such as:
- Their local community pharmacy.
- NHS 111 online or on the phone (dial 111).
- The Minor Eye Conditions Service provides assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye problems.
- Patients can access a range of self care resources and advice via our website. This includes advice and information for parents and carers who might be concerned about their child, with tips for managing symptoms at home, along with information about when you should seek medical advice.
- Repeat prescriptions can still be requested via the NHS App.
Thank you for only using the A&E department for genuine life-threatening emergencies. NHS 111 can help if you need urgent medical help or you’re not sure what to do.
This is an ongoing and evolving time of pressure for the whole health and care system. We will enable the ability to create new requests online, along with accepting all requests including those that are less urgent or routine, online, on the phone and in person as soon as possible and will ensure our patients are kept updated.
Our team is working very hard to meet current demands. Thank you for your ongoing support, patience and kindness.
