As is the case with other General Practices and the wider NHS, we are currently under extreme pressure with an unprecedented number of requests for care being received every day.
As is widely known there is a national shortage of GPs. Whilst we have been successful in appointing excellent GPs, nurses and other professionals, we do still have vacancies which are impacting on our ability to meet current demands. In addition, winter bugs that are circulating are increasing the need for care.
The Practice remains open; however, the following temporary measures are necessary to prioritise the most urgent cases and manage current demand.
From Monday 5th to Friday 16th December 2022 inclusive:
- We are prioritising all new appointment requests for the most poorly patients with urgent health concerns.
- This will allow us to review and respond to all existing requests that have been received.
- Any appointments that have already been confirmed will go ahead as planned.
- 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 request that is not urgent and can safely wait will be asked if they could kindly defer submitting their request until Monday 19th December 2022. Our aim is to minimise any potential delays. We do understand this situation may be frustrating for patients.
- 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 or 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.
- 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.
- During this two week period only, and to assist us with having individual conversations with patients, the ability to submit a new online request for a health concern has been temporarily paused. Patients can still use the askmyGP online service to request a statement of fitness to work (fit/sick note).
Please be assured that this is a temporary arrangement in response to significant demand. 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 from Monday 19th December 2022.
Thank you for your ongoing support, patience and kindness.
