Change in GP appointments

Patients will no longer have to rely on calling early or persuading the receptionist that their case is urgent in order to be seen on the day of their choice.

Only approximately 20 per cent of available appointments will be pre-booked. All others will be released on the day so that when a patient contacts the surgery to ask for an appointment, it should be offered on the same day. An on-call duty doctor will still be available to enable anyone who is acutely unwell to speak to a doctor and, if needed, be seen in an emergency appointment.

If anyone wants advice or other help from the doctor which can be done by phone, they will be able to request a telephone consultation appointment.

It has been found that the closer people book an appointment to the date they want to be seen, they are less likely to fail to attend, meaning less time is wasted.