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Good news about GPs in England (?)

Bunny

Some good news today, including that:

"From October, the reforms will require GP surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online in a bid to free-up phone lines for urgent enquires and help end the 8am rush to book appointments over the phone."

And, especially importantly for all of us as autistic patients:

"GPs will also be incentivised to identify patients who would benefit from seeing their regular doctor at every consultation."

More details here:

https://news.sky.com/story/gps-in-england-agree-deal-to-end-8am-scramble-for-appointments-13318444

Parents

  • I just want to share my experience of my GP because I think it is a brilliant example of how this could go really right.

    We've had an online booking system for >4 years. It is open from 8am to 5pm and 8am to 12:30pm on Saturdays. You fill in a number of questions, which include 'is there a specific GP you've been seeing about this'. A GP looks at it and triages it same day. From there they decide whether it is urgent or routine, and whether you need to see a GP, a practice nurse, a nurse practitioner, a health care assistant or get a referral to a pharmacist or physio.  Unlike others, this does not close when they 'fill' their appointments because the appointments stretch into the next 4 weeks. 

    They will then contact you on the day about which type of appointment you need, and then contact you with an online booking platform for it based on your urgency (14 day, 7 day, 21 day etc). If it is an urgent appointment they will call you (both my dad and brother have been called in for same day in person appointments). 

    If you are someone who can't use online things and you ring, the receptionist fills in the form for you. This can happen at any point in the day. 

    I've found it is extremely effective, as someone who really struggles with phone calls it has massively increased the ease with which I can contact my GP. The one time I needed an urgent appointment (bad reaction to new medication) I got a call back within hours. It has massively decreased the stress at the practice, especially as they can make sure someone sees the right professional every time.

    I just think they've managed it really well.

Reply

  • I just want to share my experience of my GP because I think it is a brilliant example of how this could go really right.

    We've had an online booking system for >4 years. It is open from 8am to 5pm and 8am to 12:30pm on Saturdays. You fill in a number of questions, which include 'is there a specific GP you've been seeing about this'. A GP looks at it and triages it same day. From there they decide whether it is urgent or routine, and whether you need to see a GP, a practice nurse, a nurse practitioner, a health care assistant or get a referral to a pharmacist or physio.  Unlike others, this does not close when they 'fill' their appointments because the appointments stretch into the next 4 weeks. 

    They will then contact you on the day about which type of appointment you need, and then contact you with an online booking platform for it based on your urgency (14 day, 7 day, 21 day etc). If it is an urgent appointment they will call you (both my dad and brother have been called in for same day in person appointments). 

    If you are someone who can't use online things and you ring, the receptionist fills in the form for you. This can happen at any point in the day. 

    I've found it is extremely effective, as someone who really struggles with phone calls it has massively increased the ease with which I can contact my GP. The one time I needed an urgent appointment (bad reaction to new medication) I got a call back within hours. It has massively decreased the stress at the practice, especially as they can make sure someone sees the right professional every time.

    I just think they've managed it really well.

Children
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