MESSAGE FROM THE PRACTICE (02/12/21)

We are extremely short staffed at the moment so things are taking longer than usual. As a result of this the Engage Consult service is temporarily suspended so that we can divert staff to answering the phones. Call waiting times do remain extremely high but we hope to resume our online services by Christmas

Complaints are being dealt with, however responses are taking longer whilst we focus on recruitment – we are listening to you and can assure you this is not how we want things to be

We apologise for any inconvenience caused but ask you to be kind to the staff we do have; they are doing their very best

ENGAGE CONSULT – SUSPENDED

We have listened to feedback from patients and need to prioritise addressing the demand on the telephones and clinically appropriate face to face consultations.  We are implementing this to protect our staff and ensure we can meet the clinical needs of our patients.  Therefore, Engage Consult will not be available until further notice.

All of the staff at the practice are working extraordinarily hard during this pandemic and have faced verbal and physical abuse while doing their jobs which is unacceptable. We remind you of the NHS Zero Tolerance Policy regarding abuse.  Please be respectful to all staff who are doing their best to help you during the Covid pandemic.

Dr.Z.Syed for and behalf of the Partners 27/10/21

COVID BOOSTER – See News Section

NEED TO SEE A GP? – Everything starts with a phone call first

During the Covid Pandemic our GP’s followed NHS guidelines by triaging all patients virtually and then making a decision on if they needed to be seen face to face. Our IT infrastructure is vastly improved and as a result we will continue conducting telephone triage as a first point of contact. This will be done for all patients prior to being offered face to face appointments with a doctor.

This is a different way of working which allows us to ensure appointments are used appropriately. We can also prevent wastage of appointments/reduce DNA’s, which unfortunately are still a problem. This system is more convenient for patients as you will not have to take time off from work to physically attend the surgery – many queries can be dealt with over the phone. There are several ways for us to communicate with you i.e. telephone call, video call, text message, email and, when clinically required, face-to-face.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation