New Advanced Access System

Advanced Access System

The Surgery operates an appointment system known as Advanced Access. Many Practices around the country are working this way which has been shown to improve GP availability.

Approximately two thirds of appointments are available for patients to be seen on the same day that they make contact with the Surgery. The remaining third can be booked up to TWO weeks in advance.

See Timetables for individual doctors to book these in advance.

This system operates for doctor appointments only, you can still pre book nurses’ appointments up to 6 weeks ahead.

Any concerns regarding the appointment system or, other aspects of the services we offer, can be discussed with of the Practice Managers or the Reception Supervisor, Mrs E Pollock.

Commonly asked quesstions concerning Advanced Access

What happens if I phone and all the appointments for my GP are booked?
We have spent several weeks collating data on the number of appointments requested on any one day. We should therefore be able to offer you an appointment on that day with an alternative GP. If you only wish to see your GP then we will ask you to phone when they are next in Surgery. We will continue to monitor demand for appointments and make adjustments to the system as necessary.

What happens if all appointments are taken but I need to see someone that day?
If we have no appointments but you consider that your medical problem MUST be assessed that day, we will “fit” you in as an extra. One of our monitors will be to look at the “medical emergency” rate. If we regularly have to fit in patients then we will adjust the system.

What happens if a doctor is on holiday or ill?
We are currently working on various plans to cover GP absence so that appointment availability does not suffer.

I work away from home and need to plan my appointments.
Whilst most appointments will be available for booking on the day, some will be pre-bookable up to 2 weeks ahead. However, once all pre-books are taken you will be asked to call back. Evidence from other surgeries suggests that as patients find that the system works, there is less demand for pre-booked appointments.

Bookings for minor ops, nurses, commuter surgeries and postnatal checks will be made up to 6 weeks ahead.

I can never get through on the phone, how will I make a same day appointment?
Alongside changes to the appointment system we are also making changes to the telephones to allow speedier access to receptionists. These changes will be introduced in the near future. The phone number will stay the same.

Will I see my Doctor?
This system cannot guarantee that you will see your own doctor however; you will be more likely to see him/her. The enclosed chart shows the days when doctors normally consult. Please use it to phone on a day when your GP is in surgery.