"Don't register to this GP"

Dear Patient

Thank you for taking the time to post details of your experience in attempting to contact Gorton Medical Centre by telephone in order to arrange an appointment.

I am sorry that we have let you down and that we did not achieve the high standard of service to which we always aspire on the occasions you have described.

I would however wish to assure you that our Reception Desk and call-taking service are manned at all times when the practice is open.

You may be aware that Gorton Medical Centre recently relocated to its new home in the Gorton Hub. The new facility, which is approximately 200 yards from the previous location, provides the practice with significantly increased space for us to deliver face-to-face patient consultation and treatment services. We are currently recruiting additional healthcare professional members of our team as well as reception and administrative staff to support the increase in demand for our primary care services following the practice's move to the Gorton Hub.

We recognise that there are occasions when we do not achieve the standards which we aspire to and we are sorry when this happens. Please be assured that we are working hard to overcome instances such as those which you have kindly described.

We also recognise that there are times of the day when there are significantly more patients attempt to contact the surgery by telephone than certain other times of the day so in order to assist patients in being able to contact the surgery, alternative methods of communication are available to patients who wish to contact us.

Our alternative methods of communication include patients being able to submit “Online Consult” enquiry forms as well as use of Patient Access and the NHS App.

Details of our Online Consult, Patient Access and NHS App services are available via the practice's website at:

https://www.gortonmedicalcentre.nhs.uk

Thank you once again for taking the time and trouble to share your experiences of attempting to contact Gorton Medical Centre by telephone as we welcome patient feedback, both positive and not-so-positive, allows us to focus on improving our primary care service offer for all patients registered with the practice.

I do hope that my response provides you with the assurance you require but I will be happy to further discuss and remaining concerns which you feel and have been fully responded to. Please feel free to contact me directly, by email, at: rob.stark@nhs.net.

Yours sincerely

Rob Stark

Projects Manager

Gorton Medical Centre