I received a message saying that there will be no more 8am phone calls or telephone booking, and appointments can only be requested online.
This feels like a very sudden change with no transition period. I’m not sure how elderly patients or people who aren’t confident using the internet are supposed to cope if there is no phone option at all.
It also feels like patients have very little say. You are told whether you can be seen the same day, within two weeks, or redirected to a pharmacy or A&E. It sometimes feels like there is no basic right to ask to see your GP, even when you feel it’s necessary.
I’m also confused about how appointments will work in practice. If you’re told you’ll be contacted the same day or offered a phone appointment, there’s no clarity on timing. Many people work and can’t just be available at short notice. At least before, I could explain my availability over the phone or choose a suitable time slot via the app.
Overall, the change feels poorly explained and lacking transparency. I hope the practice reconsiders how this is implemented or at least provides options for patients. They could book through different methods.
Appointments
Involved in decisions