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How do you get an appointment?

Story from nhs.uk

"How do you get an appointment?"

About: Dishley Grange Medical Practice

Impossible to arrange a doctors appointment. I ring at 08.30 and the phone system is already full. When I eventually get on the queue after 20 minutes and then get through the queue all appointments are taken. This has happened repeatedly.

When I question the system with staff I am told that all practices operate like this, but a brief Google search shows this is not true.

You need to change your “no forward booking of appointments” policy.

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Responses

Response from Dishley Grange Medical Practice 3 years ago
Dishley Grange Medical Practice

Submitted on 20/10/2020 at 13:32
Published on nhs.uk at 13:34

We apologise for difficulties that patients have been having with the telephone system. In response to the current crisis, we have had to make several changes to our procedures, which has put additional strain upon the telephone system. We are aware that many patients have been having struggling to get through and we are currently revising both the physical system and staff procedures to ensure quality. Our new telephone system is due to be installed next month which is a more patient friendly system.

Due to the current crisis and ongoing funding problems within the NHS, we are unable to offer as many appointments as we would like. We are aware that it is often difficult for people to contact us when the practice opens for the day. We do allow routine telephone appointments to be booked but only 1 week in advance due to the restrictions placed on us by the pandemic.

You can also ask the practice or 111 to refer you to one of the local HUBS. These have been opened by the local Clinical Commissioning Group to deal with the overflow from GP practices in the area.

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