"Poor service"

Last year the Practice carried out an audit of demand for appointments as we saw an increasing trend towards more patients requiring same day access. From the audit we discovered more patients wanted guidance and advice quickly and didn't always want to see a GP face to Face. Ask My GP was one of the choices we introduced to enable those who like using smartphones and the internet access to their GP more quickly. Since launching this service last March 40% of patients contact us this way and this is increasing week by week. You can state a preference of whether you would like an email or telephone response and your question or problem is directed to the most appropriate member of the team. We understand that this system will not suit everyone which is why we have also improved the telephony system which can now deal with 20 calls in and out of the Practice at any one time. We really are trying to offer our patients greater access and choice and one area where we have seen a great improvement is the number of appointments patients forgot to attend which was 28% per month and is now less than 1%. I would be happy to talk to you directly about all we are trying to do which will be released in the seasonal newsletter being published shortly or telephone Dawn McCaffrey 01454 205217.