We would like to confirm that your Practice remains open for you during this difficult time. However, due to substantial pressures related to the Covid Pandemic and the redeployment of staff to the Covid Vaccination Programme, there is a reduced availability of appointments.
We are continuing to see an increased demand for appointments and understand the frustration that some patients feel with being asked to call at specific times of the day. This was brought in to protect appointments for those most in need during the pandemic. As a result of feedback, we are going to start offering 50% of appointments bookable in advance and 50% on the day.
The majority of appointments will still be telephone appointments initially. Patient safety is paramount during the Coronavirus pandemic, so we are trying to avoid a high footfall of patients through the surgery. Rest assured, if after speaking with you, the Clinician decides we need to see you, you will be invited to come to the surgery to enable a face to face assessment.
Our Receptionists are answering the phones as quickly as they can. Please be aware that they often have to leave their workstation to open the front door to allow patients invited in for a face to face appointment, so there may be a delay in answering the phone and conversely they cannot always get to the door immediately if they are on the phone. Please could we ask for your understanding and ask for patience with our hardworking team.
We continue to encourage patients with any potentially serious symptoms to contact the Surgery to enable an assessment.
