We’re changing the way you book GP appointments

Posted on:

What’s Changing?

From 8th September, Fishergate Hill Surgery is moving to a Total Triage system for all GP appointment requests.

This means:

  • You will no longer be able to book GP appointments in advance directly.
  • Instead, every request to see a GP will be reviewed first (triaged).
  • You can submit a request by:

A GP or clinical member of the team will review your request and decide the most appropriate next step. This might be:

  • A same-day or future appointment (face-to-face or by phone)
  • Advice via text or phone call
  • Referral to another service (e.g. pharmacy, physiotherapy)
  • Or other appropriate care

No changes are being made to how you book appointments with our nursing team (for things like blood tests and annual reviews).

Not Just for Appointments – Use It for Admin Requests Too

You can also use the system to request:

  • 📄 Fit notes (sick notes)
  • 🖊️ Letters from the GP
  • 🔁 Follow-up on a referral
  • 🧪 Test results
  • ❓ Any other admin query (such as requesting medication that isn’t on your repeat list)

We’ll make sure your request goes to the right person and gets actioned as soon as possible.

Important: What Happens Before 8th September?

In the weeks leading up to 8th September, our reception team will not be able to book GP appointments for the week commencing 8th September and beyond.

From that week onwards, all appointment requests will need to be reviewed first, so no direct bookings can be made in advance.

How Can I Make a Request?

You’ll be contacted with the next steps once your request has been reviewed

Tips for Submitting Your Request

To help us understand your needs and provide the right care as quickly as possible, please follow these simple steps when submitting your request online or by phone:

1. Be Clear and Specific

  • Describe your symptoms:
    Include a clear and detailed explanation of your symptoms. Let us know:
    • When they started
    • Whether they are getting better or worse
    • Any other relevant background (e.g. recent travel, contact with illness)

2. Provide Relevant Information

  • Preferred clinician:
    If you would like to be seen by a specific doctor or nurse, let us know. We’ll do our best, but this may not always be possible.
  • Contact details:
    Make sure your phone number and email address are correct, and include your preferred method of contact (text, call, email).
  • Availability:
    Let us know if there are specific times when you can’t take a call. This helps us avoid delays in getting back to you.

Why Are We Making This Change?

We are introducing Total Triage to:

✅ Prioritise patients based on clinical need
✅ Offer the right care, first time
✅ Reduce unnecessary waiting and missed appointments
✅ Free up more time for patients who need it most

Need Help?

🧾 Leaflets are available at reception to explain the changes
🗣️ Our team are happy to talk you through the process
🌐 Visit our website any time for updates

Thank You for Your Support

We appreciate your patience during this change.
This new system will help us deliver better, fairer, and faster care for all our patients.