Brecon Medical Group Practice
Appointment model review – 1st October 2024
The practice has undertaken a review of its appointment model and patient communication methods. The Practice wishes to ensure that its patients are able to access safe and timely healthcare for urgent and non-urgent (routine) conditions. All requests to see a GP are managed by clinical telephone triage unless there is a requirement for alternative communication arrangements. Note: For example, patients with hearing and sight impairments or requiring an interpreter.
From 1st October the practice will make available pre-bookable telephone appointments. These can be made across the week with GPs who are available at that time.
These appointments are an important opportunity for patients to book calls in advance with the clinician of their choice and they are to be available two weeks in advance.
Calls into the practice are managed as follows:
· Before 12:00 for Urgent or Routine conditions.
· After 12:00 for Urgent/Acute medical healthcare emergency (conditions which cannot wait until the following day)
At the time of calling, you will be asked by a receptionist to provide some information as to why you are calling, in order for the clinicians to prioritize calls. When the clinician calls you, they will determine a suitable course of action with you. Which may include offering you an appointment on the day or a future date. Patients are advised that they should be available to take the call on the day as well as attend a face-to-face appointment if clinically necessary. This will enable you to make any arrangements necessary for your appointment. Including, for example, transport.
In accordance with practice guidelines, it may be appropriate for the receptionist to signpost you to another service. For example, to access local pharmacies for the common ailment service or call 999 for an ambulance. The receptionist will also book appointments with members of our nursing team.
On days when there is a very high level of demand, when there are no more clinical triage slots available on the day, only acute medical emergencies can be safely managed. Unless it is an acute medical emergency, patients will be offered the opportunity to book a future call back appointment on a specific day.
We regret that we are unable to offer GP online appointment bookings as a result of these arrangements.