Spring Newsletter 2024
Within UK GP practices, several appointment systems exist. While no single model fits everyone, we find our triage model to be the most effective. It ensures that patients with urgent needs are seen promptly on the same day they contact the surgery.
Whether you receive an appointment immediately or in the near future depends on your symptoms and situation. In certain cases, symptoms can be addressed over the phone without requiring an in-person visit.
How does our appointment system work?
Reception team member asks about your symptoms so that the most appropriate course of action may be assessed.
Not needed on the day (Routine)
You will be offered the next free appointment (time scale depends on patient demand and clinicians’ availability).
On the day (urgent)
Reception will guide you through additional questions to guide you to the right healthcare professional. You’ll then receive either an appointment with a clinical practitioner or a phone call from our duty team. They’ll assess whether you need a routine or urgent appointment with a doctor or another clinician.
Letting our reception team know as much relevant information as possible about your symptoms helps them to select the most suitable appointment for you with the most relevant person.
Sometimes this may mean that you’re not seeing a GP- you may be suggested to self-help or directed to a pharmacy. By choosing the right service for your illness or injury, you’re not only looking after your health, but using your NHS services responsibly. Let’s Choose Well.
The information below demonstrates how together we can choose well and use the most appropriate service.
Self-care
- Grazed knee
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Stock medicine cabinet
NHS 111
- Unwell?
- Unsure?
- Is your GP Surgery closed?
- Need help?
Pharmacy
- Diarrhoea
- Runny Nose
- Painful Cough
- Blood Loss
Urgent Care
- Breaks and sprains
- X-Rays
- Cuts and burns
- Fever and rashes
GP Surgery
- Vomiting
- Ear Pain
- Stomach Ache
- Back Ache
A&E or 999 – Emergencies only
- Choking
- Chest pain
- Blacking out
- Blood loss
New cancellation line!
Did you know by calling us on 01425 272 203 and pressing option 5 you can speak to our new cancellation line to easily cancel your appointment if you no longer require it?
Polite Notice
Please make sure if you are parking at the surgery you are parking in the designated bays. By blocking other cars in this prevents Nurses and Doctors getting out on urgent on call visits.
Friends and Family Test
The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) was created to help service providers and commissioners understand whether patients are happy with the service provided, or where improvements are needed.
It’s a quick and anonymous way to give your views after receiving NHS care or treatment at Highcliffe Medical Centre. Please reply to any feedback request, or complete the online form on our website.
Results April 2024
- Very Good 89.9%
- Good 9%
- Poor 1%
It’s a quick and anonymous way to give your views after receiving NHS care or treatment.