Total GP Triage – Coming Soon!

🗓 From Monday, 19th May 2025 

Total GP Triage

A structured approach to managing patient care. All patient requests, whether urgent or routine, will be triaged by a GP to ensure they are directed to the most appropriate clinician or service. This ensures that patients who present with urgent, same-day issues are seen sooner, while those requiring a routine appointment can be offered one with their named GP. Our aim is to reduce wait times across the group, providing more effective and timely clinical care for all our patients. 

Why Implement Total GP Triage? 

✅ Improved Access – Patients receive timely and appropriate care. They will be encouraged to submit an online request or speak to a receptionist, who can complete the triage form on their behalf. All urgent requests must be made by phone or in person at one of our sites. 
For clinical safety, the practice cannot accept urgent, same-day requests via the online form. 

✅ Efficient Resource Use – Doctors are the most effective clinicians for triage, ensuring patients are directed to the right service. Triage is a well-established method for quickly identifying patients in critical need while allowing others to wait for an appointment with their named GP, when appropriate. 

✅ Streamlined Process – The practice aims to reduce unnecessary appointments, duplicate patient requests, non-attendance, and overall waiting times for appointments with any clinician. 

How It Works 

✅ Patient Requests – Submitted online, by phone, or in person. 

✅ Clinical Triage – A doctor assesses urgency and directs the patient to the appropriate team. 

✅ Care Pathway Team – Patients will be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician or service. This could be a telephone or face-to-face appointment with a doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or physiotherapist. The patient may also be advised to follow self-care guidance or access external services. 

Benefits for Patients & Staff 

💡 Patients – Faster, more efficient access to the right care. Urgent cases are prioritised and seen sooner, while routine concerns are directed appropriately, reducing unnecessary delays. Patients benefit from clearer communication about when and how they will be seen, ensuring they feel informed and supported. 

💡 Staff – Improved workflow management, reducing administrative burden and pressure on reception teams. Instead of reception staff having to explain limited appointment availability, all appointment decisions are made by a doctor, ensuring fairness and clinical appropriateness. Clinicians can focus on patient care rather than managing appointment bottlenecks, improving job satisfaction and reducing burnout. 

💡 Continuity – Patients see the right clinician the first time, improving continuity of care. This leads to better long-term health outcomes, as patients build stronger relationships with the most suitable healthcare professional for their needs. A more streamlined system also means fewer unnecessary reappointments and a more efficient use of clinical resources.