We aim to provide the most effective, efficient and appropriate health care to all our patients within the resources provided. To that extent this Surgery has pioneered a new Doctors appointments system – Total Triage.

In 2003 we audited all appointments made with our Doctors. From that audit it became clear that up to 42% of patients attending the surgery for an appointment with a Doctor simply did not need to come to the surgery – they could be better, more quickly and effectively dealt with over the phone. So began Total Triage.

The process is simple – when you call in for a consultation with a Doctor you will be given a Telephone Call Back (TCB) slot at a time convenient to you. This can be as quickly as on the day or as far ahead as 3 months. The Doctor will call you back in a 30 minute window of the booked TCB. The advantages are:

1. Simple queries about results, consultant letters, medication and certificates etc. can quickly and effectively be dealt with without the need for you to take the time to come to the Surgery.
2. Any requirements for a Face to Face consultation can be arranged for a mutually convenient time between you and the Doctor.
3. The Doctor can book any Nurse assistance that may be required – tests etc.
4. The system ensures that there are sufficient appointments for those who really need to see a Doctor.

Continuity of Care – we believe in the principle of “Continuity of Care”. As such patients who have seen one Doctor for a specific problem should continue with that Doctor for that problem. This avoids multiple interventions by different Doctors which can lead to duplication and errors. This principle does not preclude you from seeking a Second Opinion.