We are deeply sorry for the problems experienced by patients when queuing on the appointments lines. Due to a fault in the systems callers were getting cut off after 32 minutes, without an explanation. The telephone supplier has now implemented a solution to this problem and callers should not now get cut off suddenly when waiting in the queue. Once the appointments have been filled for the day anyone waiting in the queue will be informed of this and advised to call the next day.
Appointments
The capacity for appointments is based on the number of doctors working each day. Each doctor has a call list and once these lists are full the appointments line will close. There is a national shortage of doctors and capacity is not as high as the practice would like. It is important that this resource is used effectively and GP telephone triage enables the doctors to deal with some medical issues without the need for a face-to-face appointment. Where a face-to-face appointment is appropriate it is provide