Medical centre abandons ‘open-access’ to its doctors
A GP practice is to stop its morning open access surgery – where patients can just walk-in and be seen by a doctor without an appointment.
From next Monday, September 9, Well Street Medical Centre, in Cheadle, will no longer offer open access surgery in the morning, as they move to providing increased triage and booked appointments.
A statement by Drs Yates, Powell and Middleditch and the team at Well Street Medical Centre, said: “The NHS is under a huge amount of pressure and Well Street Medical Centre is no different.
This change has been carefully considered, following an 18 month audit, consultation with our patient participation group, a review of the results from the national NHS GP Survey and discussions with both our patients and staff. While change can be challenging, we need to be able to offer a safe, accessible and sustainable service to our patients who remain our priority in everything we do.”
The statement said an audit had shopwn that capacity within open access was not always utilised or if it was used, it was not always appropriate.
It went on: “GP time is increasingly precious. At a time when practices nationally are struggling to recruit, we have invested in building a skilled team to support our GPS. Care navigation and clinical triage help us to utilise our appointment capacity appropriately and ensure patients are seen by the correct clinician at the right time.
“The NHS GP survey indicates patients would like better continuity and more appointments with specific doctors. Our popular GP team will be able to offer more appointments.
“There are long waits in open access, which makes it difficult for those with babies and young children, workers, carers and those they care for and the frail and elderly. Set appointment times should offer equitable access to all our patient groups.
“We can assure you of our continuing commitment to providing an accessible service and timely care including access to same day emergency appointments where clinically required.”
It adds that patients will now be able to book appointments as follows:
■ Phone and book routine appointments with a member of the reception team throughout the day on 01538 753114. Receptionists are fully trained care navigators and providing brief details of your clinical concern will help them to direct you to the most appropriate clinician or community service.
■ Request a triage call back for urgent medical concerns between 8am and 10am. Same day follow-up will be facilitated with the GP team where required.
■ Book a triage call back via the online appointments system.
■ Request an extended hours appointment with a member of thereception team, these run from 4pm-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm on Saturdays, at a variety of locations around North Staffordshire. Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointments for minor ailments are available, in addition to GP appointments, which can include referrals, requests for tests and prescriptions if required.”