Total Triage

To improve access and reduce wait times for GP appointments, we are introducing a total triage system from Monday 1st September 2025. From this date all GP appointment requests and queries will be reviewed by a GP. Based on clinical needs patients will be offered the most appropriate outcome such as an appointment, advice, or referral to other services.

What is total triage? 

Total triage is a new approach which is recommended by NHS England to improve access to Primary Care services. We want to improve the quality of care our patients receive, to ensure that they are given the most appropriate appointment or advice to meet their needs and that this is done in a timely way.  This helps us ensure patients can be treated for acute queries sooner and pre-bookable appointments can be arranged for ongoing care related issues.  

Why Change? 

·         It will help reduce the telephone queue.

·         It will help match our capacity to patient need.

·         It can help prioritise patients who need help most urgently.

·         It will ensure that patients will be seen by the most suitable clinician at the right time for the condition that they have. 

How does it work? 

·         You will make contact via an online form accessed via our website or the NHS App.

·         If you are unable to complete the form, a family member or friend can do it for you.  

·         If neither of the above are possible you will be supported by our reception team who will complete it for you either over the telephone or face to face. These will be processed in the same way and timescale as forms submitted directly online by yourselves.

·         The form asks you to describe your medical problem, how long you have had these symptoms and how you would like help.

·         The request will be read by a clinician and will be answered directly or assigned to the most suitable colleague.

What information will I be asked for in the form?

·         You will be asked for more information about your medical problem, the more information you can give us the better. There is plenty of space for you to write.

How to book appointment after total triage?      

·         If the doctor advises, you need an appointment within 72 hours we will call you to arrange this.  If you need an appointment less urgently, you will be sent a text message with a link to book a suitable appointment.

Watch a video on how to submit a medical request

Attachment

Published on 16 July 2025