We are pleased to inform you that we have listened to your feedback regarding routine appointment availability, and we have reviewed our appointment system. We will be introducing changes in the coming weeks.
Our improved appointment system will enable routine appointments with our GPs to become available on a daily basis. This will reduce the need for patients to phone on Friday afternoons to secure a routine appointment, when our rotas are released on a weekly basis. We have also increased the number of appointments available to be booked on-line, for those patients who are able to do so.
We have already noticed improvements with our new telephone system. We have received positive feedback regarding the option of being able to request a call back from the surgery, rather than hold in a queue.
During this three week period of transition, we would appreciate your patience and understanding towards our reception staff.
If you are acutely unwell, we will continue to have on the day appointments available with our duty doctor and paramedics/urgent care practitioner.
When we reach a safe level of capacity, you may be signposted to 111, a local walk-in centre, or offered an appointment in Sandy Health Centre or Flitwick Surgery (where our extended access appointments are held presently).
Pharmacy First
Patients can now also get treatment for seven common conditions directly from a local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment. The pharmacist will be able to supply prescription only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
Our local community pharmacies are now able to help with the following conditions:
- Acute otitis media (earache) (age range 1 to17 years)
- Impetigo (age range 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (age range 1 year and over)
- Shingles (age range 18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (age range 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (age range 5 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64 years)