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Advanced Access

The Health Authority (PCT) has reminded doctors that Advanced Access includes pre-bookable appointments.  This follows an increasing trend to move away from the national model and restrict most booking to 48 hours only. The National Primary Care Development Team (NPDT) responsible for rolling out Advanced Access has expressed concern at some practices restricting or even stopping pre-booking. "While this can feel better for the practice than their previous system, it is very frustrating for patients who want to plan for their appointments". Advanced Access should be about removing restrictions.

Restrictions are taking many forms, none meeting NPDT approval. These include:

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having to ring the practice on the day or day before appointment wanted

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pre-booking in the 48 hours before the session

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first and last few appointments of each session can be pre-booked. These tend to fill quickly leaving most to need to ring "on the day"

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follow up appointments can be pre-booked usually with GPs permission only

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holding back appointments for evening sessions which are released in the afternoon

Dr Causer went on one of the early NPDT training sessions in 2001 and avoided the trap of thinking 48 hour access has to require restrictions on forward booking. Advanced Access requires an assessment of patient needs and shaping that demand to capacity. Varying the capacity each day to meet the needs. Generally that has meant opening extra appointments as required but there have been occasional days when appointments could be cut back. For more information click on the button on the left "Access to GPs" or read on for our summary of your practice's Advanced Access which has been operating since May 2002.

“Your Choice” Advanced Access

  Like other advanced access appointment systems around the country, you can get an appointment with a doctor or nurse within 48 hours. As mentioned above, advanced access should not restrict forward booking. However, choice of which doctor you see does tend to be restricted in many practices.

 Our system has improved on the national model to include the “your choice” addition.

It is your choice which doctor you see, it is your choice whether you see a doctor or a nurse and it is your choice whether you make your appointment in advance (up to 6 weeks ahead).

We have also changed our telephone system so that you will be answered more quickly in order to make your appointment. Use our direct line for appointments which is 25 55 11.

 
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Homepage last modified: August 25, 2008.