Doctors introduce online system for urgent appointments

If you want an emergency same day appointment with a Welshpool doctor from February, you will need to submit an online form, the Practice has announced.

The new system has been used at GP surgeries across the UK, said the Welshpool Medical Practice, claiming that it will ensure “all urgent queries are dealt with efficiently, helping us to improve access to our primary care services”.

The Practice reassured patients that all forms are reviewed by one of their experienced triage nurses, and that anyone who calls for an urgent appointment will be directed to the website to complete an online consultation form.

The Practice said they were “excited to announce” the change, but it received a lukewarm response last night from Welshpool residents who vented on social media.

For those unable to access or use the internet, they can still call and a member of staff will fill it in for them on the phone.

“You will be able to send the urgent medical requests through from 8am-11am and 2pm-3pm (subject to change),” the surgery announced.

“The exception to ringing the surgery outside of these hours would be unwell children under the age of 16 and unwell palliative care patients.

“Urgent medical requests are reviewed by the triage nurse. They will decide on the most appropriate action. This may include offering telephone or face-to-face appointments, advice or sign posting to another service.”

The announcement added that if more information was needed, an additional questionnaire will be sent.

“This change is aimed with patients in mind, to make it easier for you to access us when you are unwell,” they continued. “Online requests bypass the need for you to spend time trying to contact us via telephone. It will ensure that all patients are dealt with by the most appropriate member of staff within an appropriate timeframe.”

The news system will come into use on February 3.