We will be switching to Rapid Health from Tuesday 20^th May 2025 

The practice will be switching to a new way in which patients can access our services.  Rapid Health is an online facility that allows patients to book appointments, without needing to phone the practice. 

Patients will be presented with a series of questions about their problem.  From here, patients will be provided with a choice of appointments with the most appropriate clinician(s), in the most appropriate timeframe, based on their clinical need.  

This should result in shorter waiting times, especially for more urgent medical issues, and focusses on “getting it right first time” – seeing the most appropriate member of the team for your medical issue.  It will also prevent the 8am rush and long waits on the telephones. 

The new platform also allows patients to raise admin requests (such as sick/fit notes, doctors letters, and more) and find trusted self-care information for a wide range of symptoms and health conditions.  This will replace our current platform.  

For those who are able to do so, we will ask from 20th May 2025, all contacts with the surgery come through Rapid Health, which will be accessed via our practice website. 

If you are unable to use the website, please phone the surgery.  Our administration team will be required to take details of your medical issue/concern. This will then be put through to our Coordinating Doctor of the day to triage and to advise on the most appropriate clinician to see and in what timeframe.      

Preparing and Implementing the New System 

In preparation for the switch over we are encouraging patient to make sure all contact details are up to date especially your email address. Please update via SystemOne online, nhs app or contact the surgery. 

Further Information and Support 

We will be contacting patients again nearer our “Go Live” date with any updates and further information. Please also keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and in practice for updates also. 

To support patients with using the new platform and to ensure its success, we are going to be holding some patient drop-in sessions with our Online Triage and NHS app Champion. Further details of these sessions will also be available by mid-May. 

Rapid Health FAQ 

What is Rapid Health? 

Rapid health is an AI driven triage tool approved by the NHS which allows you to book appointments quickly and offers more patient choice and availability by offering you the right appointment with the right clinician first time.

Using The System

No registration or setting of passwords is required to access Smart Triage. 

To be able to book your own appointments you must have a valid email address on your patient record.  Therefore, we ask you to check and update your email address. You can do this using the NHS App (see image instructions below) or using the change of personal details webform Change of Contact Information Form

You can do this using the NHS App (see instructions below) or using the change of personal details webform on our website.

How do I book an appointment? 

The link to access Rapid Health will be posted on our website. There will also be posters in the practice with the link and a QR code. 

However, we understand that not everyone can use online services, and our reception team will still be available on the phone and in person.  The team will take some details from you and pass these through to our clinical team, who will then triage your request and offer you a suitable appointment.

For those patients unable to access Smart Triage online, we will continue to assist over the phone.

While Smart Triage is proven to reduce phone waiting times, the online system remains the faster way to access care. 

Can I use Rapid Health through my NHS App? 

Not at the moment.  However, this is currently in development so keep an eye out for further updates. 

Will I still be able to book appointments via Patient Access and NHS App? 

You won’t be able to book GP appointments through these apps anymore, however, you can still book appointments for routine screening and follow-ups, such as cervical screening, NHS Health Checks, blood tests, asthma reviews and contraceptive pill checks.  You will also still be able to view your medical records and test results, and order repeat medication. 

What do I do if I want to see a specific GP? 

When you are booking an appointment, the GP’s with available appointments will be shown.  We would encourage you where possible to book with your usual GP. 

What do I do if I want to pre-book an appointment? 

All our appointments will be available.  After completing the Rapid Health questions an appointment will be offered within an appropriate timeframe. 

Will all Clinicians be on Rapid Health? 

Rapid Health is primarily used for the booking of GP appointments, however depending on your presenting complaint you may be offered an appointment with one of our Practice Nurses or our Physiotherapists where appropriate. 

Why have I been offered an appointment with this Clinician? 

Patients will be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician based on their clinical need. 

I was not offered an appointment, what do I do? 

Once you have completed our triage questionnaire we will offer an appointment in the most appropriate time frame.  If you have not received an appointment, reception will be informed, and your issue will be triaged by the duty doctor.  Reception will be in contact within 48 hours. 

My problem is personal, and I only want to tell a GP. 

The information which you provide is saved to your medical records and is reviewed by the clinician during your appointment.  Every employee at the practice adheres to our confidentially policy. 

For children under 16 years-old

Smart Triage works slightly differently.  You will be able to use the same link to submit your child’s medical request, but you may not be able to book your own appointment.  If you are not able to make your own booking, the request will be reviewed by someone at the practice, and they will get back to you.