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Following the introduction of a new telephone system, there have been some problems reported by patients who have had trouble getting through to the surgery, especially at peak times. Following work by the surgery and system providers, reported problems have now decreased by 60%.
Development work has been ongoing on our telephone and Emis systems, and we hope to shortly launch Patient Partner. This will enable patients to phone the surgery around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days of the year to book, check or cancel appointments.
This will give patients more choice in when they can call, thereby freeing up phone lines at
traditionally busier times of day for queries and emergencies.
The fully automated system is simple to use: it is able to detect available doctors’ appointments and allows the patient to choose an appointment time just by pressing a button on their touch tone telephone. The Surgery realise that some patients may prefer to book appointments in the traditional way, and they may continue to do so.
For individual security, patients must sign up with reception and be given a unique password before being able to use the system. The new telephone number and registration packs will be made available, and patients will be encouraged to register during August in preparation for the new system.
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