Campbeltown Medical Practice - new GP appointment system

[Kintyre Forum News]

From Monday 8th April, we will be piloting a new GP appointment system.

The aim is to improve the service we offer by improving access to GP appointments by reducing waiting times and the number of appointments when patients "fail to attend".

GP appointments will only be bookable within 48 hours with a GP of your choice.

However, the practice will be offering "on the day" appointments. Patients phoning at 8.30am, will be allocated a time with a GP, we are however unable to offer a choice of GP for these appointments.

Please note, there are days when demand may be very heavy, therefore "on the day" appointments are not always guaranteed.

Practice Nurse and Phlebotomy appointments will remain unchanged at present.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

I have experienced the "8:30" system with my own G.P.Patients could also ring at 14:00 to book appointments.The problem with this was that I would sit with the telephone on constant redial for around half an hour from 8:30 onwards,perpetual engaged tone.This often led to me giving up.Very frustrating.Thank goodness that this has now been changed and I can call at any time during the day.I wish you all good luck.

[WTC]

Why no web page link?

[Kintyre Forum News]

Why no web page link?

Shouldn't your question be in this thread? viewtopic.php?f=12&t=15484

This one is a telephone service is it not?

[WTC]

OK

[maxmix]

Why no web page link?

There you go WTC but I don't see what good this will do, you get given all the required details when you register at the Health Centre front desk etc, then you register online with the security token they generate there and then for you !

https://www.myvisiononline.co.uk/vpp/index.jsp

I've been using it for the last couple of months, it works pretty well, apart from the appointment section failure.....

maxmix

[WC1]

How are people finding this new system works for them? I rarely go to the doctor, but last week found myself having to make an appointment. First try, couldn't get through at 8.30, when I did get through later there were no appointments left within the 48 hour period covered. Tried again 2 days later, same again. Then I got my on-line log-in sorted, tried that, no appointments available, try again in 48 hours. Tried by phone on Monday of this week. No appointments available. I could get one on Thursday, but I'd have to phone in for it later in the week, or go on-line after midnight. I asked why, if the receptionist was looking at available appointments on Thursday, she couldn't just book me in for one of them there and then. No, it's a 48 hour system. You'll have to phone in for it later in the week, or go on-line after midnight. After much to and fro about the nonsensical nature of all of this she eventually said she would over-ride the system and give me a Thursday appointment (this was on Monday). The aim of this new system is, allegedly, "to improve the service we offer". Well it ain't doing that! Fortunately my appointment wasn't about anything to do with blood pressure. Rant over.

[Pete Reek]

I'm another that isn't that often at the doctor, and found the new system excellent. Phoned twice without success, but answered at the third attempt. I was also told of the 48 hr system, and as my doctor wasn't available I would have to call back next day to fit into the new ruling. This I did, and got through on my second attempt and successfully booked an appointment with my designated doctor.

I know it won't suit everyone, but it certainly suited me. I should add that I tried 4 or 5 times to reach the Health Centre, and had to listen to the message stating that it was closed. I feel it is only right that I mention the clock I was looking at was a full hour ahead of every other one in the house, and I was calling at 07-30 am.