Thank you to the Practice Manager, who has written to say that Hebden Royd Group Practice have reviewed their urgent appointment process and that patients no longer have to call NHS 111 in order to make an urgent appointment.In April, many people signed a letter telling the GPs what a pain and nonsense it was having to call NHS 111 in order to make an urgent appointment. The Practice Manager wrote back saying they were reviewing this, so the other day I asked what they had decided.

The Practice Manager says removing the need to call NHS 111 is:

“in part a consequence of the concerns raised.”

They are reviewing all their access arrangements on an almost weekly basis, so if something isn’t working, let them know – it seems that they will try and sort it out.

Thanks to everyone who signed the letter and helped make things better.

A patient has commented:

“The urgent appointment policy is excellent. I got one yesterday. Just have to phone between 8am and 10am or 2pm – 5pm and get same day appt. I phoned at 2pm, was seen at 5pm. Second time I’ve had one in last two weeks, first time hospital admission as a result.”