Appointment duplications

Dear Patients,

We are currently experiencing a situation where some patients are calling the Practice to make an appointment and also filling out the ‘Get Help for Any Health Problem’ form. This duplication results in two staff members handling a single appointment request and causes delays for other patients.

To ensure efficiency and reduce wait times, please choose one method of contact. The webforms are particularly convenient for busy lifestyles and for those who prefer not to wait on the phone, and they also free up phone lines for those who can’t use the internet.

When using the webforms, please provide as much detail as possible about your reason for the appointment and the duration of your issue. It is crucial that you include your availability on the form. There have been several instances where patients did not provide this information, leading to missed appointments that could have been used by others.

We’ve received a lot of positive feedback regarding our responsiveness to webform submissions. However, please avoid using the webforms for urgent issues, as due to the volume of enquiries, they sometimes may not be answered the same day.

Non-urgent requests, such as sick notes or appointments with the nursing team, are particularly well-suited for the webform. We also reserve some appointment slots specifically for webform requests made on the day.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us serve you better.

Your team at Mickleover Medical Centre