We're delighted you've chosen to register with us. This page explains how our practice works and answers some of the questions new patients ask most often.
How do I request an appointment?
We use an online consultation system called GP Triage.
When you complete a GP Triage Form, you'll be asked about your symptoms, how long you've had them and any other relevant information. This helps our clinicians assess your request and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
Need help submitting an appointment request?
If you're unable to complete a GP Triage form yourself or don't have internet access, our Patient Navigation Team can complete one on your behalf over the telephone.
What happens after I submit a GP Triage request?
Depending on your clinical need:
- you may be able to book an appointment
- we may contact you by telephone to discuss your request, offer advice or arrange an appointment with the most appropriate clinician or service
- send you a text message (SMS) with advice or further information
Please make sure we have your up-to-date mobile telephone number, as we often use text messages to contact patients with advice, updates and appointment booking links.
Why don't you book GP appointments at reception?
We use a Total Triage system. This means every request is reviewed by a clinician or appropriately trained member of the team before an appointment is allocated.
Appointments are prioritised according to clinical need, rather than who contacts us first at 8:00 am. This helps us ensure that patients who need urgent care are seen promptly while making the system fairer and safer for everyone.
Reception staff are therefore unable to book GP appointments directly at the front desk.
Find out more about booking appointments here.
Which clinician will I see?
Our practice has a range of healthcare professionals, including GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Clinical Pharmacists, First Contact Physiotherapists and Mental Health Practitioners.
When your GP Triage request is reviewed, we'll arrange for you to see or speak to the clinician best placed to help with your problem. This means you may not always be offered an appointment with a GP, but with another suitably qualified member of the team who can provide the care you need.
This approach helps ensure you receive the right care, from the right clinician, as quickly as possible.
How do I get my repeat medication?
If you take regular medication, we recommend making sure you have enough from your previous surgery to cover the period while your registration is being processed and your medical records are transferred to us. Although records usually transfer quickly, this can occasionally take a little longer.
In most cases, your electronic GP record transfers to us shortly after you register. This includes details of your repeat medication, allowing us to continue prescribing where appropriate. If you need medical care before your records have arrived, please don't delay contacting us.
You can request repeat medication:
- through the NHS App (you may need to reconnect the app after registering with our practice)
- via GP Triage
- by emailing bnssg.bfp.prescriptions@nhs.net
- by handing a written request to reception
- through your nominated pharmacy
If you've recently moved to the area, please remember to nominate a convenient pharmacy so your prescriptions are sent to the correct place.
Occasionally, we may need to speak with you before issuing medication. This may be because:
- the medication is a controlled drug;
- you're overdue a medication review; or
- we need further information before prescribing safely.
If you think this may apply to you, please contact us via GP Triage or by telephone.
Do I need to set up the NHS App again?
If you already use the NHS App, you may need to reconnect it after registering with our practice.
The NHS App allows you to:
- order repeat prescriptions;
- view parts of your GP record;
- receive messages from the practice; and
- manage appointments.
Keep your details up to date
Please let us know if your address, telephone number or email address changes so we can contact you when needed.
Still have questions?
Our Patient Navigation Team will be happy to help. Please contact us if you're unsure how to access any of our services or need assistance using GP Triage or the NHS App.