Making/Managing an Appointment

Online 

SystmConnect

SystmConnect is an online triage programme that is being used by GP surgeries around the UK to ensure their patients are directed onto the correct care pathways in the most efficient way possible. It allows you to submit your appointment request or query by completing and submitting a quick form. Staff at the Medical Centre will then review your request and respond accordingly.

We believe that this will be an improvement on our previous system, which will be easier for you to use, and will enable us to help you in a quicker and more efficient way to get the help that you need.

Online Appointment Booking

We have a 24 hour online appointment booking system which allows online access to a limited range of appointments. To use this service, please register online via the NHS APP.

After you have registered, this system allows you to book, cancel, check appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view your medical records online.

Telephone 

Automated Telephone Appointment Booking

We have an automated telephone appointment booking system which is available 24 hours a day. Call 01837 52233, option 2, and follow the prompts to check or cancel any appointment and to book or change a limited range of appointments. Please ensure we have your current contact details before using this system. To use the system, you simply need your date of birth and your telephone number.

Patient Services Advisor

If you would prefer to speak to a trained Patient Services Advisor, please contact the surgery on 01837 52233, option 3.

General Appointment Information

Enhanced Access

Patients in North Dartmoor are now able to make routine appointments at a GP practice during evenings and at weekends. The aim of the GP service is to make it easier for people to get an appointment at a time that suits them. Please see our Primary Care Network page for more details.

Home Visits

Where possible, please submit a request via the appropriate SystmConnect option before 11.30am. You may be called back by a doctor, duty practitioner (nurse prescriber, physician associate or paramedic). You may receive telephone advice for your condition or the doctor/duty practitioner may ask you to attend the surgery. Where a visit is deemed necessary, you may be visited by a doctor or duty practitioner.

Home visits should be reserved for situations where it has been determined that a face to face consultation is necessary and:

• The patient is housebound, or
• The patient is in the later stages of a terminal illness, or
• The patient may be suffering from a medical condition which would be worsened by travelling

The decision as to whether or not a visit is required should be based on the clinical condition of the patient and should be made by the assessing clinician.

Occasionally, if a patient clearly requires hospital admission following triage, this can be arranged without the need for face-to-face contact following the agreement of the admitting hospital doctor.

Out of Hours - 111

If you require medical assistance after surgery hours, please call 111. In an emergency, please call 999.

Cancelling an Appointment 

It is important that you inform us if you are unable to attend your appointment. By letting us know, the appointment can then be offered to another patient. 

There are many ways to cancel an appointment: 

• Via text message. If you have provided us with a mobile number, you will receive a text reminder for your appointment, which includes information on how to cancel your appointment
• You can contact one of our Patient Services Advisors on 01837 52233, option 3, who would be happy to help you to cancel & rearrange the appointment
• You can use our automated telephone appointment system by ringing 01837 52233, option 2
• You can also cancel appointments via SystmConnect