I know it’s just a coincidence but within the next month, both of our GP practices are changing the way you can make appointments.

This has nothing to do with the Coronavirus. If you believe that you might have that, then you should stay indoors, avoid close contact with other people and seek advice from NHS 111.

Church Street Practice implemented a new appointment system last week to reduce waiting times for a GP appointment.

The change has been made to manage GP appointments, including those currently available on-line.

It involves using a system called eConsult via the practice website and filling in answers to the same questions that a doctor would in a face-to-face appointment.

A clinician will look at your answers and contact you by phone, text or email by the end of the next working day to tell you who and when you need to see someone.

You will also be able to get administrative assistance through the same system, for instance requesting a fit note or GP letter.

If you don’t have access to the internet you can still telephone the surgery for an appointment on 01235 770245 (Option 4) to be redirected to the relevant person.

Newbury Street Practice are also changing their system. From Tuesday 14^th April you will call the practice to speak to your own GP on the day you need medical advice.

Your GP will call you back on the same day and discuss the issue. If you need a face to face review, your GP will arrange that on the same day.

If your GP is not there that day, or has no capacity to speak to you, you will be asked to call the practice on the next working day they are available.

If the query is urgent or you cannot wait for your own GP, you may be offered an appointment with another member of the team.

Appointments will only be booking in advance for the nursing team and for minor operations (lumps and bumps removal), coils and implants.

Newbury Street also use eConsult and will respond within 24 and 48 hours on working days but this is only one of the ways you can contact the practice.

Between now and 14^th April, you won’t be able to make an appointment to speak to your GP unless it’s urgent, because they are trying to get through the backlog of pre-booked appointments.