05/01/2026
FAQ’s regarding changes to our appointment system.
Why have you stopped offering GP Telephone appointments?
Our NHS contract requires us to offer on line access all the time during working hours. In order to provide this safely, we have had to change the way we work. This means that we have taken the tough decision to move to using on line access for all of our appointments. You may well still end up with a telephone appointment or being invited in to be examined once the GP team have read your econsult.
Can I book a Nurse appointment, HCA appointment or Blood test appointment by ringing reception?
Yes you can still book all of these via reception.
I don’t have NHS App – how can I do an econsult?
You can use econsult through NHS App or on line through our website: Appointments - Fareham Centre Practice. You don’t need any log information – just your name and date of birth. You can only use econsult if you have registered with Centre Practice.
I have completed and submitted an econsult – now what?
The GP team will view your econsult on the day it arrives. One of the team will Triage your econsult and decide how your problem should be dealt with.
We do not have funding for additional GPs to provide more appointments.
We hope to ensure those patients who truly require an appointment or to be seen face to face are seen by the appropriate clinician as soon as possible.
It may be that your problem can safely be managed by sending you information, advice or signposting to another service.
If you need an examination please be prepared to come in to be assessed.
When you submit your econsult you will be informed of the timescale for it being dealt with by econsult, we hope to adhere to that recommendation.
How can I get a GP appointment if I cannot use the internet?
Anyone can complete an econsult for you – ask a relative, carer or friend to help. Alternatively our reception team can complete a short econsult on your behalf – they have been trained to do this. Ring reception and tell them you are unable to access econsult yourself, the receptionist will ask you the questions and type in your answers. This will mean longer calls with receptionists so it is very important that those who can, use econsult for themselves. If you come to reception a receptionist can talk you through an econsult there and complete one on your behalf – if you choose to do this, you should be aware that we have a public reception area and at the moment we will find it very difficult to find a confidential space to go through the form with you.
Why have you stopped Urgent Care Triage via phone calls to reception?
Our NHS contract requires us to offer on line access all the time during working hours. In order to provide this safely, we have had to change the way we work. This means that we have taken the tough decision to move to using on line access for all of our appointments – this includes our Urgent Care Triage service – the service will operate in the same way as before and you should continue to receive prompt care from us when your problem is Urgent.
I prefer to see a GP face to face – why can’t I just book an appointment?
Our NHS contract requires us to have on line access available to our patients during working hours. We expect this to generate a greater volume of appointment requests than ever before. We do not have funding for additional GPs to provide more appointments. We intend to triage all econsult forms submitted and aim to ensure that those patients who truly require an appointment or to be seen face to face are seen by the appropriate clinician as soon as possible.
You will be invited in to be seen face to face if the clinician feels you need to be seen in person. If consulting face to face is your preference, please state this on your eConsult – we will take this into consideration.
Why can’t I choose which GP I consult with?
econsult will ask you if you have a preferred person to deal with your problem – if you have a regular preferred GP then make sure you include that information when you complete your econsult. If we have availability we will try and match you with the right person to give you continuity of care.
Why is econsult not available after 5pm?
For reasons of patient safety, we aim to deal with all the econsults received by triaging them on the day they arrive. In order to do this safely we need the time to do this. We have an alternative on line form you can complete after 5 pm if you feel you cannot wait until 0800 the next working day to contact us. The aim of the alternative form is a safety net and if you get through it that means your problem can safely wait to be viewed by the GP team on the next working day, otherwise you will be signposted to appropriate same day services for your urgent problem.
I just need a prescription – do I have to use econsult?
You can request a repeat prescription using NHS App or you can email hiowicb-hsi.centrepracticescripts@nhs.net with your request. If you want a medication that has never been prescribed for you before or you think you need antibiotics please complete an econsult.
