29/09/2025
Lots of posts today in the local village group about the introduction of RapidHealth at our surgery.
We see patient names on these posts and we are able to look into complaints which are raised, many of which do not give a full or accurate representation of what has happened. Unfortunately, we cannot publicly respond to individuals as we are bound by patient confidentiality.
We respectfully request that all complaints be sent directly to the surgery to deal with, rather than be broadcast on social media.
We offer appointment booking over the telephone, online via our website (RapidHealth) and also via the LIVI app.
In fact, there has never been so much access to our team but we do not have unlimited capacity during our contracted opening hours (8am - 6.30pm)
Patients can still call our surgery and book an appointment, though the phone call may take a bit longer as our team will ask questions from the approved digital triage system.
Most patients will find it more convenient to book online using the Rapid Health form on our website.
The new RapidHealth system has been introduced in order to comply with the latest GP contract with a 1st October deadline for introducing an online triage system, and the NHS England strategy towards a “Digital First” NHS, which will be helpful and more accessible for most people.
We have had a few teething problems with the start of this system, mainly being around emails which, in some cases are not getting through to patients or are being sent to the junk folder. Patients should call us if a link is not received.
*We are looking into this urgently*
Additionally, since we opened the online triage system, we have seen a surge in the numbers of patients contacting us each day, which is testament to the fact that patients are finding it easier to get through to us.
Please don’t be put off by any negativity that you may see online. We have also been flooded with positivity and compliments about the new system which works brilliantly for most people.
Thank you as always for your support and cooperation. We are working in a busy and stretched NHS, but we are always striving to improve.