Appointments

Important Changes . . .

The WALK-IN CLINICS will STOP after the 1 April 2026.

From the 13 April 2026, the Practice will be changing to a TOTAL TRIAGE SYSTEM.

Total Triage is a new way of managing care requests, to ensure that all patients are assessed on clinical need and directed to the right care by the right person and as quickly as possible.

Each request made during the surgery hours will be reviewed by an experienced clinician and you can request care in several ways:

· Online through the surgery website (www.thekakotypractice); NHS app; or QR code in the Practice.

· eConsult through our existing online consultation tool.

· By telephone/ video

· In person

If you don’t have the technology, or you have but don’t know how to use it, please call us or visit the Practice and a member of our admin team will show you how to complete the form or complete the form for you.

Depending on your request, you may receive:

· A face-to-face or telephone appointment with a GP or other healthcare professional. The clinician may arrange some investigations such as a blood test, x-ray/scan before the appointment so that the results are ready to discuss when you meet.

· A referral to a community service such as a physiotherapist, pharmacist, mental health practitioner, Pharmacy First or optician.

· A prescription, medical certificate or advice without needing an appointment.

· A direct referral to a specialist service, if needed

Why are we making this change?

NHS England is asking all GP surgeries to make it easier and fairer for patients to get appointments either online, by phone, or through other digital methods. The goal is to improve your care. We are working hard to meet these goals and by using the triage form to collect information from each patient, the GP and the clinical team can decide on the best care for you.

What is not changing?

Patients can still book appointments with nurses and healthcare assistants, by calling the surgery or by booking online.

If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or Call 111.

NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Please tell us:

• if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
• if you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
• if you need an interpreter
• if you have any other access or communication needs

Please submit a triage request form before 11am if you require a home visit.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice.

Your doctor may request a home visit by a community nurse.

You will be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a doctor and have a child under 5 years.