Hereford Medical Group is to make a major change to the way that routine GP appointments are booked from next week.

A post on the Hereford Medical Group Facebook page confirmed the news by saying:

“HMG understands and shares the frustration caused for patients wanting routine GP appointments. 

“We have listened to your feedback and been looking at different ways to improve your experience. 

“We plan to make a change to how routine GP appointments are booked from 17 January 2023.

“All routine GP appointment requests will be triaged by a GP, no GP appointments will be booked by our reception team unless directed by the triaging GP. 

“How will this new system work?

“Patients will be asked to submit requests using our online triage form via our website – Consult your GP online, if you are unable to complete, don’t worry, one of our reception team will complete with you either via telephone or at one of our sites.  

“The forms will be reviewed by our clinical team, and the appropriate action will be offered within 5 working days of the form being received.

“We will be able to stop asking you to call back because we are full to capacity. 

“Should you have a problem that requires medical attention that day, we will continue to help you the same day. The new changes are for routine matters only.

“We are excited and hopeful this will make a difference to you, at a time when the NHS is in crisis.“