May 2024

Great news! Wareham Surgery are preparing for a change to the way patients access our services from mid-May. There are several reasons that we are doing this.

1. We are aware that there is inequality to who gets an appointment with our current system. Often it is on a first-come first-served basis and does not take into account patient need.
2. The demand for appointments is very high and is leading to the risk of mistakes by overworked clinicians. Patient safety is our number one priority.
3. Requests are coming in in many different ways, e.g., by telephone, at the front desk, using online messaging via SystmOnline and using our online request form (eConsult).
4. Dr Crickmore and Dr Ward are retiring in May.

We are planning to introduce a triage system. This means that all requests will be reviewed by a clinician to determine the clinical need of the patient. We have shut down the online message via SystmOnline and all requests will go through our online request form (eConsult). We will be asking patients who have access to the internet to use the online request form and for those patients who are unable to access the internet, the form will be completed by a member of staff over the phone or at the front desk, so all requests will be treated the same.

Once reviewed, patients will be advised of next steps, whether it is an appointment with a GP or another clinician, referral to another service, treatment suggestion, etc., and should hear back by the end of the next working day.

The clinician may decide that it is in the patient’s best interest to see their usual GP, so there may be a wait for 2-3 weeks. It is well known that continuity of care is essential for safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare. It benefits patients, improves outcomes, and contributes to a positive healthcare experience.

Patients currently registered with Dr Crickmore and Dr Ward will be assigned to one of the other GP partners. Please do not attempt to re-register before you are assigned to a new GP.

NHS App

We greatly encourage the use of the NHS App for patients to order repeat medication and to view their medical record. Patients can also be set up with proxy access so that family members or carers can support them by ordering medication on their behalf. You can track your prescription on the NHS App so you know when it is ready to collect from your nominated pharmacy.

We understand that some patients are worried about being able to use smartphones, tablets or computers. Digital Champions are available to help the public with registering for the NHS App and many other aspects of computer technology, including hobbies. You can book to get support at Wareham Library on Thursdays between 10am and 1pm by calling 01305 221048.

There are a range of NHS App walk through videos to help you.

We will be having sessions at the surgery for patients to bring their devices to help set up the NHS App or with the online request form (eConsult).

Thank you for your cooperation while we strive to improve our services.