If you find using online services difficult or you want to avoid telephone queues, you can now leave a voice message for us using Patchs Telephone Assistant. This is for none urgent appointments and offers the opportunity to book an appointment up to two weeks in advance*
Once we have received your message it will be triaged and we will then get back to you as soon as possible. This may be to arrange an appointment, to send a link for you to book and appointment or to refer you to other services such as pharmacy first.
Please note that you can also contact us using the Patchs messaging service via the NHS App, NHS website or Patchs website. If you need any help in setting up an online account then please do not hesitate to contact us and we can provide one to one assistance. Messages received by the Patchs Telephone Assistant will be triaged along side Patchs online requests.
- Requirements:
- To use Telephone Assistant, you must be a registered patient at your GP practice and be over 16 years of age.
- The Telephone Assistant is currently only available in English.
How to use Patchs Telephone Assistant
To access Patchs Telephone Assistant you call the main practice number as normal. Listen to the options. Press option XXXXXX to access to Patchs Telephone Assistant.
Once you are through to the Patchs Telephone Assistant, it will take you through the following steps:
Confirmation: You will receive confirmation that your voice message has been sent to your GP practice. The practice will respond as soon as possible within their opening hours.
Medical emergency: the Telephone Assistant is not suitable to be used for medical emergencies.
Age: You must be over the age of 16 years.
Identity check: Your identity will be checked by asking your name, date of birth, and post code. If you are calling on behalf of someone you care for (for example your child) it will ask you for your relationship to them.
Type of message: You select the type of message you want to discuss with your GP practice. You can choose from ‘Health Problem’, ‘Admin Request’, or ‘Medication Request’.
Questions: You will be asked a few questions about your issue.
Contact details: Confirm the telephone number you would prefer the GP practice to contact you on.
Tips on using Telephone Assistant
- Speak slowly and clearly, so the system can easily understand you.
- Don’t hang up early. Do not end the telephone call until you have been told that your message has been successfully passed to your GP practice. If your call ends before you hear this information, the practice will not receive your message and you will need to start the process again.
- Remember, you can always speak to a human. If you do not want to use the Telephone Assistant system, you can always call your GP practice and ask to speak to a receptionist.
- * availability of appointments is subject to staffing levels. Appointment usage is monitored and additional appointments for pre booking may be added closer to the day. This service may not be available for all clinicians.