📢 Important Update: We Are Moving to Total Triage – From 15th September 2025

Posted by: dsudbury - Posted on:

As part of national NHS contract changes introduced by the government, we are moving to a Total Triage system from 15th September 2025.

🔎 What is Total Triage?

Total Triage means that all requests for appointments – whether made online, by phone, or in person – will first be reviewed by a clinician before an appointment is booked.

This helps us ensure that every patient gets the right care at the right time, based on clinical need.

🕒 How it works:

  1. You request help – via our online form or by calling the practice.
  2. A clinician reviews your request – usually within 48 hours, or on the same day if you’ve contacted us by phone.
  3. We decide the best next step, which may be:
    • A same-day appointment
    • An appointment within 48 hours
    • A routine appointment (which may be up to 4 weeks away, but is usually sooner)
    • A recommendation to use another service such as:
      • Your local pharmacy
      • An optician
      • Community clinics or minor injury units
      • Or to follow self-care advice at home
  4. We’ll contact you – You may be:
    • Sent a self-booking link to choose a convenient time
    • Phoned by the practice to arrange your appointment or offer advice

ℹ️ Why are we doing this?

This change is being introduced across the country to help GP practices manage rising demand safely and fairly. It allows us to prioritise urgent problems while still offering timely care for less urgent issues – and to guide you to the most appropriate service for your needs.