Important Announcement from Abbey Field Medical Centre

From 1st October 24, we are transitioning to total triage for GP appointments and admin queries. To book a GP appointment, you will need to visit our website, use the NHS app or QR code available at the surgery.

FAQs – Patient Triage

What is AccuRx triage?

AccuRx is a software used by 98% of GP practices in the UK to communicate and is an approved NHS supplier. You may have already received texts from the surgery using this system or been asked by a clinician to send photographs during a telephone consultation. It works with our practice computer system, SystmOne.

AccuRx triage allows the surgery to receive information directly from a patient about their medical concern via an online form. These requests will be triaged by our clinical triage team, which comprises of our Duty Doctor and Care Navigator. This allows the surgery to ensure patients with the most urgent needs are appropriately treated by the right clinician. You may not need an appointment, you may be re-directed to services outside of the practice (for example, the pharmacy or our social prescriber), or have tests requested before you come and see a doctor or nurse at the surgery.

Why is the surgery doing this?

NHS England has set out guidelines for GP surgeries to increase online consultation services. AccuRx is a proven and effective system which aids us as a practice in improving patient care and your journey with us.

Will the surgery opening hours change?

No, the surgery opening hours will remain the same.

Do I need to download anything or have a password?

No, you do not need to download a special application or have a username and password to use this form. The form will work through the NHS App if you have it set up.

This is a separate system to SystmOne online, which is used to view your blood test results and medical records.

How long is the form? Will it take me a long time?

It is not a long form. The form asks for your symptoms, the length of time they have been present or changed, how you would like the surgery to assist you, and how we can contact you once we have reviewed your request.

I don’t have a computer or smartphone. How can I fill out a form?

A friend, relative, or carer can complete the form on your behalf. If this is not available to you, or you have communication needs that prevent this, our reception staff can assist in completing the form over the telephone. The form will still be completed and your request will be processed with the other patient requests we receive.

I have a smartphone but I am not sure how to find the form.

Our Reception Team will be able to assist you and demonstrate how to find the form. We will have a QR code that we can show you how to scan on your smartphone to go straight to the form. This will also be available on leaflets to take away.

I have received an invitation from the surgery to book an appointment. Do I still need to fill out a form?

No. If you have received a message to book a yearly check, please contact the surgery as advised in that invitation to arrange an appointment. This includes invitations for Pill Checks, asthma or diabetes yearly reviews, smear tests, coil implants, Depo injections, B12 injections, and immunisations (baby and adult).

Can a friend, relative, or carer do the form for me?

Yes. On the form, there is a box where we ask if the form is being completed by somebody else. Please note that if you submit a triage request on behalf of another person, we can only respond to you if there is consent on the patient’s medical records.

I am on the surgery’s housebound list. How do I get an appointment?

We continue to have our home visit team in place. Please submit a triage request if you are a housebound patient. This will be reviewed in the same way as if you were telephoning us, and you will be contacted by the visit team. This may mean someone will come out to you or your concern will be dealt with remotely. Alternatively, please call if this is more convenient for you, your family, or your carers, and our reception team will assist in completing the triage request form over the telephone.