Help Your GP Surgery To Help You

Our health services are under enormous pressure, but we are open and here if needed. Please #BeKind to our dedicated teams.

What is happening in our GP surgeries?

  • Our teams are working longer and harder than ever before to provide the best care for you
  • Demand is extremely high – we’ve seen an increase in contacts to surgeries of nearly 20% since 2019 – nearly a 5th more than ever before
  • Surgery teams are delivering the county’s COVID vaccination programme on top of an already extremely busy day-to-day workload.

How are GP surgeries working now?

  • Whether you contact your surgery online or by phone, many requests are being triaged
  • This helps keep you safe and makes sure those with the greatest need are seen first.

What is triage?

  • You will be assessed by the practice team to decide who needs:
    • to be seen in person
    • a phone consultation
    • a video consultation
    • help from a community pharmacy.

Can I be seen in person in Gloucestershire?

  • Face-to-face (in person) consultations have always been available to those who need them. They are now increasing and almost back to pre-pandemic levels
  • Practices continue to offer telephone and video appointments where appropriate and where this suits your lifestyle and working patterns
  • Many patients have experienced the benefits of telephone and video consultations, which can include shorter waiting times for appointments.

Where else can I get help?

  • Visit www.nhs.uk for helpful information; if your illness is minor try to manage your symptoms yourself for a day or two. Your local pharmacy is a great first port of call
  • If you’re ill or injured and are unsure where to turn, visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111. The 111 phone service can book you into local NHS services if needed.