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Appointments FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Forrest Medical Centre moving to a new online triage system?
We at Forrest Medical Centre are constantly striving to provide the best service and medical care for our patients. In the 2023 patient survey, you told us:
- You wanted an easier way to contact the surgery
- You wanted to avoid long wait times on the phone
- You wanted continuity of care with preferred GP
RapidHealth will allow us to deliver on all three objectives; RapidHealth is available 24/7 which means that you can submit a medical or administrative query throughout the day, even on a Sunday evening!
You can book an appointment directly, and most importantly you can choose to book an appointment with your preferred GP subject to availability.
RapidHealth is a way to avoid morning rush, you do not have to call us at 8.30am and wait in a telephone queue to book an appointment, we are giving you back the control!
We will continually strive to improve our systems and processes, this means we may tweak the system along the way to improve it.
What is the best way of contacting the surgery?
The best way to contact the surgery is via the RapidHealth - Contact us online
Who can use RapidHealth?
Anyone over the age of 16 can book an appointment or submit an administrative request online.
I need an urgent appointment?
You can book an urgent appointment using RapidHealth, you will be taken through some triage questions, and you will be offered an appointment based on your medical need with the most appropriate clinician.
I need to book a routine appointment?
You can book a routine appointment using RapidHealth link, you will be taken through some triage questions, and you will be offered an appointment based on your medical need with the most appropriate clinician.
I have an administrative query? (i.e. Sick Note, Repeat Prescriptions etc)
You will be able to submit request administrative requests, please select ‘I need admin help’. You will then be able to select from the following options:
- Ask a non-medical question
- Doctors letter or reports
- Referrals
- Sick/fit note requests
- Test results
- Update Personal Records
I need to request a Repeat Prescription?
You can request repeat prescription by downloading the NHS App or via patient access by selecting ‘Order Repeat Prescriptions’ on the practices website.
I have a sick child?
Anyone aged 16 or under will need to call the surgery on 02476 672 277, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm to request an appointment. Our patient advisors will ask some questions to help the doctor decide how best to advise/see/treat your child.
I need a home visit?
Please call the practice and our team of patient advisors will be able to assist you to complete the online triage to help the doctor decide who is most appropriate and the urgency.
I have an eye problem?
Patients was all eye problems will be redirected to eye casualty or NHS eye care services. If you have a serious eye problem like sudden loss of vision, severe pain, flashing lights or increased floaters in your vision contact Eye Casualty on 02476 964 800/802/806 Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 7pm or Saturday 9am to 12pm.
Can I manage my family members medical needs and appointments using RapidHealth?
Yes, you can complete the online triage for anyone over the age of 16. We will ask you to indicate if the request is for yourself or a someone else on the form.
I do not have access to the internet?
You can access the system on your smart phone or come into the surgery we will have stations set up to complete the online triage in surgery.
English is not my first language?
The online form is in very easy to use, you can ask a family member to help. If you are unable to complete it, please call reception and we can support with an interpreter.
Information for palliative care patients.
Palliative care patients will be able to call the practice as usual.
What if I am hard of hearing?
The online form is visual which you will be able to complete online, your medical care will not be affected.
What if I have a visual impairment?
Where possible please as a family member or relative support with completing the form. Alternatively, please call the practice and our team of patient advisors will be able to assist you to complete the online triage.
I need an out of hours appointment?
All requests including Out of Hours appointments can be requested via Rapid Health.