Most practices in the UK now offer significantly fewer appointments with a GP, and more appointments with a pharmacist/physician's assistant/paramedic etc. We are amenable to increasing 'skill mix' but have tried to maximise our number of GP appointments and would like to continue to do so as long as possible. Do you agree with our plan?
Most practices provide 10 minute appointments to include writing up notes etc. We are trying to sustain our tradition of 12 minute slots, and would hope eventually to be able to lengthen these for more complex issues. Do you agree with our plan?
Increasing numbers of GPs in the UK no longer do home visits. We feel that although some home visits are suitable for a paramedic, others require a GP. Do you agree?
Many practices provide a narrow window for patients to call to make an appointment (e.g. 08:00 or 8:30 - 10:00). we are resisting following this trend because we feel that not everyone can call to queue for an appointment first thing in the morning, and non-urgent appointments can be made later in the day. Spreading the calls also reduces the waiting time for the call to be answered. Do you agree with our plan?
Many practices in the UK have a rule of 'one problem per appointment'. Although the principle seems reasonable, we have resisted making a strict 'rule' as we feel that there are occasions when it is possible to deal with more than one problem without encroaching excessively into the next patient's time. Do you agree with our plan?
Many, (perhaps most) practices in the UK are now run by larger institutions which can make economies of scale and provide a more 'corporate' service. We have resisted this trend as we feel that Nidderdale is distinctive and has distinctive needs which are best served by a local partnership. Do you agree with our plan?
Please feel free to add comments. Due to the volume of questionnaires, (and the need for anonymity) we will not be able to provide individual responses, but all comments will be read and considered.