Another GP surgery switches to Doctor First.

ANOTHER Warrington GP surgery is switching to a new appointment system which claims to give patients same-day access to a doctor.
At least three surgeries will have changed to the “Doctor First” system when the Guardian Medical Centre switches on September 22.
Practices which have already made the change are Springfields, in town centre Legh Street and Stockton Heath.
Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which is funding practices which want to make the change, says the majority of patients welcome the change.
But Warrington-Worldwide has received a number of people in the Stockton Heath area – mainly about the time it takes a doctor to call back after they have made their initial call and spoken to a receptionist at the surgery.
The aim of “Doctor First” is that patients will be able to speak to a doctor on the day they call and that the majority who need an appointment will get it the same day.
Dr Margaret Kerr said: “We’re making the change to improve access for our patients. We think it will allow more people to have contact with a GP.”
When people phone, they will be asked for a brief description of the issue by a receptionist.
A doctor then calls the patient back the same morning or afternoon for a telephone assessment.
If the doctor thinks the patient needs to come into the surgery, or the patient would still like to come in, the doctor makes a face-to-face appointment, usually for the same day.
The system may save a journey for many patients – for example those needing general advice, sick notes, or prescriptions.
If people need tests or investigation, the doctor may be able organise them on the telephone, saving a separate journey.
Dr Lorna McCune said: “There is increasing demand for appointments and we think this will make us as available as possible for our patients.”
Chairman of Warrington CCG Dr Andy Davies, a GP at Greenbank Surgery, said: “The majority of patients say they are happier with the new system.
“It is important to realise that changing over can sometimes cause short term problems with access.
“But the practices prepare well in advance to provide some additional capacity during that time.”
Pictured: The Guardian medical centre team.