Starting from October 1, GP practices will have fixed operating hours, as announced by an NHS doctor regarding upcoming changes. Under the new “You and your general practice” charter by NHS England, all surgeries will follow specific guidelines.
Dr. Tim Mercer, known for sharing medical advice on TikTok, highlighted a significant improvement where practices are obligated to respond promptly to patient queries instead of asking them to call back later. GPs will be available from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays, providing access through various channels like in-person visits, phone calls, online consultations, or the NHS app.
Patients will need to provide necessary details when making requests for appointments or medical advice. The practice will evaluate the clinical needs and respond within one working day, scheduling appointments on the same day, the next day, or offering alternative services like text messages or pharmacy referrals.
NHS England emphasized that practices must address patient requests promptly and cannot defer them to the next day. Patients may be offered face-to-face appointments, phone consultations with different healthcare professionals, or the option to have a preferred healthcare provider, albeit with potential waiting times.
To facilitate this transition, the NHS offers guidance on its website. For detailed instructions and further information, refer to the complete guidelines provided by the NHS.