We encourage our patients to use Rapid Health from Tuesday 5th November 2024

• Contact the practice online with Rapid Health

Pembroke Surgery joins the other practices within its Primary Care Network in using Rapid Health – an online facility that allows patients to book appointments, without needing to phone the practice.

Patients will be presented with a series of clinically relevant questions about their problem. From here, patients will be provided with a choice of appointments with the most appropriate clinician(s), in the most appropriate timeframe, based on their clinical need.

By booking an appt on-line patients avoid having to wait on the phone and give their doctors relevant information ahead of their appt resulting in benefits all round.

Rapid Health will soon allow patients to raise admin requests (such as sick/fit notes, doctors letters, and more) and find trusted self-care information for a wide range of symptoms and health conditions, saving patients the need to go looking for other sources.

For those with an on-line capability we ask that from Tuesday 5th November 2024, you make contact with the surgery using Rapid Health, the link for which is easily accessed from our practice website:

• Contact the practice online with Rapid Health

For those without an on-line option please phone the surgery in the usual manner. Our reception team will take details of your medical issue/concern, completing a Rapid Health questionnaire. Putting all queries through Rapid Health ensures they are prioritised according to clinical need better enabling the Duty Doctor to get to urgent cases in a timely manner.

Please Note:

When completing the Rapid Health forms please provide careful and honest answers. The answers you give will be added to your medical records and could well be used, subject to your consent, in the provision of reports for external agencies.

Rapid Health currently is only for use by those 16 years and over.  

For those under 16, please phone and speak with Reception.

We will accept prescription requests for our patients under the age of 16 in the usual manner.

Appointments will only currently be offered during our core services hours, Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm. When booking an appointment please only provide details on the one main problem.

Shortly admin requests are also to be put through using Rapid Health so do check our website for the latest information on related developments.

Nurse or Health Care Assistant appointments (including blood test and Cervical screenings) are booked by phoning through to Reception.

Further Information and Support

Please keep an eye on our website and Practice Noticeboard for updates.

To support patients in using the new platform which we feel will bring very useful benefits to all parties, our staff will be available to help either in the surgery or on the phone.

Our PPG have already seen the system which they feel will give patients another means of getting the right medical help without having to wait on the phone. It should also mean that patients without an on-line capability experience shorter waits when needing to phone the practice.

Rapid Health FAQ

What is Rapid Health?

Rapid health is an AI driven triage tool approved by the NHS which allows you to book appointments quickly and offers more patient choice and availability by offering you the right appointment with the right clinician first time.

How do I book an appointment?

The link to access Rapid Health will be posted on our website. There will also be posters in the practice.

Can I use Rapid Health through my NHS App?

Not at the moment but this option is in development so keep an eye out for further updates.

Will I still be able to book appointments via Patient Access and NHS App?

You won’t be able to book GP appointments through these apps anymore, but your NHS App will still enable you to view your medical records, test results, and order repeat medication.

What do I do if I want to see a specific GP?

When you are booking an appointment, the GPs with available appointments will be shown. We would encourage you where possible to book with your usual GP.

What do I do if I want to pre-book an appointment?

All our appointments will be available. After completing the Rapid Health questions an appointment will be offered within an appropriate time frame.

Will all Clinicians be on Rapid Health?

Rapid Health is primarily focused on making it easier for patients to book appts based on clinical need. Depending upon your presenting complaint you may be offered an appt with one of our Independent Prescribing Clinicians.  Be assured if more senior expertise or a second opinion is deemed necessary the appropriate personnel are immediately available.

Why have I been offered an appointment with this Clinician?

Patients will be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician based on their clinical need.

I require an interpreter/assistance for my appointment.

Rapid Health will confirm all appts electronically. In the message it will tell you to contact the surgery if you require an interpreter or assistance.

I was not offered an appointment, what do I do?

Once you have completed the questionnaire you will be able to select an appt within a suitable time frame. If you are not offered such an option it means your case has been put forward to the duty clinician who will either call you back or advise a staff member to do so.