RAPID HEALTH TRIAGE SYSTEM FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER 2025

We have been aware for some time that it is increasingly difficult for patients to get an appointment with one of our GPs.  Over the last few months we looked for the best way to improve access for all our patients and decided to implement a triage system.  We hope that by putting all requests into one system call Rapid Health, we can review them and ensure patients are offered appointments based on clinical need.  The requests will be triaged by our experienced clinical team. 

Booking of nurse and Health Care Assistant appointments will not change and these will continue to be booked over the telephone or in person.

For patients who do not have online access, our Reception Team will be able to help you book your appointment and complete the form with you.

Please watch this video to see how the Rapid Health Questionnaire works:

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

You will need to go to our website and click on the Rapid Health banner and complete the questionnaire.  If you cannot do this, our Reception Team will be happy to help you complete the online form on the telephone or in person at the surgery.  Please note our Reception Team will be asking you the same questions on the questionnaire if completing on your behalf and some of these questions may be of a personal nature.

WHAT IF I NEED A SAME DAY URGENT APPOINTMENT?

If your problem is clinically urgent you will be offered a same day appointment.

WILL PATIENTS WHO BOOK ONLINE GET MORE ACCESS TO APPOINTMENTS?

No.  All appointments that can be booked online are also available to book with help from our Reception Team.

CAN I ORDER MY PRESCRIPTIONS THROUGH THIS SYSTEM?

No.  Rapid Health is only for triaging appointments.  Please continue to order your prescription online or by dropping in your request to the letterbox at Cowfold Surgery.

WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO SEE A SPECIFIC GP?

When you book your appointment, the available GPs for that day will be shown and you will be able to book.

WHAT IF I WANT TO PRE-BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

After completing the Rapid Health Questionnaire an appointment will be offered within the appropriate time frame.

WHY HAVE I BEEN OFFERED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THIS CLINICIAN?

Patients will be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician.

MY PROBLEM IS PERSONAL AND I ONLY WANT TO TELL A GP?

Simply complete the Rapid Health Questionnaire online.  Only the GPs will see this.  If you require support to complete the form, please call Reception and they will help you with the questions.  Every employee at Cowfold Medical Group adheres to our confidentiality policy.

I HAVE COME TO THE RECEPTION DESK TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT – WHY WILL RECEPTION NOT BOOK ME AN APPOINTMENT LIKE THEY USED TO?

We will be encouraging all of our patients to complete the online questionnaire in order to book the most appropriate appointment with one of our clinicians.  Our Reception Team will be happy to support you to complete the questionnaire if you are unable to.

HOW WILL I BOOK A FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT?

If you require a follow up appointment the GPs will send you a link which will allow you to book an appointment if required.

I NEED A SICK NOTE – WHAT DO I DO?

If you need an existing sick note extending or require a review, please fill out the Rapid Health Admin Questionnaire and your request will be dealt with accordingly.  If you have a new request you will need to self-certificate for 7 days.

WHAT ABOUT UNDER 16 YEAR OLDS?

Parents will be able to submit their request on behalf of their child but will need to use their own email address.  If you do not have an email address on file, you can update this via the NHS App.  The GP will manually triage the request and send you a link to book the appropriate appointment.  Over 12 year olds will be able to submit their own requests if they want to.