Rapid Health - Frequently Asked Questions

We will be switching to a new online system called Rapid Health on Tuesday 1st July 2025.

New Online Appointment Booking System

The practice will be moving to a new way in which patients can access our services.  Rapid Health is an online facility that allows patients to book appointments, without needing to phone the practice.

Patients will be presented with a series of 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. 

This should result in shorter waiting times, especially for more urgent medical issues, and focusses on “getting it right first time” – seeing the most appropriate member of the team for your medical issue.  It will also prevent the 8am rush and long waits on the telephones.

The new platform also allows 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.  

For those who are able to do so, we will ask from Tuesday 1st July, all requests for GP or Physician Associate appointments come through Rapid Health, which will be accessed via our practice website.

If you are unable to use the website, please telephone the surgery or attend in person and a member of our reception team will be able to complete the online form for you.

Rapid Health - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rapid Health?

Rapid health is a 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.

However, we understand that not everyone can use online services, and our reception team will still be available on the phone and in person.  The team will take your details and complete the online form on your behalf.

Why do I need to complete an online questionnaire?

All patients will be asked to answer questions using the online form or via the Reception Team when booking their appointment. Your answers help the system find the right appointment for you. This also means the clinician will have the relevant information prior to your appointment, enabling them to have more time to provide quality care to you.

When can I use Rapid Health?

From Tuesday 1st July 2025, Rapid Health will be available Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm.

We may extend this once we are more experienced with the system.

Admin requests will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I use Rapid Health through my NHS App?

Not at the moment.  However, this is currently in development so keep an eye out for further updates.

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

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

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 timeframe.

What type of appointments can I book using the Rapid Health System?

• GP appointments
• Physician Associate appointments
• Minor Ailments

How are other types of appointments booked?

We will not be using the Rapid Health System for the following appointments which still be booked by contacting Reception.

• Children under the age of 16
• Nurse appointments (e.g. blood tests, cervical screening, vaccinations and injections)
• Annual reviews with a Clinical Pharmacist or Nurse (e.g. Diabetes, Hypertension, Respiratory, Cardiac)
• Medication reviews with a Clinical Pharmacist
• Post-natal appointments and 6-week baby checks
• NHS Health Checks 
• Home visits

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.

Who will book follow up appointments?

The clinician you see will book your follow up appointment if this is indicated.

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

Once you have completed our triage questionnaire we will offer an appointment in the most appropriate time frame.  If you have not received an appointment, reception will be informed, and your issue will be triaged by the duty doctor.  Reception will be in contact within 48 hours.

My problem is personal, and I only want to tell a GP.

The information which you provide is saved to your medical records and is reviewed by the clinician during your appointment.  If you require our assistance when booking an appointment but want the reason to remain confidential, we have tablets available at reception to use where a member of our team can assist you when needed. Every employee at the practice adheres to our confidentially policy.

I need a sick note, what do I do?

For a new sick note:

• If the issue is new but the surgery has documentation i.e. hospital discharge summary, one of our receptionists will pass your request and information to a Clinician to review and write the note.
• If the issue is new with no documentation, or a very old issue then you will need to speak to a Clinician. Please fill out the Rapid Health questionnaire and you will be offered an appropriate appointment.

To extend an existing sick note:

• Please contact the surgery via the website as before or phone reception.

If you need a review before it can be issued, we will contact you to let you know

What if I am housebound or require an interpreter?

If you are housebound or require an interpreter, please contact the practice and a member of our reception team will help you.