Important Changes to Our Appointment System
From 4th September 2023, Outwood Park Medical Centre will be making changes to the current appointment system.
We have previously run a triage system with an unlimited number of contacts during any one day.
The BMA (British Medical Association, the Doctors union) identified in September last year that the volume of work each doctor faced was increasing to unmanageable and unsafe levels for patients.
Based on this advice, Outwood Park Medical Centre will implement a cap on the number of patient appointments of 25 per doctor per day. Pre-booked and on-the-day appointments will still be available, but you may also be signposted to other NHS services which are suitable for your needs and will help you to access the most appropriate care quickly.
Patients will be offered an alternative via 111, Walk in Centre, GP Care Wakefield or A and E. As a district, we have added additional capacity into GP Care Wakefield.
We are working to improve access for our patients and will be involving our Patient Participation Group to help with our plans and sharing these with our patients.
Outwood Park Medical Centre remains fully doctored alongside a range of other clinical professionals such as Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Paramedics, First Contact Practitioners, Physicians Associates, Mental Health nurse and Pharmacists and local Pharmacist who may be the most appropriate clinician to be directed to.
The reception team will be able to direct patients to the most appropriate clinician.
The Partners at Outwood Park Medical Centre believe this will maintain the high standards of patient care in a safe environment.