Appointments – Total Triage

The Ross Practice has developed a total triage model implemented from 8th January 2025. Our model now
means that patients have parity in contacting us for clinical requests which they can
access via the telephone, the front desk, or Accurx platform which is available via our
website. We understand that the NHS moved towards being digitally enabled and that
this is to ensure that patients can be triaged and therefore have access to the right
healthcare professional or pathway at the right time.

What is Total Triage?

Total Triage is a method designed to ensure that every patient gets the right care, at the right time, by the right healthcare professional. Every medical enquiry that comes into the practice will be reviewed and a decision will be made. We will either book you in with the most appropriate clinician or signpost to the correct service/advise.

How it works, step by step

Contact us: complete the new online form (or if you don’t have internet access call the surgery who will complete the form on your behalf). OR come into the Practice and use our tablet.

Triaged by a GP: Your request will be reviewed by a Doctor who will make a decision on the next steps.

Next Steps: You will be advised by one of the team what the doctor has recommended. You will be informed of this by text or phone call.

Appointments: If the doctor has decided you need an appointment on the same day, we will call you to arrange this. If your appointment is non-urgent, we may send you a ‘self-book’ link to book an appointment of your choice.

 

Social Prescribing

At its most basic, a social prescription offers the kind of help that doesn’t come in a tube or a bottle.

The idea behind social prescribing is to help you to have more control over your own health and find ways to improve how you feel in a way that suits you.

Studies show that patients with social prescriptions get better and feel better faster than those treated with medicine alone. And because it works, it’s happening more and more.

Routine Check-Ups

Patients aged 16 to 74 years who have not attended the surgery for 3 years, may book an appointment for a routine check-up.

Ask Receptionist for details.

Chlamydia Test

If you are between the ages of 15 and 25 years you can have an NHS Chlamydia test. This is done on a urine sample. The results are confidential and can be sent to your mobile phone. Ask the doctors, advanced nurse practitioners or nurses for the test.

Dietician

Our Dietician Holds clinics every three weeks and helps run our Diabetic Clinic. “Group” sessions are also available for newly diagnosed diabetics.

Referrals are made by the Doctors and Practice Nurses.

Community Mental Health Team

Based at The Lantern Centre, Latton Bush. Referrals are via the Doctor or the hospital psychiatric service.

District Nurses and Health Visitors

Provide nursing advice and help in your home and in their clinic. 

Tel: 01279 698 671 CARE OF THE ELDERLY

We have Community Nurses dedicated to caring for the elderly and housebound. We also offer annual health checks for patients over 75 years old. These are carried out by a Practice Nurse or, if you are unable to attend surgery, a Community Nurse will visit you.

If you need this service, please contact the surgery to arrange.

Practice Services

In conjunction with the Practice Team, we perform:

  • Full Family Planning services including sexual health advice for all ages in strict confidence.
  • Cervical Screening
  • Immunisations, including a Travel clinic 
  • Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Diabetic and Cardiovascular clinics 
  • Health Promotion advice such as anti smoking, healthy living and dietetics 
  • Minor Operations and 24 hour Blood Pressure Testing 
  • Full child development services 
  • Antenatal and postnatal clinics 
  • Shared Care Teamwork with Drug and Alcohol Team

Please ask at Reception for specific details.

Cervical Screening

The NHS Cervical Screening Leaflet tells you about cervical screening.

It aims to help you choose whether or not to take part in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.