While reception staff already gather basic information, they do not and will not carry out clinical triage. The main change with Total Triage is that every request will be reviewed by a GP before any appointment is booked.
This isn’t a barrier, it actually helps us work more efficiently and safely by:
1. Improving access: a clinician can often provide advice or treatment more quickly without needing a traditional appointment.
2. Reducing unnecessary visits: for example, if blood tests or other investigations are needed, we can arrange these straightaway rather than waiting for an appointment first.
3. Supporting continuity: patients who need ongoing care can be directed more consistently to the same clinician.
4. Reducing repetition: clearer, structured information means you won’t have to explain the same issue multiple times.
Our reception team will still only ask for a brief description of the problem, based on a structured set of questions linked to your specific issue, and all clinical decisions will be made by clinicians. Our aim is to help you get the right care, at the right time, with as little delay as possible.
