Todmorden Group Practice will be switching to Rapid Health from Monday 22 September
New Online Appointment Booking System
The Practice will be introducing a new way for patients to access our service from Monday 22 September. Rapid Health is an online facility that allows patients to book GP, nurse physiotherapist or Mental Health Practitioner appointments, without needing to ‘phone the Practice.
Patients will be presented with a series of questions about their medical problem. From here, patients will be offered a choice of appointment with the most appropriate clinician(s), in the most appropriate timeframe, based on their clinical need.
This should result in shorter waiting times and focusses on “getting it right first time” by 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 service will also allow patients to raise administrative 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. This new service is in addition to existing telephone services for our patients who don’t have a mobile/ ‘smart’ ‘phone or access to a computer.
For those who are able to do so, we ask that from 22 September, all contacts with the Surgery come through Rapid Health, which is accessed via the Practice website.
If you are unable to use the website, please phone the Surgery. Our Patient Services Team will add your details into Rapid Health ensuring all patient contacts are treated equally.
Rapid Health FAQ
What is Rapid Health?
Rapid Health is an on-line triage tool approved by the NHS which allows you to book appointments quickly and provides additional 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 is on our website. There are posters in the Practice with the link and a QR code.
We understand that not everyone can use online services and our Patient Services Team will still be available on the ‘phone and in person to help you. The team will take some details from you and pass these through to Rapid Health, who will then triage your request and offer you a suitable appointment, advice, or signpost you to an alternative/ appropriate service.
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 GP?
When you are booking an appointment, the GPs with available appointments will be shown. We would encourage you where possible to book with your usual GP.
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.
Will all Clinicians be on Rapid Health?
Rapid Health is primarily used for the booking of GP appointments, however depending on your presenting complaint you may be offered an appointment with one of our Practice Nurses, Physiotherapists or Mental Health Practitioners, where appropriate.
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.
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, our Patient Services Adviser team will be advised and your issue will be triaged by a doctor. A member of our Patient Services Adviser team will then 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 Patient Services Adviser can assist you when needed. Every employee at the Practice adheres to our strict confidentially policy.