Enhanced Access Appointments

Hucclecote surgery is part of the North & South Gloucester (NSG) Primary Care Network (PCN). The NSG PCN is made of 5 practices:

• The Alney Practice
• Brockworth Surgery
• Churchdown Surgery
• Hucclecote Surgery
• Longelvens Surgery

Enhanced Access appointments are available between 7.00am – 8.00am, 6.30pm – 8.00pm and in the morning on a Saturday. Enhanced Access appointments can be with a Healthcare Assistant, a Nurse, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner or a GP and the NSG PCN practices and can be at any of the 5 practices for example a Hucclecote patient may be given an appointment at Churchdown Surgery. The 5 practices cover the additional appointments on a rota basis.

How to Book an Enhanced Access Appointment.

Contact your own GP surgery as normal. Your surgery will offer you an appointment based on what is available. If you choose an Enhanced Access appointment, the reception staff will tell you where the clinic is being held and the times available.

If this is convenient an appointment will be booked for you. You will be asked for a brief indication of why you want to be seen. This is not because they are being intrusive, but in some cases it may be better for you to see your own GP and they are simply trying to ensure your appointment is booked appropriately.

Who Can be Seen at an Enhanced Access Appointment

These appointments are for anyone with a new problem, such as tonsillitis or an ear infection, or with a long-term condition that has become worse, e.g., a chest/respiratory condition that has become worse and needs treating urgently.

They may also be used for routine consultations, however, if you have already seen your own GP about a problem, or the appointment is about a long-term condition, it may be better for you to continue to see your own GP who already knows about your condition, including any tests or treatments you have received.

Medical Record Consent

The doctor will need your consent to access your medical record. You will be asked for your consent when you book, and again when you arrive for your appointment. If you later change your mind and do not consent to your record being accessed, you cannot be seen, as the doctor will need access to your medical records to be able to carry out a safe consultation.

Attending an Enhanced Access Appointment

The enhanced access clinics are staffed by HCAs, Nurses and GPs from the surgeries, but it is unlikely you will see your own surgery team. Please bring a list of any medication you currently take, and you might find it helpful to write down your concerns so the GP has a clear idea of what the current problem is. Please arrive 5 minutes early, or on-time for your appointment. If you are late you may not be seen.

Tests or referral to hospital

Following your consultation, if you need to have further investigations such as blood tests or x-rays, or you need to be referred to a specialist at the hospital, your own GP will make the referral for you.

After Your Appointment

If you have any further concerns or feel you need to be seen again, please contact your own GP surgery to arrange to see your own GP.