Important Information: Changes to How You Book Appointments

Posted by: khouseman - Posted on:

We are moving to a Total Triage system for GP appointments

What is Changing?

  • From Tuesday 30th September, all requests for GP appointments (urgent or routine) will go through our online Anima portal.
  • You will no longer be able to book most GP appointments directly on the phone.
  • Instead, you will be asked to complete a short online questionnaire (via Anima).
  • A GP or clinician will review your request (triage) and decide the most appropriate next step.
  • All administration requests will also be through the online portal

Why are we making this change?

  • To make sure patients are seen by the right person at the right time.
  • To improve access and reduce waiting times.
  • To ensure urgent problems are dealt with quickly.
  • To give our clinicians more information before your consultation.

How It Works

  • Go online to our website and complete an Anima questionnaire about your problem or request.
  • Your request will be reviewed by a GP or clinician (triaged).
  • You will be offered one of the following, depending on your needs:
       – A same-day GP appointment
       – A telephone call
       – Advice via text or online message
       – An appointment with another member of our healthcare team (e.g. nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist)
       – Signposting to self-care or other services

Important Points

  • On-the-day GP appointments only – we are no longer routinely offering pre-bookable GP appointments.
  • A small number of pre-bookable slots will be available for specific needs (e.g. long-term condition reviews, planned follow-ups).
  • Please only submit a request on the day you are available to be seen.
  • Every request is triaged – this ensures fairness and clinical safety.

What if I can’t use the internet?

  • If you cannot access Anima online, please call the surgery. Our reception team will complete the questionnaire on your behalf.
  • The triage process will still be the same.

Benefits for You

  • ✔ Faster access to the right care
  • ✔ More efficient use of GP time
  • ✔ Safer system – urgent problems are prioritised
  • ✔ Reduced waiting times for everyone

What You Need to Do

  • Use the Anima portal whenever you need to request a GP appointment.
  • Only submit requests on the day you want to be seen.
  • Be as clear and accurate as possible when filling in the questionnaire.

Need Help?

  • Visit: https://www.irelandwoodandnewcroft.co.uk
  • Call: Ireland Wood Surgery 0113 2303470                New Croft Surgery 0113 2395550
  • Speak to: Our reception team


📌 Thank you for helping us improve the way we provide care. Your health and safety are at the heart of this change.