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.
  • You click on the Anima banner on the website-you do not need to register or create an account.
  • Enter name, date of birth and NHS number (if available). Anima will automatically verify your information-then you will proceed on to the questionnaire platform.
  • 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
  • Requests will be open from 6.30 am daily until 6pm. We do have a limit of request that we are able to accept each day and once this limit has been reached the portal will close. If you require urgent advice after this time, you can visit NHS 111 online, call 111, or call reception who will complete a request if urgent on your behalf.

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.