A new message from Dr Baker
An update from Elsdale Street after more than a year of Engage Consult going live.
The focus of Engage Consult was to improve access for all patients. We are now responding to over 400 engages per week, not turning patients away and have improved our phone access.
The focus of Engage Consult was to improve access for all patients. We are now responding to over 400 engages per week, not turning patients away and have improved our phone access.
We couldn't have done this without a huge amount of effort from our team as well as, of course, you all working with us to make this happen so thank you.
We know we don't get everything right all the time and your feedback is always helpful for us to improve things further.
Regarding the ongoing Pandemic it is important for all our patients to know that it is still a clinical requirement for patients to wear masks inside the building and so we ask that you bring a mask with you when you come to a face to face appointment.
There has been a lot in the media about Face to face appointments recently. We want you to know that here at Elsdale we are seeing patients FTF every day either if patients request this or if it medically important to do so. However many Engage Consults that the GP deals with are able to be dealt with over the phone and it is right to continue to do these that way at this time. Indeed many of you have been very thankful to us in your busy lives that you can manage your problems in this way. We are still in a situation where we cannot have a full waiting room due to the risk of infection.
So, for us to manage all these enquiries we need you to understand how our system works.
We will respond to all requests that come in before 1pm and our expectation is that you are available for a telephone call or face to face the same day. If you are unavailable you will then need to submit another form a day you are free.
It is always best to see the same GP for ongoing problems. Please see our Doctors Schedule for the days your doctor is working and submit your request the same day.
To get the best outcome from your engage we need all your symptoms, and your concerns and what you want to get from us. Please help by giving this information on your form.
Our wider primary care services are often the best professionals to address your problem. You may find that your issue is directed to one of these services.
Published: Dec 2, 2021