Wymondham surgery appointments boost

Wymondham Medical Practice in Wymondham is the first in the county to introduce a new automated phone system which enables patients to call the surgery at any time to book, rearrange or cancel appointments.

The surgery is also launching an online appointment booking and repeat medication system at the same time.

Both systems were due to go online on Thursday and are part of a big financial investment by the practice designed to enhance patient care.

Practice manager Kevan Baker said: 'We are a busy practice with 18000 patients and our phone lines are often heavily congested, particularly when the surgery first opens.'

'We appreciate how frustrating this is for our patients so we have looked at ways of improving the situation. Our new phone and online booking systems offers patients much more flexibility and should considerably reduce call congestion. We are particularly pleased to be leading the way in Norfolk with our new phone technology.'

The automated system detects spaces in the doctors' diaries and allows the patient to choose the appointment time which best suits them by pressing a button on their touch tone phone. This means that they no longer have to speak to a receptionist or call during surgery hours.

Patients need to register at the practice first to obtain the necessary log on details and passwords, and once registered, may book online at anytime by logging on to the surgery's website www.wymmed.co.uk

Patients can also use the online system for ordering their repeat medications.

Mr Baker added: 'We realise that some patients may prefer to book appointments in the traditional way and they may continue to do so if they wish. However, by providing this round the clock service, we can offer greater flexibility and choice for all our patients, including those who work unsociable hours. We also believe that it will free up valuable time for our receptionists to attend to patient care.'