Dear Stifford Clays Medical Practice Patients,
We are writing to share some exciting news about a significant change to our appointment system, that will
improve how Stifford Clays Medical Practice delivers healthcare services to you from Wednesday 8th January 2025
– we are moving to the Total Triage model.
Total Triage is a new approach recommended by NHS England, to improve accessibility to Primary Care services.
The main objectives are to enhance the quality of care our patients receive, to ensure that they are given the most
appropriate appointment or advice to meet their needs and that this is done in a timely way.
Getting the help you need – three ways to get in touch with us
Its no secret that our surgery has been busier than ever. We’d like to remind you about the three ways you can get
in touch with us if you need help – whether that’s for you or for someone you care for.
You can;
Select eConsult form on our website https://stiffordclaysmedicalpractice.co.uk or
Call us during surgery hours on 01375 800450.
Visit the surgery.
Pick the option that suits you best. No matter how you choose to get in touch with us, we will ensure you get the
help that’s right for you.
Your appointment – getting back to you
Whatever help you need and however you request it, we may offer you a consultation:
By phone
Face to Face
Over a video call
Or we may send you a text or email, for example to ask you for more information or a photograph.
This range of ways we can respond can be more flexible and often means a doctor, nurse or other health
professional in our team can help you sooner.
However we respond, you can rest assured that we’re always looking after your needs.
Help us, help you
When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with. We will use the information you give us to choose the
most suitable doctor, nurse, or other health professional in our team to help you.
If you need help with your appointment
When requesting care, please tell us:
If there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional in our team who you would prefer to
respond to you
If you would prefer to consult with a doctor or nurse or other team member by phone, face-to-face, by
video call, text or email
If you need an interpreter
If you have any other access or communication needs
We will always do our best to support you.
Parents, carers and young people
If you’re a patent or carer, you can use our online form for you children or those you care for. Young people aged
between (13 and 16) who want to get in touch directly, can phone or visit us.
Help from your local pharmacy team
Your local community pharmacist and their team can help support with minor illnesses. As dedicated, qualified
health professional, and experts in medicines, they can offer clinical advice, consultations and over-the-counter
medicines to help safely manage a wide range of minor health concerns. Many pharmacies also offer a range of
NHS clinical services including blood pressure testing.
If you need help when we are closed
If you need help when we are closed and you’re not sure what to do, go to 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or call 111
If you think it’s an emergency go to your nearest A&E (Basildon Hospital) or call 999.
What if I have trouble using the new system?
We hope to support patients and their families/carer to get used to the new way of contacting the
practice and to become comfortable with this over time
We will, of course, provide additional support to those patients who are unable to use online resources.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for working together with us on this new project to improve our patient access. We welcome your
feedback.
The SCMP Team
