Frequently asked questions: FAQs
From the 1st October 2025 we are changing our appointments system to a total triage system called SystmConnect. This means you avoid waiting in a phone queue. Just send a request and get on with your day. Our GPs will assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate clinician or service.
SystmConnect is quick and easy to use. You do not need to register for an account.
What can SystmConnect do:
https://youtu.be/ghb7zfdPNl8
- Do I need my NHS number to submit a form?
No. The form does ask you for your NHS number. However, you do not need to include it if you can’t remember or find it
- What questions will the form ask me?
The form allows you to choose between 2 options, ‘Medical Request’ or ‘Admin Request’.
Within the ‘Admin’ choice, you will find:
- Request a doctor’s letter
- Request a fit (sick) note
- Follow-up on Test Results (blood test, scans, etc.)
- Any other advice or information that is not medically related e.g. discuss referrals
Within the ‘Medical’ choice, you will find:
- New conditions
- Existing conditions
- Medicine queries
Once you have selected an option, you will be asked further questions about your request. Please list the times that you are not available.
- What to I do if my problem is an emergency?
If you need urgent treatment, you should call 999, visit A&E or attend an urgent treatment centre (UTC), 999 and A&E are for life-threatening emergencies like:
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems
- Severe bleeding
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe burns or scalds
- Strokes
Urgent treatment centres can help with things like:
- Sprains and strains
- Suspected broken bones
- Injuries, cuts and bruises
- Stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Skin infections and rashes
- High temperature in children and adults
- Mental health concerns
If you do not know where to receive care, you can contact NHS 111 by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk
- Can I still request to be dealt with by my usual clinician?
Yes. Urgent or quick matters will be dealt with by the duty team, but you can still request your usual GP or ANP for routine matters and we will do our best to facilitate this.
- What do I do if I don’t have access to a smartphone or computer?
You can still call the practice or visit us in person.
Relatives and carers can also help or send a request on behalf of patients who do not have a smartphone, computer or internet connection.
SystmConnect is an easy and accessible system to use. Our team can help you get online and show you how to use it.
- How long will it take to hear back after I send a request?
We aim to respond to or action every request within 48 hours.
- What if I don’t want to give the reason for my request, can I just write ‘personal’?
We need as much information as possible about your request or problem. This is so we can get you the right care.
Forms with too little detail for us to make a safe decision will be replied to with a request for more information. This may result in a delay in us getting back to you.
- What if I have more than one issue?
If you have more than one problem, please send a separate request for each one. This is to make sure we have enough information about each problem.
Yes. SystmConnect has been assessed by NHS Digital and meets the requirements for an online consultation solution. This includes assessments of how data is used and stored in line with GDPR rules.
- How do I submit a request for a dependant?
To raise a request on behalf of a dependent, you need to complete the SystmConnect form as you would for yourself. Before you submit it, you will be asked if this request is for yourself or someone else. Select ‘someone else’. You will then need to fill in both your and your dependent’s details.
- Is there any help to show me how to submit a form?
Yes, there will be drop-in sessions to show and help patients with the new system held on: -
Monday 29th September at York Road Medical Centre from10.00am -11.00am
Monday 29th September at Rookwood Medical Centre 2.00pm- 3.00pm
Tuesday 30th September at York Road Medical Centre 2.30pm-3.30pm
Tuesday 30th September at Rookwood Medical Centre 11.00am -12.00pm
Thursday 2nd October at York Road Medical Centre 8.30am – 10.00
Monday 6th October at Rookwood Medical Centre 8.30-10.00am
Friday 10th October at York Road Medical Centre 2.00 pm-3.00pm
Friday 10th October at Rookwood Medical Centre 2.00 pm-3.00pm