Appointments

Requesting an Appointment

The best way to request an appointment is as follows:

Use the NHS App

Contact us via PATCHs

You can call us during opening hours on 0113 203 4550

Appointments at Diamond Medical Group

The new 2026/2027 contract for providers of GP services specifies that patients must be able to contact the practice throughout core hours (8am to 6.30pm). Any requests assessed as clinically urgent must be contacted the same day with an appropriate appointment or other response (eg referral to a pharmacy, request for more information) and non-urgent requests must have a response by the end of the next working day.

This means that you can submit a request via Patchs (please use this if you can as it keeps the phone lines free for those who can’t), telephone or in person at any time between 8am and 6.30pm and expect a response by the end of the next working day.  This may be an offer of an appointment, advice, or signposting elsewhere such as a pharmacy or minor injuries unit. 

What this means for the Practice and Patients

For the practice this poses a potential problem as it means there is no limit placed  on the work the practice may be expected to do in a day, and simply trying to fit more work into each professional’s day could compromise patient safety. No extra resources have been allocated to help us fulfill the new contract so we cannot employ more people. 

Up to now we have directed patients with urgent problems to NHS111 when we have run out of same day appointments but we can no longer do this.  Therefore to allow for potentially urgent problems presenting later in the day , we will be reserving more appointments for use on the same day, and this may mean a longer wait for routine appointments. 

When we become short of appointments on any day, Patchs will prompt you to telephone rather than submit a Patchs request if you feel your problem is urgent. This is so we can quickly identify people who need same day care,  and ensure the last few appointments are allocated to them. 

How can patients help this new system work smoothly?

• By submitting urgent requests and requests for visits early in the day where possible
• By cooperating when you are offered advice or signposting to another service and not insisting on a GP appointment. Every request is reviewed by a GP who will have assessed the best person to help with your problem. Using our non-GP colleagues is an essential part of how we make this work
• By avoiding submitting a second request for the same problem before the end of the next working day. Every request is reviewed by a GP and these GPs are very busy, multiple requests for the same problem will slow the process down for everyone
• By filling in any questionnaires as best you can. We are aware that not every question will be appropriate to your problem and this can be frustrating, however they provide essential information to help the GP choose the best way to help you.

What is the difference between Clinical and Admin requests?

In PATCHS, clinical requests relate to new or ongoing health problems, while admin requests concern administrative tasks like appointment changes or general inquiries. Clinical requests are handled by clinicians, while admin requests are typically dealt with by non-clinical staff.

Clinical requests in PATCHS involve seeking medical advice or help with a health-related issue. This can include:

• Reporting new or worsening symptoms.
• Requesting sick notes for ongoing health problems.
• Following up on test results related to clinical concerns.
• Any other health-related request that requires a clinician's attention.

Admin requests in PATCHS are related to non-clinical tasks such as:

• Booking or changing appointments.
• Requesting repeat prescriptions.
• General inquiries about practice information, like opening hours.
• Chasing hospital or other appointments, unless they involve new or worsening symptoms.

Please do not submit clinical matters in the admin requests as this may not be seen by a clinician.

Why should I use this service instead of phoning my GP practice?

• You can give more information than you might to a Care Navigator. You may find this less embarrassing than talking to someone on the phone or in person.
• You can do this using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• You can be assured that the GP will review all requests and make sure you get the right care for your healthcare need

Home Visits

For further information on Home Visits please visit our Home Visits page.

Cancelling or changing an appointment

If you can not make your appointment let us know as soon as you can so another patient can book the appointment time.

Cancellations can be made with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice via SystmOnline, via PATCHs, via telephone or by visiting the surgery (within our opening hours – we do not allow telephone messages to be left).

We will also accept written confirmation placed in our letter box outside of working hours however 24 hours’ notice is still required.