PCS Darnall Primary Care Centre
Dear Patients
We want to put an end to the 8am appointment lottery and to make it easier for you to get the help you need.
That’s why we are making changes which will make getting an appointment easier and fairer.
What is changing?
We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of our patients.
Currently some of our appointments are given on a “first-come, first-served” basis to those who can call the practice at 8am each morning. It’s definitely not the best way of doing things.
That is why we are introducing a new booking system which will help you get the appointment or service you need more quickly and conveniently. To make this happen we are introducing a new computer system called “Anima” and are putting in place a specialist team of health professionals, whose job it is to improve the process of getting an appointment at the practice.
How will things change for me?
You will have a new way to book an appointment through our website but don’t worry, you can still telephone or visit the practice if that is what you would prefer.
The biggest benefit is these changes will ensure there is no more “morning rush” to queue on the telephones. No matter what time you contact us, all the appointments will be prioritised by our clinical team based on medical urgency and need.
Other changes will include:
- More ways for you to request an appointment.
- Your case will be assessed by our clinical team who will decide the best plan for you.
- If you care for others, you can complete an online request for them quickly and efficiently.
- You can easily log in to see the status of your request and the outcome of your current and past appointment requests.
- You will be asked questions without medical jargon.
- You don’t need to discuss any medical issues over the phone, you can send an online request helping to improve confidentiality.
- The system is easier to use if English is not your first language or if you are deaf or have hearing difficulties.
- Sometimes a GP is not the best person to help with your medical concern. Our clinical team is made up of lots of different specialties and the new system will offer you the best and earliest appointment for your individual needs.
- If you do not need to be seen urgently, you will be able to easily choose the most convenient appointment from those available.
- You will get a text message and email to keep you updated about your appointment times.
When will the new system be launched?
We will launch Anima on Tuesday 5th December 2023.
For more information on Anima please visit https://www.animahealth.com/patients.
Do I need to do anything?
Please register to use Anima https://patients.animahealth.com/signIn.
We will also send a message the week before we go live with a link to Anima. By clicking the link, you can set up an account by using an email address and creating a password. You will then be asked to verify the email via the link sent. Then simply enter your own details Name, Date of Birth, Sex, Postcode, Telephone Number, GP practice and NHS number if known. Once an account is created you can then submit your request to the practice.
Tell us what you think.
We believe that this new way to book an appointment will improve the experience for patients. We want to understand your views and experience, please click the link to tell us what you think.
Take the survey
Published on 20th Nov 2023