THERE WILL be no more dialling ‘120 times between 08.00 and 09.00’ to get an appointments at the Argyle Medical Group’s surgeries.
The Group, which cover surgeries in Pembroke Dock, Pembroke and Neyland, has released a statement saying that from April 1, those wishing to book a doctors appointment will be able to do so online.
A spokesperson for the Practice said: “The Argyle Medical Group will be taking part in the Welsh Government’s project ‘My Health On Line’ which will allow patients to book GP appointments using the internet”
Speaking about the new system a local man told The Herald: “You will be able to book appointments on line, avoiding the current debacle of having to dial up to 120 times between 08:00-09:00 on the day you want to see a practitioner.”
He continued: “Patients must register for an use the service, if you want to end the current unsatisfactory appointment system.”
A spokesperson for the Argyle Medical Group said: “If you are interested in taking part please ask at reception, show us a proof of ID, and you will be given log in details to allow you to access the My Health On Line portal.
“From the April 1, 2016, if you are registered you will be able to view available doctor appointments on line and book up to 7 days in advance.”
The spokesperson explained: “You will get confirmation immediately online, so there is no need to re-confirm by phone or email. You can also view any appointments you have already made or cancel them if necessary.”
The problem of obtaining appointments at the busy Practice has been a source of irritation for some patients, one of whom said: “It took years to prise that practice away from their profit-making 0844 premium rate number; at least now it has entered the 21st century,”
A staff member from the adjoining pharmacy observed: “I hope it works. I know most of the girls that work in the surgery. Most of them get it in the neck for not having any appointments available but they’re just following procedure.”
They concluded: “For the amount of patients that they have, the current system just doesn’t work.”
Somebody who has first hand experienced upgrading to the online system with their former surgery added: ” I can’t wait. I lived in Bridgend and my surgery did online booking, an automated phone booking system as well as being able to call reception. I will be glad to see something similar down here.”
For more details from the Argyle Medical Group visit: www.argylemedicalgroup.
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