"Booking system dangers"

Since the onset of the Covid, West Derby Medical Centre has transitioned to a same-day appointment booking system, foregoing the provision of future appointments and online booking capabilities. Patients are required to engage with the telephone service promptly at 8 a.m. to secure an appointment, a process often necessitating multiple attempts, sometimes exceeding 100, to successfully connect. This operational model, akin to a "survival of the fittest" approach, poses a substantial risk to patient safety, as it impedes access to care for many of the community's most vulnerable individuals.

As a longstanding patient of this practice, I have observed firsthand the genuine concern and proactive approach of the general practitioners, practice nurses, and staff toward patient care for those fortunate enough to secure appointments. However, this system disproportionately affects the acutely ill, exacerbating their conditions and potentially leading to chronic health issues. I have witnessed instances of severely ill and frail individuals enduring inclement weather while queuing outside in pursuit of an appointment—a situation that is untenable in today's technologically advanced landscape.

The solution lies in reinstating an electronic booking system augmented by a text reminder service to enhance appointment scheduling and reduce instances of missed appointments. This approach would afford patients greater flexibility in securing appointments while mitigating the issue of no-shows.

Today, a relative who suffers with heart failure sought to secure an appointment for symptoms indicative of a kidney infection. Regrettably, she was unable to secure an appointment until the 8th of March and was advised to seek care at a&e. Whilst providing safety netting advice is crucial, redirecting patients to emergency services when their needs could be effectively addressed in primary care only serves to exacerbate pressure on downstream healthcare resources.