Anima Total Triage

The way you will access your GP has changed as we adopt the NHS’s Modern General Practice model.

ALL REQUESTS FOR A ROUTINE APPOINTMENT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE, USING THE ANIMA ONLINE FORM.  PLEASE NOTE THAT NURSE APPOINTMENTS CAN BE BOOKED IN THE SAME WAY, EITHER BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON.

See all the information about the upcoming change

Appointments

All appointment requests should be submitted via Anima, which can be accessed from the website.  Our dedicated team, led by a GP, will review your request to ensure that you get the right care, from the right professional, at the right time.   Routine nurse appointments can be made in the normal way, by telephone or face to face in the surgery. 

You may not be aware that our team includes other healthcare professionals as well as doctors who are highly trained in dealing with acute problems and minor illness.  They work together to support the GPs and provide appointments for patient who need help or advice on the day.  This often means you can speak to someone or be seen more quickly.  Some of them can also prescribe medication. 

Our Practice Clinical Team

Our healthcare team comprises:

GPs (9)

Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) 1

Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) 1

Paramedic Practitioner (PP) 2

Practice Nurse (5)

Healthcare Assistant (HCAs) 4

They all work at different times, but on any given day there are usually 8 GPs/minor illness clinicians working together and a team of 6 nurses/HCAs

Through our Primary Care Network (PCN) we also have access to Social Prescribers, Care Co-ordinators, ACPs, Clinical Pharmacists and Mental Health Practitioners.  See PCN website for further information https://www.dealandsandwichpcn.co.uk/  There’s also a page that describes the role of Social Prescribers and the support they can offer to patients. 

Other Services Available

There may be times when you submit a request and we have reached capacity.  In this case, you will be advised to contact NHS 111, who respond to urgent medical problems 24 hours/day.

There is an Urgent Treatment Centre at Victoria Hospital in Deal, open 8 am to 8 pm every day of the year.  They provide treatment for minor injuries and illnesses that are urgent but not life-threatening.  Although they prefer patients to call 111 in advance, they do also offer a walk in service.  Closed 12.45 – 1.30 pm each day. 

For critical care, QEQM Hospital in Margate and William Harvey Hospital in Ashford are the main sites. Canterbury Hospital has a minor injuries unit that is open 24 hours/day.

Home visit requests are for patients who are terminally ill or genuinely housebound.  Ultimately, it is the doctor’s decision whether or not a home visit is appropriate for a particular set of circumstances and you may receive a telephone call first.  Requests for home visits should be made before 11 am.  The visiting clinician could be a GP, a paramedic, or advanced nurse practitioner.

It is important that you inform the reception staff if you are unable to attend your appointment.  This will allow the appointment to be offered to another patient.

We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.

To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.

Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.

The Practice is happy to provide chaperones for certain clinical procedures. Please ask for a chaperone at any time before or during the consultation.

If you require an interpreter when you see the doctor, please notify the receptionist when you book your appointment, and she will arrange this for you.