What is Extended Access?
GP practices in the PCN work together to provide extra appointments in the evenings and weekends. This is called the Extended Access Service. It helps to make more appointments available for patients if a GP practice is fully booked. It also helps provide flexibility for patients who may need to arrange an appointment in the evening or at weekends if their GP practice is not open.
Who can book an appointment in Extended Access?
Any patient registered at one of the 13 GP practices in Feltham & Bedfont PCN can book an appointment in Extended Access. This is true even if your GP practice is not one of the GP practices providing the Extended Access service. If you are offered one of these appointments, you may be asked to visit a different GP practice, at a different location.
How do I book an appointment in Extended Access?
Your GP practice team may offer you an appointment with the Extended Access Service if you need an appointment before they can provide one in your own GP practice. If you would prefer an evening or weekend appointment, please ask your GP practice staff when requesting an appointment, and they will try to arrange this where possible. You can request a telephone, video or face-to-face appointment if you prefer.
Who provides appointments in Extended Access?
Our Extended Access Service is provided by the following GP practices. If you are given a face-to-face appointment, you can visit their website for details on how to get there.
Changing or cancelling an appointment in Extended Access
As with all appointments, if you cannot attend your appointment, please notify your GP practice as soon as possible. This will help to make your appointment available for another patient. If it is a same-day cancellation, it is best to call your GP practice. Otherwise, you can contact your GP practice as you normally would. If it is a same-day cancellation and your GP practice is not open, you can call the GP practice where your Extended Access appointment is scheduled to take place.
Preparing for your appointment
Before your appointment, you may find it helpful to access this NHS guidance about what to ask your doctor or other healthcare professional. Useful information on how to prepare for a Structured Medication Review can be found on this page under the tab for Pharmacy Team.