The GPs of the Stroud area have been offered an opportunity to take part in a project to improve patient access to primary care services for the residents of Stroud and surrounding areas. Extra GP clinics will be held during normal hours, and additional appointments will also be available between 18:30 and 20:00 every weekday evening and on Saturday mornings. Patients registered with any participating GP surgery within the Stroud area will be able to have an appointment at these extra clinics.

This is an exciting project and involves 12 GP surgeries in the Stroud area working together for the benefit of their patients. This project will be closely monitored on how it is performing, and whether we, as a primary care community, are delivering the care required to meet the healthcare needs of the Stroud area.

Improved Access GP Surgeries

• Beeches Green Surgery
• Five Valleys Medical Practice
• Frampton Surgery
• Frithwood Surgery
• High Street Medical Centre
• Minchinhampton Surgery
• Painswick Surgery
• Price’s Mill Surgery
• Regent Street Surgery
• Rowcroft Medical Centre
• Stonehouse Clinic

Improved Access To GP Appointments

Our aim is to make it easier and more convenient for patients to see a GP by providing more appointments at certain surgeries across the area. These will be known as Improved Access Appointments. Patients can book to be seen regardless of which surgery they are registered at. These appointments can only be offered to patients registered with one of the Stroud Improved Access Surgeries. The Stroud Improved Access Surgeries hosting these extra appointments are:

• Beeches Green Surgery
• Five Valleys Medical Practice
• Frampton Surgery
• Frithwood Surgery
• High Street Medical Centre
• Minchinhampton Surgery
• Painswick Surgery
• Price’s Mill Surgery
• Regent Street Surgery
• Rowcroft Medical Centre
• Stonehouse Clinic

All appointments need to be pre-booked, either in advance or on the day.  This is not a walk in service and does not replace the service provided by our local Minor Injuries Unit or A&E.

How To Book An Improved Access Appointment

Ring your GP surgery as normal. Your surgery will offer you an appointment based on what is available. If you choose an Improved Access Appointment, the reception staff will tell you where the clinic is being held and the times of the available appointments. If this is convenient an appointment will be booked for you.

It is very likely the appointment will not be with your usual GP, and the GP you see will be from another surgery. You will be asked for your consent for your medical record to be accessed by the GP you see. Information about your consultation will be entered into your record and your usual GP will be able to see this.

The reception staff will ask you for a brief indication of why you want to be seen. This is not because they are being intrusive, but in some cases it may be better for you to see your own GP or other health professional and they are simply trying to ensure the most appropriate appointment is booked for you. This is to avoid wasting your time and to allow these Improved Access appointments to be used to maximum advantage for all Stroud area patients.

Who Can Be Seen At An Improved Access Clinic

These appointments are for anyone with a new problem, such as tonsillitis or an ear infection, or with a long-term condition that has become worse, e.g. a chest/respiratory condition that has become worse and needs treating urgently.

If you have already seen your own GP about a problem, or you have a long-term condition and are currently receiving treatment, it may be more appropriate for you to see your own GP who already knows about your condition and any tests/treatments you have received. Your surgery staff will be able to advise when you book.

Attending For Your Improved Access Appointment

The Improved Access clinics are staffed by Stroud area GPs, but it is very unlikely you will see your own GP. It would be very helpful if you could bring with you a list of any medication you take, and for you to have a clear idea of your current problem. It may help to write your concerns down beforehand. Full details of your consultation will be added to your medical record and your own GP will be able to see this. Please arrive on time or a little early for your appointment. If you are late you will not be seen.