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SystmConnect

SystmConnect is the new total triage and online consultation platform that enables effective communication with patients. SystmConnect helps improve access and manage demand to your services.

Although using SystmOnline or NHS login make the process quicker, it is not necessary to submit a request.

New request

family online

New way of booking appointments

 

From 23rd October, we have switched to a new way of booking appointments with a GP or Allied Healthcare provider.

We have listened to your feedback regarding our current appointment system and understand that it isn’t meeting everyone’s needs. We often reach capacity and have to limit appointments to clinically urgent only, which we know can be frustrating. We are also aware that waiting times on the phone can be too long and recognise that not everyone is able to phone or visit the surgery to book appointments.

To provide fair and safe care for all our patients, we are introducing a new system aimed at balancing appointment availability. This will allow us to offer a mix of urgent, routine, and follow-up appointments while reducing appointment wastage, improving access, and enhancing overall patient satisfaction.

Our goal is to ensure that all appointment requests are triaged in a safe and fair way, so that we can provide the most appropriate care in a timely manner.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to improve our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Opening Hours

SystmConnect Online will be available from 7:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.

One Problem Per Appointment

When booking an appointment, please limit your discussion to one issue per questionnaire.

Test Results

You can request test results via the admin section, but this service is also available on the NHS App, which we encourage everyone to use.

Nurse or Health Care Assistant Appointments

To book appointments with nurses or healthcare assistants (e.g., for blood tests, or dressings), please contact our Reception team.

What is SystmConnect Online?

SystmConnect Online is a new online triage tool that allows patients to book appointments, submit clinical queries, and make admin requests from the comfort of their home. If you need an appointment, we will arrange it for you. You can also use it to request fit notes, test results, medication advice, and more.

Why are we changing things?

Demand for GP appointments has been rising, and despite our best efforts at Steyning Medical Practice, the current system is not meeting patients' or clinicians' needs, leading to frustration and stress. We hope SystmConnect Online will help us optimize availability, ensuring patients are seen by the right clinician at the right time.

Why do I need to complete an online questionnaire?

The questionnaire allows the triage doctor to review your issue, determine whether you need an appointment, and, if so, how urgently. It can also resolve minor queries without the need for an appointment, or safely direct you to other services such as pharmacies.

How do I book an appointment?

Visit our website and click the blue banner to access SystmConnect Online. QR codes will also be available on posters at the surgery. If you're unable to book online, our Reception team can help you fill out the questionnaire.

Can I still book appointments through Patient Access and the NHS App?

No, appointments will only be available through SystmConnect Online, though we hope to merge it with the NHS App in the future.

When can I use SystmConnect Online?

SystmConnect Online will be available from 7:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday (closed on Bank Holidays and weekends).

What if I need an urgent, same-day appointment?

Please select the option for urgent appointments and provide as much detail as possible in the questionnaire. A duty GP will review it and either send you a link to book or ask our reception team to contact you. We aim to see urgent cases the same day, but if your issue is deemed non-urgent, alternative options will be offered, such as seeing a different clinician like an ANP or pharmacist.

How do I book with a specific GP?

Indicate on the questionnaire if you would like to see a specific GP. We cannot guarantee availability but will try to accommodate your request. Listing a few preferred GPs may help if your first choice is unavailable.

Can I pre-book appointments?

Yes, you can request a routine appointment through the link on our website.

Will all clinicians be available on SystmConnect Online?

Nurses, Health Care Assistants, and Pharmacists are still booked through Reception. All other clinicians can be booked via SystmConnect Online.

What if I don’t have access to a smart phone or computer?

Call our reception team on 01903 497227. They can help by filling out the questionnaire on your behalf if needed.

What if my issue is personal and I only want to speak with a GP?

All requests submitted through SystmConnect Online are confidential. A GP will triage your questionnaire and may ask the reception team to contact you. Our entire team adheres to the Steyning Medical Practice confidentiality policy.

Can a receptionist book me an appointment in person?

For appointments with nurses, blood tests, or similar, the reception team can book these directly. For GP appointments, they will guide you to fill out the SystmConnect questionnaire or complete it for you, but it will still go through the triage process first. This ensures fairness and safety, avoiding the "8am scramble for appointments" that has often overwhelmed our phone lines.

How are follow-up appointments booked?

Your clinician will send you a link to book any necessary follow-up appointments.

How do I request a sick note?

To extend or review an existing sick note, complete the SystmConnect Online Admin questionnaire.

What if I need an interpreter or assistance for my appointment?

After receiving a confirmation text or email for your appointment, you can contact the surgery to request an interpreter or additional assistance.

What happens if SystmConnect Online is unavailable due to technical issues?

We will notify patients via our website and social media if the system experiences downtime. In such cases, you can call the surgery directly to make arrangements in the old way.

Can I cancel or reschedule an appointment through SystmConnect Online?

Yes, you can log back into the system to cancel or reschedule your appointment, or you can contact our reception team for assistance. You do not need to put a new request through.

Can I use SystmConnect Online for multiple family members?

Each patient must fill out their own questionnaire. If you’re booking for someone else (e.g., a child or dependent), please make sure to provide accurate information for that individual.

Can a friend or family member request an appointment on my behalf?

Yes – Anyone can fill out a form on behalf of someone else, but they will need a few details such as Full name and ideally date of birth or NHS number or other identifying feature. The system then tries to automatically match the details we have for you as a registered Steyning patient.

When does SystmConnect Online launch?

SystmConnect Online is scheduled to launch in mid-October 2024.