Exciting News

We’re Introducing Total Patient Triage at Cornbrook Medical Practice

We’re excited to share an important update about how we deliver care at Cornbrook Medical Practice.

GP practices across Manchester and the country are moving to a ‘Modern General Practice’ model to make access to care easier and improve patient experience. This is a national NHS initiative, and all practices must adopt this model by October 2025.

From October 2025, we will be moving to a Total Patient Triage system.

What is Total Patient Triage?

Total Patient Triage is a way for patients to contact the surgery and have their request reviewed by a GP before an appointment is booked. This ensures you get the right care at the right time. It is very similar to our current Patient Triage System.

Here’s how it works:

• Every patient submitting a request provides some details about why they need help. You must submit any urgent same day request before 11am on the day you wish to be seen
• One of our experienced GPs along with our Care Navigation Team will triage your request and decide the best course of action.
• Depending on your needs, you may:
  • Be offered a face-to-face or telephone appointment either same day or within the next 7 days
  • Receive a message from the GP with advice and guidance
  • Be signposted to another clinician ore service if more appropriate

Types of Appointments after submitting a Patient Triage

• Same day – for urgent issues (our team will contact you to book)
• Within 7 days – for issues that need attention soon but aren’t urgent or routine appointment (you’ll get a self-book link)
• Appointment with another clinician (you’ll get a self-book link or our team will contact you)
• Appointment at the local Pharmacy (you will receive a text message with instructions on)

How to Use Total Triage

1. Submit your request via this link

• This is accessible on our website using the Appointments/Patient Triage link, your NHS App, scanning a QR code at the practice or requesting a text link either at the reception desk or over the telephone

2. Provide detailed information about your symptoms so the GP can triage your request effectively.

• Example: Instead of “I’ve had a cough for 10 days,” write: “I’ve had a cough for 10 days. Over-the-counter medicine hasn’t helped. My cough has worsened in the last couple of days and feels more chesty. I also have a high temperature.”

3. If you cannot use the online form, call the surgery, and we will submit the request on your behalf.
4. After triage, you may receive:

• A call for a same-day appointment
• A self-book link for an appointment within 7 days or later
• Advice from the GP via message 

We will be using Accurx, which is the same service we use now, to communicate messages safely and securely directly to your phone or email.

When the Service is Not Available

• The service is open Monday to Friday during our core opening hours 8am-6pm.
• On weekends or bank holidays, please use NHS 111 or 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Occasionally, the online triage form may be temporarily unavailable. In this case, you will see guidance on alternative ways to contact us.

Benefits for You

• Faster access to the care you need
• Engage with us from home or work using digital communication
• Ensures those who need urgent care are seen first
• Reduces the frustration of long phone queues 

We know change can feel challenging, but we are confident that Total Patient Triage will make your experience at Cornbrook Medical Practice smoother and more efficient.

If you have any questions or need help, our friendly team is here to support you.

Thank you for helping us improve care for everyone.

Published: Oct 6, 2025