Launch of SystmConnect

As of Wednesday 19th March 2025, we will be changing our online request system from askmyGP to SystmConnect. Alongside our phone line, this will be the main way to access our services.

Many aspects of using SystmConnect will resemble askmyGP, to ease the transition over to this site. For instance; the site will be accessed via the home page of the practice website, patients do not need to call the practice at 8am to request an appointment and patients without internet access or someone to assist them can still phone the surgery and a Receptionist will fill in a form on their behalf initially.

Based on patient feedback, changes have been implemented that will enhance the patient experience when using SystmConnect.

Patients have informed us that they are dissatisfied with the current 'urgent' or 'routine' options because they are uncertain about how to prioritize their requests effectively.

The options you will be presented with SystmConnect are easier to navigate. You can request an appointment about a new condition, enquire about an existing condition or medication, ask about a referral, discuss a test result or seek advice about something else such as a sick note or travelling abroad.

According to patient feedback, our patients wish to schedule routine appointments in advance, and the new system will facilitate this. Whenever feasible, we will provide appointment booking links to patients, enabling you to select from available slots using your own device.

A challenging part of using askmyGP was the necessity to set up a login to submit a request. With SystmConnect, you can directly connect with your NHS App and SystmOnline accounts, eliminating the need to remember another password!

Prescriptions can still be ordered via our current channels; SystmOnline, NHS App or by dropping in your repeats slip (accessible 24/7 using the external letterbox). The NHS app also allows patients to see their results without having to contact the surgery so we would encourage patients to sign up for this.

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How you can best use the system

SystmConnect and its forms are concise and user-friendly. To maximize the benefits of the system and assist us in offering patients timely access to the necessary support, please keep the following in mind:

• The more information you give us, the easier it will be for us to help you. Forms with insufficient information will be replied to with a request to provide more information

  
  

• Where relevant to the symptom, such as a mole or rash, you can submit an image with your request. This will help our clinical triage team to direct to the most appropriate clinician

  
  

• Please be aware of our multi-disciplinary team. We will continue to direct your request to the most appropriate clinician, who may be a GP, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Practice Nurse, Clinician Assistant, Pharmacist, Musculoskeletal specialist, Paramedic, Mental health Practitioner.

  
  

• When you have submitted a request, please do not repeat them when you want to chase the progress. If you are unsure if the request has been received, please call our main phone line to check this with our Reception team

• If your request is about an ongoing issue, please tell us who has been managing this and we will endeavour to provide continuity of care

• If you haven’t already signed up to receive messages via SMS please do as this means we can contact patients promptly about appointments, results, and other issues. We will also be able to send appointment booking link text messages where possible

An example of how the SystmConnect home screen looks, both on a laptop and phone screen

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Below you can find some frequently asked questions about the system and their answers:

What questions will the forms ask me?

SystmConnect allows you to choose between 2 options; Medical Request or Admin Request.

Within the Admin option you will find: 

• Request a fit (sick) note

• Request the results of Test Results (Blood Test, Scans, etc.)

• Any other admin requests eg discuss referrals, request information

Within the Medical option you will find:

• New conditions, for a new health problem

• Existing conditions, for an ongoing health problem

• Medication queries

• Other medical request eg submit a medical reading

Once you have selected an option you will be asked further questions about your particular request.

When can I submit a form?

What if my problem is urgent?

How do I request a repeat prescription?

Can I still request to be dealt with by my usual clinician?

What do I do if I haven’t got access to a smart phone or computer?

How long will it take to hear back after I submit a request?

What if I don’t want to give the reason for my request, can I just write ‘personal’?

What if I have more than one issue?

How do I request a home visit?

Is it NHS approved?

What will happen with my askmyGP request?