Recorded messages and the experience of phoning the GP surgery
During November and early December 2022, Healthwatch volunteers and staff phoned 33 Islington practices. They noted the length of the recorded messages and the information that was shared.
Summary
- Recorded messages on practice phone lines most commonly lasted between one and two minutes.
- Recorded messages varied widely between practices, both in terms of content and duration.
- Sometimes information was delivered very quickly, too fast to easily take in.
- It was good to see some practices sharing information about extended hours GP services, the availability of face-to-face appointments, and the possibility to self-refer to physiotherapy, podiatry, and ICOPE (cognitive behavioural therapy) services. More practices should do this.
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Recorded messages and the experience of phoning the GP surgery
