Thank you to everyone who shared feedback in our recent survey about the Practice Northumberland Avenue opening hours.
As previously communicated, as of Wednesday 1 April we have now moved to the standard GP contracted opening hours, which are now Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm.
This change brings our opening hours in line with most other GP practices in England and across Essex.
Responding to your feedback
We appreciate the time and effort everyone took to share their views, and we have been reviewing the feedback received.
We heard that:
Many patients appreciate having appointment options available beyond standard working hours, particularly those in full-time employment.
Some patients were unaware of how to book evening and weekend appointments offered by the Southend Victoria Primary Care Network (PCN).
Many patients have told as that they feel it is difficult to book appointments with the practice, and they are worried these changes will make it harder.
We heard from people that they often see different health professionals at the practice and are concerned that they don’t have that close relationship with their GP. Some felt the changes to weekend services could make it even harder to see a regular health professional.
Some patients expressed a desire for more same day appointments.
Concerns were also raised about transport and parking in Southend that would make it more difficult to get to appointments at Southend Victoria PCN.
Some patients raised concerns that there is too much focus on digital technology when communicating with our practice.
There were also some concerns that the changes to open hours could put extra pressure on other services like A&E departments.
We recognise that changes to how services are delivered can cause concern. Additionally, we have heard from multiple patients their frustrations at trying to arrange appointments at the practice and their concerns about not being seen by a regular health professional.
We’d like to reassure patients that weekday evening and Saturday appointments are available. GP, nurse and routine healthcare appointments can all be requested during these times.
Saturday and weekday evening appointments can be booked in the usual way when contacting our practice. If you have any questions on how to book or about the types of services, please speak to a member of our reception team. More information about these appointments is also included in our Patient FAQs.
We understand some patients are frustrated with the appointment booking process, and we would like to remind you that appointments can be requested online, over the phone, in person at the practice, and via the NHS App.
