10 minutes = 1 problem Policy

Nobody likes to be kept waiting… and we completely understand that.

We always aim to see everyone on time, in the slot they’ve booked — but sometimes delays do happen.

😟 Our clinical team don’t like running late either. In fact, it’s one of the most stressful parts of their day. GPs and ANPs deliver back-to-back face-to-face appointments, often with very limited time at the end for admin (letters, results, referrals). Falling behind can be really challenging for them too.

🙏 Some patients need a little extra time — for example:

• Elderly or less mobile patients
• Patients with complex needs
• Those receiving serious diagnoses

🚑 Occasionally, delays are unavoidable due to:

• Emergency home visits
• IT / computer problems

⚠️ However, the main cause of delays is when multiple problems are brought to a single 10-minute appointment.

📝 Each appointment is booked for one issue only. We find that patients try to discuss several unrelated concerns in one visit it often causes delays for everyone else waiting.

⛔ Bringing multiple problems to one appointment may also mean:

• Not all concerns can be safely or thoroughly addressed
• You may need to book another slot

🙏 Please don’t be offended if your time runs out and there are still more things to discuss — your clinician is doing their best to keep everyone safe and on time.

✅ Top tip: If you have more than one concern, please consider your most urgent problem first, and follow up with a separate request at a later date for routine concerns so we can give each issue the time it deserves.

Thank you for your understanding and support