This is for you if… your GP surgery asks you to book online but you are unsure whether to use the NHS App, the surgery website or another service.
I was helping someone in St Neots who had been phoning at 8am every day. Once we found the correct online route for their surgery, they could request help without the same morning rush.
Before you start
- Have your phone or computer ready.
- Make sure you know your GP surgery name.
- Have access to your email or mobile phone for security codes.
- Write down what you need help with before opening the form.
- If it is urgent or serious, follow your surgery’s urgent instructions instead of waiting online.
Step-by-step: try booking through the NHS App
- Open the NHS App.
- Log in if asked.
- Go to Home.
- Tap Appointments.
- Look for options to book, view or manage appointments.
- If appointment slots are shown, choose the type of appointment you need.
- Choose a date and time if available.
- Read the details carefully.
- Confirm the appointment.
- Write down the date, time and whether it is phone, video or in person.
Step-by-step: use your GP surgery website
- Open your web browser.
- Search for your GP surgery name, or type the website if you know it.
- Check the website looks like your actual surgery.
- Look for Appointments, Online services, Contact us online or Request help.
- Open the correct form or booking system.
- Fill in your name, date of birth and contact details if asked.
- Describe the problem clearly and briefly.
- Check everything before submitting.
- Submit the request.
- Keep an eye on your phone and email for a reply.
If no appointments show
This does not always mean you are doing it wrong. Some surgeries release appointments at certain times, some use online triage forms, and some do not allow direct booking through the app.
Need help?
For ongoing help and peace of mind in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, see my membership. For one-off help setting this up, you can book a visit.