We’re introducing a new way to contact the practice and request appointments using Rapid Health, from Monday, 8th June 2026.
We understand that using a new healthcare system can raise many questions. To help make your experience as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled this list of FAQs for Rapid Health. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about how to use the system, book appointments, manage prescriptions, and more. Our goal is to provide you with clear and helpful information so you feel confident navigating Rapid Health and accessing the care you need. If you have any questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What is Rapid Health?
Rapid Health is an NHS-approved online consultation and appointment system. It helps you access care quickly by guiding you to the right clinician at the right time
Why are we introducing this system?
We know how important it is to get help when you need it. Rapid Health will help us:
– Improve access to appointments
– Reduce waiting times
– Ensure you are seen by the most appropriate clinician
– Make the best use of available appointments
– Improve access to appointments
– Reduce waiting times
– Ensure you are seen by the most appropriate clinician
– Make the best use of available appointments
When can I use Rapid Health?
Rapid Health is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:30pm via:
– Your practice website, or
– The NHS App
– Your practice website, or
– The NHS App
How do I book an appointment?
You can submit a request through:
– The practice website, or
– The NHS App
You’ll be asked to complete a short online form. Once submitted, you will either:
– Be offered an appointment, or
– Have your request reviewed by a clinician
– The practice website, or
– The NHS App
You’ll be asked to complete a short online form. Once submitted, you will either:
– Be offered an appointment, or
– Have your request reviewed by a clinician
Why do I need to complete an online form?
The form helps us understand your needs so we can:
– Direct you to the right clinician
– Prioritise urgent problems
– Make your appointment more effective
This also means the clinician has the information they need before your appointment.
– Direct you to the right clinician
– Prioritise urgent problems
– Make your appointment more effective
This also means the clinician has the information they need before your appointment.
What happens if I need urgent help?
You can request same-day urgent care through Rapid Health.
Urgent requests are prioritised and reviewed as quickly as possible.
Urgent requests are prioritised and reviewed as quickly as possible.
What if I am not offered an appointment straight away?
If no suitable appointment is available, you can still submit your request.
A clinician will review it and the practice will contact you, usually within one working day.
A clinician will review it and the practice will contact you, usually within one working day.
Can I still contact the practice by phone or in person?
Yes. If you are unable to use Rapid Health:
– Our reception team can help you submit a request
– Tablets are available in reception if needed
All patients have equal access to appointments, whether booking online or through the practice team.
– Our reception team can help you submit a request
– Tablets are available in reception if needed
All patients have equal access to appointments, whether booking online or through the practice team.
Can I still see a specific clinician?
Where possible, you may be offered a choice of clinician.
However, you may also be offered an appointment with another healthcare professional (such as a Nurse Practitioner, Paramedic or Pharmacist) who is best placed to help you.
However, you may also be offered an appointment with another healthcare professional (such as a Nurse Practitioner, Paramedic or Pharmacist) who is best placed to help you.
Why have I been offered a particular clinician?
We aim to make sure you are seen by the right person at the right time, so you may be offered an appointment with the most appropriate clinician for your needs.
Can I book an appointment in advance?
Yes. Depending on your needs, you may be offered:
– A same-day appointment, or
– An appointment in advance (where appropriate, up to around two weeks)
– A same-day appointment, or
– An appointment in advance (where appropriate, up to around two weeks)
Can I use this for children?
Yes. You can submit requests for children.
A clinician may review the request before offering an appointment.
A clinician may review the request before offering an appointment.
Can I book an appointment at a different site?
Yes. While most patients prefer their usual practice, you may be able to book an appointment at another site if this is more convenient.
Are all appointments booked through Rapid Health?
Most GP and urgent clinical appointments are managed through Rapid Health.
Some appointments still need to be booked through reception, including:
– Blood tests, vaccinations and nursing appointments
– Long-term condition reviews (e.g. diabetes, asthma, hypertension)
– Medication reviews
– Baby checks and postnatal appointments
– Procedures and health checks
– Home visits
Some appointments still need to be booked through reception, including:
– Blood tests, vaccinations and nursing appointments
– Long-term condition reviews (e.g. diabetes, asthma, hypertension)
– Medication reviews
– Baby checks and postnatal appointments
– Procedures and health checks
– Home visits
What if the appointment I need is not showing?
Some appointment types are not available online.
If you are unsure, please contact the practice and the team will help you.
If you are unsure, please contact the practice and the team will help you.
Does booking online give some patients more access?
No. All appointments are available to all patients, whether you contact us online or via the practice team.
Online access simply offers another convenient way to get in touch without needing to queue.
Online access simply offers another convenient way to get in touch without needing to queue.
What if my problem is sensitive?
Your information is completely confidential and forms part of your medical record.
If you prefer, our reception team can support you in submitting your request privately.
If you prefer, our reception team can support you in submitting your request privately.
How do I arrange an interpreter or additional support?
If you need an interpreter or any additional support, please contact the practice after booking and the team will arrange this for you.
Who will arrange follow-up appointments?
If you need a follow-up appointment, the clinician you see will arrange this for you.
Can I still use the NHS App or SystmOnline?
Yes. You can:
Use the NHS App to request appointments via Rapid Health
Continue using the NHS App or SystmOnline for:
– Prescriptions
– Test results
– Medical records
Use the NHS App to request appointments via Rapid Health
Continue using the NHS App or SystmOnline for:
– Prescriptions
– Test results
– Medical records
Can I order prescriptions through Rapid Health?
No. Please continue to order prescriptions via:
– The NHS App
– SystmOnline
– The NHS App
– SystmOnline
Do I need to do anything before it starts?
No. From Monday, 8th June, you can access Rapid Health via:
– Your practice website, or
– The NHS App
– Your practice website, or
– The NHS App