RESIDENTS have been reacting to a new appointment system launched by a local medical centre.  

Launceston Medical Centre recently launched a new system for patients to book appointments.  

The change comes after the centre was subject to criticism surrounding the appointment system —residents had expressed their frustration at the system used to organise medical consultations.

However, the centre announced recently that it would be moving to a new system which seeks to make it easier for patients to make an appointment. 

In the announcement a spokesperson for the medical centre explained: “From Wednesday, April 10, 2024, we will be moving to a total triage service. We are asking patients with internet access to contact us by completing the online form on our website.    

“If you are unable to go online, our team of patient advisors will guide you through the form over the phone.   

“Keeping your contact information up to date (landline, mobile, email) is really important.”   

The new, streamlined system asks patients to provide some information about the nature of their issue ahead of their appointment, before later receiving a phone call from the centre to discuss the problem and assess the next course of action.

Having now been in place for a few weeks, residents have reacted to the new approach.

One resident commented: “Used the new online service for Launceston Medical Centre this morning and I am impressed. I submitted my form at 8.44am and I've already had a prescription issued. Great service”  

While another added: “I've used it twice for my son in the last week. Got a call back straight first time and within an hour on the second time. Really, really impressed... My son was seen both times very promptly on the same day!” 

Another commented: “Filled in the form Monday and had a face to face with the GP that I had seen previously. Much better system to actually write down exactly what is needed, rather than going round the houses and speaking to so many different people.” 

Have you used the new system yet? Let us know what you think by emailing [email protected]