Like many GP surgeries, we operate a telephone triage system each morning. We have two available lines: 02893315835 and 02893315955 from 0830 until 1000 (or until all triage slots are used). To ensure patient safety is maintained, there is a limited number of slots daily so the clinicians are not dealing with unmanageable numbers of calls.

We are a Queen’s University Belfast Medical School Teaching Practice hosting Medical students on placement. The curriculum and learning objectives for each stage in their undergraduate training ensures that by the end of medical school they have a broad understanding of the role of a GP and General Practice as a career option. They benefit hugely from speaking to patients, and many of our patients say how much they enjoy talking to medical students. As a patient you may be seen by a medical student under the supervision of a qualified Practice clinician. You can, of course, decline this option. Please do let our reception team know if you would prefer not to be seen by our student. These are our doctors of the future and as a practice we are proud to be a part of their journey.

Should you require URGENT MEDICAL ADVICE at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We also have triage booking slots for patients registered for online access. These slots will be available daily – when booking, you should provide as much information as possible to enable clinicians to assess the priority of these appointments. You will either be contacted by a GP or a member of the admin team with further advice. Please ensure you are available to take a call back; if you miss the call you will be required to phone back to the practice and will go to end of the triage list again OR you may be requested to phone back the following day. The call will come from a private number.

When you phone the surgery you will be advised of the following:

• If the call is received BEFORE 10.00 am, and the quota has not been reached for that morning, then you may expect a call back before the end of the day, however if the call is received AFTER 10.00 am then you will be asked to ring back the following morning except if requiring URGENT MEDICAL ADVICE.
• Patients expecting a call back any morning should be available to take a call from 8.30 onwards; the call will show as a private number or No Caller ID. If you do not answer your phone a message will be left, where possible, but we will not phone back and you will go to end of the triage call list.
• We will only call ONCE!
• Patients cannot specify a time to be called. Online triage slots will not be made at the specific time booked. It may not necessarily be the specified GP you request who calls you back.
• During particularly busy times, you may hear an engaged tone; this is because we are dealing with other calls in as efficient and timely manner as possible.