Rapid Health Triage – Dr. Baxter and Partners

What is Rapid Health Triage? watch video here Rapid Health – Patient Explainer Video

Introducing Our New Appointment Booking System: Rapid Health Triage

Launching Monday, 16th February 2026, Shefford Health Centre is excited to roll out a new and improved way for you to request appointments — the Rapid Health Triage System.

We’ve heard your frustrations with the 8am phone rush, long queues, and difficulty booking appointments. The new system is designed to make it easier, faster, and fairer for everyone to access the care they need. This is the next step up from the current process.

How It Works

Fill in a simple online form – it takes about 4 minutes.
Receive an email with either an appointment offer or professional advice.
Choose your clinician and appointment type (face-to-face or phone), if available.

Watch this short explainer video: Rapid Health – Patient Explainer

Why the Change?

We’re responding to your feedback. With increasing demand and limited GP/Clinical time, Rapid Health helps:

Ensure fairer access for all patients
Match you with the most appropriate clinician
Reduce phone line pressure
Provide quicker, more accurate care

What Is Rapid Health?

An NHS-approved digital triage tool that lets you:

Submit a medical request
Make an admin request
Access self-help advice from trusted NHS sources

From our website, just click Rapid Health and choose:

Medical Request – for symptoms or concerns
Admin Request – for forms, notes, prescriptions, and more
Self-Help – for instant trusted health information

Important Dates & Preparation

Launch Date: Monday, 16^th February 2026

Before Then:

Please make sure we have your up-to-date email address.

Look out for a text inviting you to update your contact info

Booking an Appointment – Step-by-Step

Starting 16^th February:

Visit our website and click ‘Access Rapid Health Triage’
Select the option that suits your need:
- Adult Medical Request – for new health concerns
- Questions & Admin – for prescriptions, forms, letters, results
- Self-Help – for NHS guidance
Provide your name, date of birth, postcode, email, and contact details
Answer a few brief questions

The system will either:

Offer an appropriate appointment
Forward your request to a GP for review — we’ll respond within 48 hours

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT MULTIPLE REQUESTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE

Don’t Worry – We’re Here to Help!

If you struggle with online forms, our reception team can help you complete the form over the phone.

FAQs

What time is Rapid Health available?

From 7:30am, Monday to Friday. It will close once that day’s safe capacity is reached.

Who can I book an appointment with?

GPs
Advanced Nurse Practitioners
Minor Illness Clinicians

Can I choose a specific GP?

Yes — if your preferred clinician is available, their name will appear for selection.

Can I pre-book?

Yes — appointments are allocated based on clinical need and availability.

What’s Not Currently Covered by Rapid Health?

Please contact reception directly for:

Nurse appointments (e.g. blood tests, vaccinations, smear tests)
Annual condition reviews (e.g. diabetes, asthma, heart)
Medication reviews
6-week baby checks and postnatal care
Contraceptive advice and prescriptions
NHS Health Checks
Home visits

Confidentiality

Your personal information is securely stored in your medical record.

Reception staff follow strict confidentiality rules — if your concern is private, they will handle it discreetly.

No Internet? No Problem

Call the practice and a receptionist will help you complete the online form.

Carers, Family Members & Housebound Patients

You can submit a form on behalf of someone over 16, with their consent.

For children under 16, complete a request on their behalf — the GP will follow up directly or call our reception team.
Let us know if you’re a carer or if you or someone you care for is housebound.
Let us know if you need an interpreter.

Admin Requests