By pressing numbers on their telephone after calling the Reepham & Aylsham Medical Practice, they enter an automated telephone system called Patient Partner.

They can then:

• leave a message requesting an appointment, which can then be assessed by the practice team who will find the best person to help;
• arrange for a repeat prescription again by following prompts on the phone;
• hold to speak to a receptionist.

Healthwatch Norfolk has been asked by the practice to find out what patients think of the service.

They want to find out if Patient Partner has made it easier for people to get appointments without having to sit in a queue on the phone and why people may not be using it.

Feedback will also be gathered on how it can be improved and how the GP practice can ensure it is as helpful as possible for people.

Patients can take part in a survey to find out, which will take around 10 minutes to complete, and all the responses will be anonymous.

The feedback will then be analysed with some recommendations for the practice.

You can find the survey online HERE.

Or you can access it on your smartphone or tablet by scanning the QR code below.

Or you can call Healthwatch Norfolk on 0808 168 9669.

Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: “Whether you always use the Patient Partner system or have never heard of it, your views are important to us.

“The Reepham & Aylsham Medical Practice wants to get a better understanding of what people think of it, how they use it and what could make it better.

“The system allows people to get in touch 24/7, ensure patients are seen by the right person and cut the time they wait on the phone, and we also want to find out why some people are not using Patient Partner.”