NORTON Brook Medical Centre in Kingsbridge will be introducing a new telephone consultation appointment system from Monday, July 7. The new system is being introduced in response to patient feedback, when people said that they found it difficult to get an appointment. The new system will change the way patients make appointments, and aims to increase the opportunity for them to speak to their own registered GP. Many patients' queries such as medication questions, test results and outcomes of hospital appointments, can be dealt with fully in a phone call. A spokesperson for Norton Brook said: 'The new system has been popular with patients across the UK. Norton Brook aims to make it easier for patients to access the right care at the right time. 'We plan to make it more convenient for patients to discuss problems with their doctor over the telephone and this may save them from coming to the surgery. Other times it is important that their doctor sees them face-to-face to make an examination.' The new system will work by a patient calling the surgery and a receptionist asking for a name, contact number and brief description of their problem. Their GP will then aim to call them back within two hours. If their GP is unavailable, then they may either chose to wait or speak to another doctor. The patient and their doctor can then discuss the problem over the telephone and together can decide if their needs can be met with a phone call or they should be seen at the surgery. If a face-to-face consultation is required, the doctor will make an appointment, which will usually be the same day. Alternatively, the doctor may issue a patient with some medication, arrange tests for them or write a sick note for their employer for example. The GP may instead refer the patient to a physiotherapist, or make an appointment for them to see the practice nurse. Nurse and phlebotomy – blood test – appointments will continue to be made in the same way as they are now, by requesting an appointment from reception. The spokesperson continued: 'To help us make this a success, please ensure that the practice has the correct phone number and address for you. 'Giving a brief outline of your problem to the receptionist means the GP can prioritise emergencies, and all of the staff follow the same strict confidentiality rules. However if you feel uncomfortable with this you can say "its personal". 'Easy access to phone advice means patients don't have to make unnecessary visits to the doctor, however, in case their doctor does want to see them face to face, if they can call before 11am it will help the practice plan the day. 'Norton Brook wish to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation.' Norton Brook Medical Centre is situated on Cookworthy Road, and can be contacted on 01548 853551.