Test Results

On a daily basis (Monday to Friday excluding Bank/Public Holidays) GPs review all clinical results which have been sent either electronically via ICE or in some other form such as by post.

The results are detailed into the following categories:

1. Urgent action to see the GP i.e. within no more than 72 hours
2. To see the GP, but it not urgent and thus can wait longer than 72 hours and have a routine appointment i.e. within 2 weeks.
3. To repeat the test within a defined timescale.
4. To see as planned.
5. No action needed by the patient.

Where the GP determines action is required in 1,2,3 or 4 of the above this will be written in the Practice's Results Book.

This is monitored on a daily basis and the following corresponding actions are undertaken.

1. Urgent action to see the GP i.e. within no more than 72 hours

Where this is determined the Administration Team at the practice will contact the patient by telephone to make the necessary appointment or undertake the actions required.  If contact cannot be made, a letter is sent First Class asking the patient to contact the surgery.

2. To see the GP, but it is not urgent and thus can wait longer than 72 hours

In the above situation a letter is sent Second Class post to the patient detailing the action required.

3. To repeat the test within the defined timescale

Depending on the timescale of the repeat test instructions this may be a telephone call, a First Class letter or a Second Class letter.

4. To see as planned

No action - patients are normally advised when the test is undertaken to be seen in a set period, i.e. three months.

5. No action needed by the patients

No action is taken by the practice.

Results Telephone Line:

The practice has a number of options when patients call the surgery.  Option 4 is the Results Line which is open between 10.30 am and 12.00 noon Monday to Friday.

This message informs patients that where action is required the practice will contact the patient.  It also states that patients can leave a voice mail and that ALL calls will be responded to as it is not appropriate to choose another option.