Suffolk GP+

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

Please note that Suffolk GP+ appointments can only be booked through your own local GP practice.

Suffolk GP+ is being run by Suffolk GP Federation and is staffed by a rota of Suffolk GPs and Nurse Practitioners. The service runs at Riverside Clinic in Ipswich and at Swan Surgery in Bury St Edmunds.  There are now also appointments available in Felixstowe, Stowmarket, Leiston and Wickham Market, and Haverhill in west Suffolk.

There are no self-referrals and appointments can only be made via a patient’s own local GP practice. Appointments are available evenings and weekends.

Over fifty local Suffolk GPs have signed up to the Suffolk GP+ bank of doctors. They are continuing to work for their own GP practices in the county while also working two or three additional shifts per month for Suffolk GP+. There are four or five doctors and a nurse practitioner on each Suffolk GP+ shift.

Suffolk GP+ has electronic access to patients’ notes with patient consent so the GP or Nurse Practitioner can quickly understand the patient’s medical background, which helps with assessment and treatment. The notes are updated by Suffolk GP+ so the patient’s own GP knows about the appointment. 

Collaboration with wider health services to ease pressure

In addition to the appointments being offered via local GP practices, Suffolk GP+ is collaborating with local hospitals and the ambulance service, to help ease pressure on Emergency Departments. Some patients at Ipswich Hospital and West Suffolk Hospital who are waiting at A&E and who are assessed as having minor ailments are being offered an appointment with Suffolk GP+.  

Paramedics attending 999 calls also have the option to contact Suffolk GP+ where the patient is assessed as needing to see a GP rather than go to A&E. The paramedic will call Suffolk GP+ first, before bringing them directly for an appointment. 

The NHS 111 medical helpline and GP Out-of-Hours services are also collaborating with Suffolk GP+ to enable booking of some patients for appointments within the Suffolk GP+ opening times if appropriate.

Ask your practice about GP+

Read more about Suffolk GP+