See our recent news post for opening hours over the festive period.
We started the year full of hope, a new GP contract agreed with the government and enhanced services funded appropriately, meaning we could continue to support our patients with several important services (dressings, coils and pessaries to name just a few). We recruited some brilliant new GPs and wider clinical staff – some new out of training, and some more experienced and keen for a new start in York. We are so proud of each member of #teamPMG, working hard day in day out to provide excellent care for our patients.
2025 quickly brought us challenges in the shape of increasing demand for appointments and a change to the GP contract – meaning we needed to alter how we used the online form from 1st October. The 10 year plan for the NHS was announced which highlights the move towards “neighbourhood” working, and we aren’t too sure what this means for practices yet but will make sure we keep you up to date as things develop in 2026. We are already working with Public Health and other services across York to bring together everything we know about local people to help build our understanding of neighbourhoods at this early stage. There is a changing landscape in general practice but be reassured that at Priory, we are always innovating and able to adapt to changes quickly where needed.
Our GP partners work diligently for the PMG patients but also have roles within the LMC (local medical committee), working alongside Nimbuscare and have close links to other York practices and the ICB (integrated care board) who commission services for local people. Changes happening nationally regarding NHS England and roles within the Yorkshire and Humber ICB, have lead to some uncertainty regarding future funding and projects in York and the wider area. Our teams try to ensure we keep in the loop and up to date to ensure our patients get the very best care.
We have spent time with our local MPs Rachael Maskell and Luke Charters and their teams, trying to share an understanding of the needs of our local population vs the priorities for the government. Access to GP appointments remains a main concern for the government and challenge for many GP practices across the country. Sadly, we just cannot offer the number of appointments every day that our patients want/need. It would be simple to say, “get some more GPs”, but this needs to be funded and resourced properly. Our aim at the beginning of the year was to reduce the wait for a routine appointment from 5-6 weeks, to nearer 3 weeks. We are very nearly there!
We felt we needed to prioritise routine and ongoing care. It is a huge challenge to ensure all patients who request urgent/same day appointments AND routine appointments can get what they want or need. Routine and continuity of care is the backbone of general practice and something we want to pride ourselves on. Concentrating our efforts on reviewing and triaging routine requests has led to us having the lower wait for a routine appointment for 3-4 years. A senior GP now reviews every routine/follow up request that comes through to ensure the patient can safely wait 2-3 weeks for an appointment. We may ask you to get blood/urine tests prior to your appointment, this should help to make your experience less clunky – we will have the results available to us at your appointment and be able to explain these to you and how they might link to your symptoms.
Winter is always a challenging time for the NHS. We are seeing increasing rates of flu locally, alongside other viral illness from the common cold, to RSV and covid-19. Nimbuscare are supporting local practices by providing some urgent same day appointments and we will signpost some patients to pharmacy first where appropriate. This allows us to use the appointments we have available in surgery for those that really need to see a GP in a timely fashion.
NHS staff are human beings, just like our patients. This means we are just as likely to get unwell and need time off. Staff sickness can impact on the care we can offer patients. Cancelling or postponing appointments is never something we like to do – but sometimes it is necessary to ensure we can offer a safe service.
We have been working with our Patient Participation Group (PPG) and we want to send a huge thank you to every one of our Friends of Priory. We have had a number of successful meetings including a focused session on carers, access and repeat prescriptions. We have our next meeting scheduled which is themed on the essential role of social prescribers - to learn more about how social prescribers can help you, see their website here.
Over the last 12 months we have been reviewing our patient (and staff!) feedback weekly to learn where we can improve and develop our services. Here are some examples of the positive feedback we have received – this really helps to demonstrate the high quality care our teams offer day in day out. It lifts individuals and teams to see this feedback – you can let us know about your experience in a number of ways - see more on our contact us page.
We are always learning and adapting. We know we don’t always get it right and it can be frustrating trying to navigate various parts of the NHS. Your feedback and concerns also have lead to significant changes at the practice including:
As we move in to 2026, we continue to listen, learn and adapt to the changing NHS landscape and needs of our patients.
A reminder that we will be closed Thursday (Christmas Day) and Friday (Boxing Day). See our website for specific site opening hours. https://www.priorymedical.com/news/
It is with great sadness that we need to announce the sudden and devastating death of one of our team. Heather was a highly skilled and valued member of the reception team at Rawcliffe Surgery. She was much loved and will be hugely missed by all that knew her. We send love and condolences to her family and those that knew her. 🖤
