As new health secretary Therese Coffey set out plans for patients to see a GP within two weeks, the Cranborne Practice in east Dorset outlined their innovative approach to appointments.

In an information post for patients, the practice said: "Earlier this year, the practice introduced a new system that already delivers that – and it focuses on service delivery at the point of need.

"Anyone who requests a GP consultation will receive one the SAME DAY as the request.

"However, this does mean that for some, the flexibility and choice of appointment time (a key attraction of private healthcare) will depend on a person contacting the surgery on their preferred day and not having the forward booking opportunity."

The practice is based in Cranborne with a branch surgery at Lake Road in Verwood.

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“To support this, we have strengthened telephone and online access points to healthcare from the Cranborne Practice,” said Jo Morris, Managing Partner. 

“While there may be instances where a future appointment is desired, we need to provide a service for most of our patients to enable access to a GP as soon as possible.

"In our case, we offer an appointment on the same day, either by phone or online, as the patient prefers.”

The method is referred to as the 'Required not Desired’ approach, and is constantly reviewed, the statement said.

 “The Cranborne Practice has a strong track record of driving innovation on service delivery, and our new system firmly meets the requirement in today’s announcement.”

Plans are also underway to provide appointments to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professionals beyond the currently available surgery opening times on weekday evenings.