Building Trust With Your Doctor
Building trust with your doctor
Our practice is working hard to improve continuity of care, so you receive the best service possible.
What does continuity of care mean?
Continuity of care means trying to help you see the same doctor, nurse, or small team of clinicians over time whenever possible.
We believe patients often receive the most effective care when they have a strong relationship with the doctor or nurse looking after them.
Why are we doing this?
Over the past few years, there has been a lot of focus on how quickly patients can see a doctor. Speed is important, but seeing the same person can also be important.
Seeing the same clinician over time can help build trust, improve communication and support better care.
How this can help patients
When patients see the same person, or a small team of people, over a number of appointments, trust is more likely to grow.
Better relationships
Patients may feel more satisfied and more likely to have a good relationship with their GP.
Fewer hospital visits
Patients may be less likely to need A&E or be admitted to hospital.
Better health support
Patients may be more likely to follow advice and take positive steps to look after their health.
Good quality care
Patients may be more likely to receive good quality, joined-up care.
Will I always see the same doctor or nurse?
We will try to support this where possible, especially for ongoing or complex health needs.
However, this may not always be possible depending on appointment availability and clinical urgency.
Will I have to wait longer?
Sometimes we may ask you to wait a little longer for an appointment so you can see your usual doctor, nurse, or care team.
What if my problem is urgent?
If your problem is urgent, we will always make sure you are seen as quickly as possible by an appropriate member of the team.
Read the full leaflet
You can read the full patient leaflet to find out more about why continuity of care matters and how it can help build trust with your doctor.
Read the full leafletThe leaflet will open in a new tab as a PDF.