About this action

Patients often do not know when their usual GP is available, making it harder to book continuity-based appointments. Displaying working days for each GP on the practice website or patient messaging systems allows patients to plan their appointments around continuity. Continuity of care is supported if patients know when their preferred GP works, yet many practices treat working patterns as internal information. Transparency enables patients to make informed choices about whether to wait for continuity or see someone sooner. Approaches to implementation: - Publish GP working patterns on practice websites and in waiting areas - Include information about GP interests or specialisms to support patient choice - Explain how to book with specific GPs through different booking routes - Be clear about changes due to leave or training - Monitor whether transparency improves continuity rates Key benefits: Empowers patients to make informed decisions about continuity versus speed of access, reduces frustration from not knowing when preferred GPs work, and demonstrates transparency about practice operations.