Why do we triage?

GP’s now use triage systems to manage increasing demand for appointments, improve efficiency, and ensure patients receive the most appropriate care. Triage helps prioritise urgent cases while directing others to suitable alternatives, such as pharmacists, nurses, or online consultations.

The rise in patient numbers, less GP availability, and NHS pressures have made traditional appointment systems unsustainable. Triage helps streamline services, reducing unnecessary appointments and ensuring those in need receive timely medical attention.

Modern triage often includes telephone or online assessments, where trained staff or clinicians determine urgency. This approach prevents overcrowded waiting rooms and helps manage GP workload effectively. It also enhances patient safety by ensuring urgent cases, such as severe infections or complex issues, are identified and treated quickly.

Additionally, triage supports a multidisciplinary approach, utilising healthcare professionals like paramedics, physiotherapists, and mental health practitioners. This ensures patients receive specialist care while allowing GPs to focus on complex cases.

Technology plays a crucial role in triage, with online consultation platforms enabling quicker assessments and more flexible access to healthcare. These digital solutions enhance convenience for patients and improve resource allocation.

While some patients may feel triage creates barriers to care, it ultimately helps optimie services, reduce delays, and improve overall patient outcomes. By directing individuals to the right care at the right time, triage ensures GP services remain accessible and sustainable despite growing healthcare demands.

For adults we use KLINIK which can be found here and for children under 14 we ask the parent to complete Healthier Together which can be found here