The average wait time for an NHS GP to answer the phone can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the GP practice, the time of day, and how busy the surgery is. On average, patients may wait between 5 to 15 minutes during peak hours, though some may experience longer delays if demand is high.

Why Can It Take Time?

GP surgeries, especially in busy areas, often deal with a large number of calls every day. These include appointment bookings, prescription requests, test results, and medical advice. The front desk staff try their best to answer each call as quickly as possible, but high call volumes—especially in the mornings—can lead to delays.

Some reasons for longer wait times include:

• Morning rush hours (typically 8–10 AM)
• Flu season or public health campaigns
• Staff shortages
• Complex patient queries taking longer to resolve

Tips to Reduce Your Wait Time

If you want to avoid long waits on the phone, here are some helpful tips:

• Call at off-peak times: Mid-morning (after 10:30 AM) or mid-afternoon (around 2–3 PM) usually sees less phone traffic.
• Use online services: Many NHS GP practices now offer online appointment booking, repeat prescription requests, and eConsult forms through their websites or the NHS App.
• Check if your query is urgent: For non-urgent questions, consider calling later in the day or using online messaging systems if available.

NHS Standards and Improvements

The NHS recognises that phone wait times can be frustrating. As a result, many GP practices are investing in:

• Call-back systems to hold your place in line without needing to stay on the phone
• More phone lines and staff during busy periods
• Digital access options to reduce pressure on phone lines

At practices like The Firs Medical Centre, efforts are continuously made to answer calls promptly and efficiently, while also providing quality care to every patient.

Final Thoughts

While the average wait time is around 5 to 15 minutes, it can vary. If you're calling your NHS GP, try non-peak times or explore online services to save time. Remember, your GP practice is there to help, and staff are working hard to serve every patient as quickly as possible.

To know more visit: https://www.thefirs.org.uk/